Long-stay visas (Type D)
Greek EU Blue Card (Highly Qualified Employment)
Residence and work permit for highly qualified non-EU professionals with a Greek job offer that meets a salary threshold tied to the national average.
Under review — check current rules
Important information
- Issued by
- Ministry of Migration and Asylum
- Salary threshold
- At least 1.6× the average gross annual salary in Greece
- Duration
- Up to 2 years, renewable (or contract length + 3 months if shorter)
- Education
- Higher-education qualification, or 5 years' comparable experience (unregulated professions)
Who it's for
Highly qualified non-EU professionals who have a Greek employment offer that meets the Blue Card salary threshold and who hold the required qualifications or experience.
Requirements
- Work contract for highly qualified employment (generally at least one year)
- Gross annual salary of at least 1.6× the Greek average gross salary
- Recognised higher-education qualification, or 5 years' comparable professional experience for unregulated professions
- Meeting professional prerequisites for regulated professions
- Sickness insurance and clean criminal record
What you can do
- Work in the highly qualified role in Greece
- Bring family members through reunification
- Benefit from a fixed decision timeline for complete applications
- Access enhanced intra-EU mobility available to Blue Card holders
How to apply
Secure a qualifying job offer, obtain the national visa for highly qualified employment where required, and apply for the Blue Card residence permit through the Ministry of Migration and Asylum's electronic platform. The Ministry aims to decide complete applications within the statutory time limit.
Documents
- Highly qualified employment contract stating the salary
- Recognised higher-education diploma or proof of comparable experience
- Passport and, where applicable, national visa
- Sickness insurance certificate
- Criminal record certificate
Frequently asked questions
The gross annual salary must be at least 1.6 times the average gross annual salary in Greece. Because the reference salary is updated, confirm the current euro figure before applying.
Official sources
For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always refer to the official government sources.
Verified against official gov.uk sources · last reviewed 2026-08-21. Information only — not legal advice.
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