Greece Passes Major Immigration Reform — Single Permit and Right to Change Employers

New Law 5275/2026

Greece has published a major immigration reform, Law 5275/2026, on February 6. This law brings significant improvements for foreign workers in Greece.

Key Changes

**Single residence permit** — Holders get equal rights to Greek employees

**Right to change employers** — Workers can switch employers after just 6 months

**Extended EU Blue Card** — Now valid for 3 years instead of 2

**Simplified procedures** — Faster processing for qualified applicants

Equal Rights for Foreign Workers

Under the new law, single permit holders enjoy the same working conditions, pay, and social security benefits as Greek employees. This is a significant step forward for worker protection.

Changing Employers

Previously, foreign workers in Greece were tied to their sponsoring employer. The new law allows workers to change employers after 6 months, giving them more flexibility and protection against exploitation.

EU Blue Card Improvements

The EU Blue Card — designed for highly qualified workers — is now valid for 3 years in Greece, up from 2 years. This gives skilled workers more stability and reduces the administrative burden of frequent renewals.

What This Means for You

If you're considering working in Greece or Southern Europe, these changes make it a more attractive destination. Contact us to learn about opportunities in Greece and other EU countries.