Pursuant to article 40 of Law 5075/2026, paragraph 9 was added to article 163 of the Migration Code, introducing for the first time the “second chance” residence permit. This permit concerns third-country nationals who held a residence permit for at least five (5) years, the validity of which has expired or whose issuance and delivery took place after its expiration, during the last year prior to the entry into force of the law, and which was not renewed, was revoked, or whose renewal application was rejected.
Conditions for granting a Second Chance Residence Permit
The third-country national must have held a residence permit for at least five (5) years, the validity of which has expired or whose issuance and delivery took place after its expiration, during the last year prior to the entry into force of Law 5275/2026, and which was not renewed, was revoked, or whose renewal application was rejected.
The third-country national must continue to reside in the country and must not have been absent for a period exceeding six (6) months in total up to the date of submission of the application. The six-month absence period refers to the time between the expiration of the previous residence permit and the application for the second chance residence permit.
There must be no grounds of public order or security against the third-country national, and no five-year entry ban must have been imposed on them, or such ban must have been lifted, particularly in cases involving the use of false or misleading information.
The application for renewal of the residence permit was rejected as out of time or the application was rejected or the residence permit was revoked due to failure to meet the legal requirements for its renewal.
Initial Granting of a Second Chance Residence Permit
The required supporting documents for granting a second chance residence permit include, among others, the following:
A valid passport or travel document recognized by the country, or a decision of the Committee of Article 172 certifying that the third-country national is objectively or temporarily unable to possess a passport
An insurance policy from a private insurance provider or a certificate of insurance capacity from the competent insurance provider
A certificate of entries and exits issued by the police, proving that the applicant continues to reside in the country and has not been absent for more than six (6) months in total up to the date of submission of the application
Evidence that the applicant held a residence permit for at least five (5) years, which has expired or was issued and delivered after its expiration, during the last year prior to the entry into force of Law 5275/2026, and which was not renewed, was revoked, or whose renewal application was rejected as late, or rejected, or the residence permit was revoked due to failure to meet the legal requirements for renewal
Duration and renewal of the Second Chance Residence Permit
The residence permit is granted once, with a validity period of two (2) years from the date of its issuance. It provides access to dependent employment, as well as to the provision of services or works, and it is renewed in accordance with Article 12 of the Migration Code.
If you are interested in obtaining a second chance residence permit, 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 residence permits matters, will guide you step by step and assist you in completing the relevant procedure promptly, securely and effectively.
Pursuant to article 40 of Law 5075/2026, paragraph 9 was added to article 163 of the Migration Code, introducing for the first time the “second chance” residence permit. This permit concerns third-country nationals who held a residence permit for at least five (5) years, the validity of which has expired or whose issuance and delivery took place after its expiration, during the last year prior to the entry into force of the law, and which was not renewed, was revoked, or whose renewal application was rejected.
Conditions for granting a Second Chance Residence Permit
Initial Granting of a Second Chance Residence Permit
The required supporting documents for granting a second chance residence permit include, among others, the following:
Duration and renewal of the Second Chance Residence Permit
The residence permit is granted once, with a validity period of two (2) years from the date of its issuance. It provides access to dependent employment, as well as to the provision of services or works, and it is renewed in accordance with Article 12 of the Migration Code.
If you are interested in obtaining a second chance residence permit, 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 residence permits matters, will guide you step by step and assist you in completing the relevant procedure promptly, securely and effectively.