Law 4251/2014 (Government Gazette A’ 80) “Immigration and Social Integration Code and other provisions” as in force, is the basic legislation concerning the entry and work of third country nationals (i.e. outside the EU) in our country, as it applies today with a time of application until 31.12.2023.
From 01.01.2024 Law 5038/2023 (Government Gazette A' 81/01.04.2023) comes into force, amending the Immigration Code and including all residence permits granted by the competent Greek authorities to citizens of third countries, so that to ensure the most complete response of immigration policy to the modern needs of Greek society and the Greek economy.
The Department of Greek Workers’ Support Abroad, the Department for Foreigners’ Work in Greece and the Department of Equal Treatment at Work, Directorate for Individual Regulations, Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs are responsible for regulating and monitoring the implementation of the legislation on the employment of third country nationals in the Greek territory.
There are various circumstances in which one can enter the country for the purpose of work. The procedure and conditions are different depending on whether the entry for work will be long-term (at least one year) or temporary (seasonal work – at least nine months), the sector of employment, whether it concerns an intra-company transfer or a high qualification, etc. In each case, if you are interested in coming to Greece for work, the first step is to contact us. We then undertake all the procedures required for your assessment and the routing of your work in the country.
Third-country nationals entering our country for the purpose of work must hold one of the following legal documents:
a) Visa with the right to work Residence permits with right to work.
b) Residence permits with right to work.
c) Certificate of submission of supporting documents for the issue of a residence permit with the right to work.
The following also have access to the work:
beneficiaries of international protection (refugees and beneficiaries of a subsidiary protection status)
applicants for international protection (six months after the issue date of the International Protection Applicant’s card).
third country nationals who have been granted a certificate of deferral of removal or a certificate of non-removal for humanitarian reasons by the competent police authority, which is valid, provided that they are holders of a valid work permit, also have access to the labour market. The work permit is issued by the Region of the place of residence of the third country national. Holders of the specific work permit may work exclusively in the agricultural and livestock farming sector, in the sector of domestic work as well as in the textiles sector. They can
work in the entire territory of the country with the exception of a few close to borders areas.
Greek expatriates, holders of a Special Identity Card may work with this card.
Third-country nationals who legally reside in the county may freely move and settle anywhere in its territory.
They also enjoy equal treatment with nationals in terms of labor rights such as employment conditions, the recognition of diplomas and other professional qualifications, etc.
In addition, they are insured with the relevant insurance organizations and have the same insurance rights as Greek nationals.
