Rules for getting Residence Permit For Greece

Greece is set to overhaul its residence permit application process, aiming to significantly reduce the waiting time for migrants. Currently, obtaining a residence permit can take up to two years, but plans are underway to streamline the process through administrative modernization.

Biometric Data Centers to Speed Up Applications

Minister of Migration and Asylum, Dimitris Kairidis, announced the establishment of four new biometric data collection centers to be operational by mid-2024. Three centers will be located in Athens, and one in Thessaloniki. These facilities are expected to ease the application process, reduce waiting times, and improve document processing efficiency by reallocating administrative staff.

Addressing Long-Standing Challenges

Speaking in parliament, Minister Kairidis expressed concern over the prolonged delays faced by migrants, who often endure years of waiting to renew their residence permits despite being legally present in the country. He emphasized the urgency of addressing these issues, with a goal of processing up to 850,000 migration cases by 2026. This initiative aims to ensure fairness and improve the lives of migrants living in Greece.

Legal Reforms to Address Labour Shortages

In December 2023, Greece enacted a law allowing migrants to obtain long-term three-year residence and work permits. This measure was introduced to address the country's pressing labor shortages. Under the new law, approximately 30,000 irregular migrants will have the opportunity to legalize their status, provided they have lived in Greece for at least three years.

This residency requirement seeks to ensure fairness and recognizes the integration of migrants into Greek society. By adopting a more flexible migration policy, Greek authorities aim to facilitate the regularization of migrants while addressing economic and social needs.

A Commitment to Fairness and Efficiency

The government’s efforts to modernize the migration system and improve permit processing times highlight a commitment to creating a more equitable and efficient process. The new initiatives mark a significant step towards addressing the challenges faced by migrants and ensuring their smoother integration into Greek society.