Effective March 8, 2024, Greece has relaxed the application process for EU Blue Cards, while introducing ‘pre-screening’ restrictions for the EU ICT permit.
As a result, foreign nationals in Greece either with visa-exempt status or on a short-stay visa (‘C Visa’) can now apply for an EU Blue Card, while all EU Blue Card applicants now only need to show that the duration of their employment contract is for at least six months.
However, EU ICT permit applications will now be subject to ‘pre-screening’ prior to being sent to the relevant Greek consular post for processing – a process which may add up to 40 days to processing timeframes.
These changes may increase uptake of the EU Blue Card in Greece; while conversely reducing the attractiveness of the EU ICT permit.
The situation
Effective March 8, 2024, Greece has relaxed requirements for the EU Blue Card, while introducing ‘pre-screening’ restrictions for the EU ICT permit.
- Editor’s Note: This alert is for informational purposes only. If you have any questions, please contact the global immigration professional with whom you work at Fragomen or send an email to emea@fragomen.com.
