Published: 27.01.2026
Greece’s migration minister presented a draft package aimed at tightening rules for people who entered or remain in the country irregularly. The draft also proposes simpler procedures for legally resident foreigners, potentially two-year residence permits and a closer link between lawful residence and employment.
If adopted as presented, the draft would significantly narrow the possibility for irregular entrants to legalise their status through a later change of residence basis. At the same time, legally resident foreigners would receive simpler procedures and potentially two-year permits, while continued lawful residence could depend more closely on employment; the minister also mentioned possible permit revocation after a period of unemployment. The proposal primarily affects third-country workers, applicants seeking regularisation and people considering entry without an appropriate legal basis. It is worth monitoring, but according to sources it remains a draft rather than a rule currently in force.