Foreign-born population – 2025 | 11.5% of the population |
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Size: 1.1 million, 52% women | Evolution since 2015: ‑8% |
International Migration Outlook 2026
50th Edition
In 2025, 70 000 new immigrants obtained a residence permit longer than 12 months in Greece (excluding EU citizens), - 20.6% compared to 2024. This figure comprises 17.3% labour migrants, 26.8% family members (including accompanying family), 1.2% who came for education reasons and 54.8% other migrants. In addition, 34 000 intra-EU postings were recorded in 2024, a 20% increase compared to 2023. These posted workers are generally on short-term contracts.
In 2025, the number of first asylum applicants decreased by ‑20%, to reach around 55 000. The majority of applicants came from Afghanistan (15 000), Egypt (8 200) and Sudan (8 200). The largest increase since 2024 concerned nationals of Sudan (6 700) and the largest decrease nationals of Syria (‑18 000). Of the 46 000 decisions taken in 2025, 58% were positive.
Emigration of Greek citizens to OECD countries decreased by ‑9% in 2024, to 29 000. Approximately 33% of this group migrated to Germany, 19% to the Netherlands and 8% to Switzerland.
Migration management in Greece continued to prioritise the prevention of irregular migration and the effectiveness of returns, while also aiming to promote legal migration policies and improve labour migration management.
In September 2025, Greece adopted new legislation reforming the legal framework for the return of third-country nationals with no legal right to remain, with the aim to improve the effectiveness of the return system, address irregular migration and direct more administrative resources towards persons in genuine need of international protection. The legislation introduced measures to streamline return procedures, including shorter deadlines for voluntary departure, revised provisions on entry bans, detention, as well as electronic monitoring and expanded possibilities for return to safe third countries. The legislation also abolished the possibility of acquiring a residence permit on the basis of prolonged (at least seven years) undocumented stay.
In February 2026, Greece adopted new legislation on legal migration, transposing the EU Single Permit Directive and introducing measures to simplify administrative procedures and improve labour migration management. The reform established a minimum two‑year validity for most categories of residence permit, expanded automatic renewal for certain categories, simplified labour migration procedures, increased flexibility for changing employers and introduced fast-track procedures for strategic investments. It also included new provisions to attract highly skilled workers, such as tech and talent visas, extended the duration of the EU Blue Card and strengthened the framework for international students by aligning residence permits with the duration of studies, expanding access to part-time employment and allowing graduates to remain in Greece to seek employment.
In August 2025, the Ministry of Migration and Asylum launched a new programme supporting the labour-market integration of recognised refugees and legally residing migrants. Funded through the Recovery and Resilience Fund, the initiative provides vocational training and employment support, particularly in sectors facing labour shortages such as agriculture, construction and tourism, while placing particular emphasis on women’s participation in the labour market.
During 2025, as part of constant efforts for improvement, the Reception and Identification Service issued guidelines updating standard procedures concerning child protection, identification of victims of trafficking, management of vulnerable residents and of cases eligible for relocation under the former EU voluntary solidarity mechanism.
A significant institutional milestone was the entry into application of the EU Pact on Migration and Asylum in June 2026 and the enactment of new legislation in Greece to align with its provisions, considered to be of particular importance for frontline Member States managing the EU’s external borders. The Ministry of Migration and Asylum highlighted in particular the introduction of new screening procedures, accelerated border procedures, a more effective framework for returns and a new mandatory but flexible solidarity mechanism among Member States.
Greece also continued to provide temporary protection for persons displaced from Ukraine. Temporary protection was extended until 4 March 2027. Beneficiaries of temporary protection retained access to employment, healthcare, education and social services and remained eligible to apply for residence permits on other grounds under the Immigration Code without the need for an entry visa.
For further information: www.migration.gov.gr | www.astynomia.gr | www.statistics.gr
