Law 5275/2026, introduced new categories of national visas into the Migration Code, aiming to attract third-country nationals with high professional qualifications and to provide them with the opportunity to seek highly skilled employment opportunities. One of the new categories of national visas is the “tech visa”, introduced by article 23 of Law 5275/2026 (which added article 79A to the Migration Code) and applies to third-country nationals who wish to enter Greece as employees exclusively of companies registered in the National Registry of Start-ups under article 47 of Law 4712/2020.
Specific supporting documents required for the issuance of a “tech visa”
Evidence that the applicant possesses high professional qualifications, certified either by a higher education degree or advanced professional skills.
A certificate issued by the National Registry of Start-ups, confirming that the company which has concluded an employment contract with the third-country national, is registered and remains an active member of the National Registry of Start-ups under article 47 of Law 4712/2020.
An employment contract of at least twelve (12) months, demonstrating that the applicant’s gross annual salary, based on the monthly or annual salary specified in the contract, is at least equal to one point six (1.6) times the average gross annual salary in Greece.
Rights of a third-country national holding a “tech visa”
The “tech visa” is valid for twelve (12) months. During the first year, the third-country national may work solely on the basis of the national visa, exclusively for the employer/startup company with which they have signed the employment contract, without the need to obtain a residence permit.
During the validity period of the national entry visa, the third-country national is not permitted to change employer. In the event of termination of the employment relationship, for any reason other than a breach of the employment contract by the employer, the third-country national is required to depart immediately from Greek territory.
Before the expiration of the national entry visa, the applicant may apply for a residence permit for highly skilled employment, exclusively with the specific startup company.
The restriction on employment exclusively to the specific company may be lifted only in cases where the company violates labor legislation and the third-country national files a complaint with the competent authorities of the Labor Inspectorate, which confirm the violation.
Family members of the third-country national may obtain a corresponding national entry visa and subsequently a residence permit as family members of a highly skilled employee.
If you are interested in obtaining a “tech visa” entry visa, 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.
Law 5275/2026, introduced new categories of national visas into the Migration Code, aiming to attract third-country nationals with high professional qualifications and to provide them with the opportunity to seek highly skilled employment opportunities.
One of the new categories of national visas is the “tech visa”, introduced by article 23 of Law 5275/2026 (which added article 79A to the Migration Code) and applies to third-country nationals who wish to enter Greece as employees exclusively of companies registered in the National Registry of Start-ups under article 47 of Law 4712/2020.
Specific supporting documents required for the issuance of a “tech visa”
Rights of a third-country national holding a “tech visa”
If you are interested in obtaining a “tech visa” entry visa, 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.