Greece is about to launch more formal incentives to attract Africans and other non-European Union citizens. The new visa route will be based on applicants’ talent and expertise, as the country is focusing on top talent to boost its tech industry.
Earlier, the cabinet was presented with a proposal by Migration Minister Dimitris Kairidis regarding the introduction of a “talent visa” and a “tech visa”.
It is aimed at attracting third-country graduates to live and work in Greece for a specific period that could be renewed.
Athens is striving to adopt the most effective strategies observed in other European countries to meet the requirements of the labor market for skilled professionals. Furthermore, the city is looking to draw in young individuals who are keen on demonstrating their abilities in a European Union nation that offers a strong startup environment.
Insight into what the forthcoming legislation will entail
The upcoming legislation from the ministry, scheduled to be brought before Parliament shortly, will not only increase penalties for those involved in migrant trafficking but also implement a variety of new visas designed to attract highly skilled graduates.
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According to Kairidis, the most prominent among these visas, which gathered attention, are the talent and tech visas.
He elaborated on the fact that while the government is moving forward with bilateral agreements with other nations to cater to the requirements of the domestic labor market, specifically for workers with limited skills, the emphasis still lies on attracting highly skilled individuals through these fresh visa initiatives.
How long will The Visa Last?
The technology visa is valid for one year, enabling the holder to work, switch employers, or venture into self-employment without requiring additional authorization throughout the visa’s validity period.
The talent visa will be accessible to university graduates from third countries who have completed their studies within the past five years. Fluency in Greek is not mandatory; however, proficiency in English is essential.
What Minister Dimitris Kairidis Said
The Minister spoke on the country’s immigration policies and talent acquisition, stating that the objective was to attract talent, as this represented the challenge of the 21st century.
According to him; “It is one thing to fight illegal migration and it’s quite another to encourage the legal arrivals in favor of Greek society, especially in high specializations and talent. So we have the Tech Visa for those who come to work at startups, and I mean in startups that are registered in the country’s startup register, and on the other hand, the Talent Visa for graduates of the best universities in the world, whom we allow coming for a year without a contract, just to be here, as long as they are graduates of these great universities that we have in the lists and rankings.”
Greece Also Has A Visa Program That Targets Freelancers, Tech Talents
In 2023, Greece welcomed freelance writers, developers, bloggers, and other remote workers to apply for its Digital Nomad Visa program, allowing non-European nationals including Nigerians to live and work in the country without the need for a job offer from a Greek employer.
This visa program is specifically designed to accommodate remote workers who serve employers from all around the world and meet a particular salary threshold, granting them the opportunity to reside in Greece.
Reports indicate that approximately 1,693 digital nomad visas have already been granted in Greece, highlighting the growing interest in this opportunity.
