Law 5275/2026 reformed the framework governing the employment invitation procedure of foreign workers for the provision of dependent employment in Greece.
One of the new amendments concerns the introduction of a special fast-track procedure for the employment invitation procedure of foreign workers. Specifically, article 21 of Law 5275/2026, which amended article 61 of Law 5038/2023, establishes for the first time the possibility for a legal entity or investment scheme that either falls within paragraph 1 of article 2 of Law 4864/2021 on the definition, categories and criteria of strategic investments, or has undertaken the execution of a public project pursuant to Law 4412/2016 or another project of particular economic, social or national importance, to submit one or more applications for the invitation of up to five hundred (500) third-country nationals per project. The purpose of this provision is to facilitate the construction or development of the necessary structures or infrastructure, as well as the implementation and operation of the investment.
Key features of this exceptional procedure
No requirement for available employment positions under the Ministerial Cabinet Act issued pursuant to article 26 of Law 5038/2023, as, in these cases, there is deemed to be an overriding reason relating to the implementation of either a public project, a strategic investment or another investment considered significant on grounds of public interest.
Temporary Employment Agencies may not participate in this procedure. The application must be initiated directly by the legal entity, investment scheme, or a legal entity forming part of the investment scheme that is responsible for the investment or the public project.
Up to five hundred (500) workers may be invited per project. Where the legal entity or investment scheme satisfies the conditions set out in paragraph 7 of article 61 in relation to more than one public or investment project, the maximum number of workers is cumulative (i.e., 500 workers for one project, 1,000 workers for two projects, and so forth).
The purpose of the employment invitation procedure is not limited to the construction phase of the project. Accordingly, workers across a range of occupations and specialties may be admitted under this procedure in order to support the construction, implementation and operational phases of the investment.
Supporting Documents submitted with the employment invitation application
Employment contract with a minimum duration of six (6) months, providing for remuneration at least equal to the monthly salary or wage applicable to an unskilled employee or manual worker, as determined from time to time under articles 141 and 141A of the Labour Law Code.
Certificate issued by the competent department of the Ministry of Development confirming that the investment has been classified as a strategic investment pursuant to Article 2 of Law 4864/2021 or
Certificate issued by the competent department of the relevant Ministry confirming that the legal entity or investment scheme has undertaken the execution of a public project in accordance with Law 4412/2016 or
Certificate issued by the competent department of the relevant Ministry confirming that the legal entity or investment scheme has undertaken the execution of a project of particular importance. In each case, the relevant certificate must also include the list of third-country nationals proposed by the legal entity or investment scheme for employment invitation.
Proof of payment of the applicable fee in the amount of four hundred (€400) for each third-country national to be invited.
In cases falling under this exceptional employment invitation procedure, both the application for employment approval and the application for the issuance of an entry visa are examined on a priority basis.
Furthermore, the legal entity or investment scheme is not required to submit evidence of financial capacity, as the employer's financial sufficiency is presumed by virtue of having undertaken a large-scale investment or public project.
Following the issuance of the employment approval, the admitted third-country nationals may enter Greece either on the basis of a uniform visa or, where applicable, under a visa-free entry regime.
If you are a legal entity or investment scheme undertaking a strategic investment or the execution of a public project and wish to recruit third-country national workers through the employment invitation procedure, you can contact our office by telephone at +30 210 3319753 or by email at info@georgallis-law.com. Our law office and associates, with their expertise and experience in Immigration Law, will provide you personalized legal advice and comprehensive support throughout every stage of the employment invitation procedure, ensuring that your application is handled efficiently and securely.
Law 5275/2026 reformed the framework governing the employment invitation procedure of foreign workers for the provision of dependent employment in Greece.
One of the new amendments concerns the introduction of a special fast-track procedure for the employment invitation procedure of foreign workers. Specifically, article 21 of Law 5275/2026, which amended article 61 of Law 5038/2023, establishes for the first time the possibility for a legal entity or investment scheme that either falls within paragraph 1 of article 2 of Law 4864/2021 on the definition, categories and criteria of strategic investments, or has undertaken the execution of a public project pursuant to Law 4412/2016 or another project of particular economic, social or national importance, to submit one or more applications for the invitation of up to five hundred (500) third-country nationals per project. The purpose of this provision is to facilitate the construction or development of the necessary structures or infrastructure, as well as the implementation and operation of the investment.
Key features of this exceptional procedure
Supporting Documents submitted with the employment invitation application
In cases falling under this exceptional employment invitation procedure, both the application for employment approval and the application for the issuance of an entry visa are examined on a priority basis.
Furthermore, the legal entity or investment scheme is not required to submit evidence of financial capacity, as the employer's financial sufficiency is presumed by virtue of having undertaken a large-scale investment or public project.
Following the issuance of the employment approval, the admitted third-country nationals may enter Greece either on the basis of a uniform visa or, where applicable, under a visa-free entry regime.
If you are a legal entity or investment scheme undertaking a strategic investment or the execution of a public project and wish to recruit third-country national workers through the employment invitation procedure, you can contact our office by telephone at +30 210 3319753 or by email at info@georgallis-law.com. Our law office and associates, with their expertise and experience in Immigration Law, will provide you personalized legal advice and comprehensive support throughout every stage of the employment invitation procedure, ensuring that your application is handled efficiently and securely.