Foreign-born population – 2024 | 11.3% of the population | |
1.1 million, 52% women | Evolution since 2014: ‑9% |
International Migration Outlook 2025
In 2024, 88 000 new immigrants obtained a residence permit longer than 12 months in Greece (excluding EU citizens), 24% more than in 2023. This figure comprises 25.3% labour migrants, 18.3% family members (including accompanying family), 0.9% who came for education reasons and 55.4% other migrants. In addition, 29 000 intra-EU postings were recorded in 2023, a 33% increase compared to 2022. These posted workers are generally on short-term contracts.
In 2024, the number of first asylum applicants increased by 19%, to reach around 69 000. The majority of applicants came from Syria (22 000), Afghanistan (15 000) and Egypt (7 100). The largest increase since 2023 concerned nationals of Syria (8 000) and the largest decrease nationals of West Bank and Gaza Strip (‑4 200). Of the 55 000 decisions taken in 2024, 72% were positive.
Emigration of Greek citizens to OECD countries decreased by ‑4% in 2023, to 32 000. Approximately 35% of this group migrated to Germany, 18% to the Netherlands and 8% to Switzerland.
In Greece, the maximum number of job posts that can be filled by third-country nationals in 2025 is set at 89 290, of which 41 670 intended for dependent employment, 45 620 for seasonal work and 2 000 for highly qualified workers.
In September 2024, the real estate threshold increased to EUR 800 000 in high-demand areas and the lease of properties purchased through the Golden Visa scheme as short-term rentals was banned.
A new type of residence permit was introduced in December 2024 for third-country nationals investing in Greek start-ups. With a minimum investment of EUR 250 000 in an eligible start-up, within a maximum of 33% of company’s shares, it provides an initial one‑year residence permit. The permit is renewable for two‑year periods if the start-up has created at least two jobs in the first year of investment, and maintains, for at least five years from the time of investment, the total number of its employment positions (including the above‑mentioned two positions).
A total of 46 550 persons have applied for residence permit in accordance with art. 193 of law 5078/2023 that offered a time‑limited opportunity for regularisation to undocumented third-country nationals, provided that they have been residing in Greece for at least three years before 30 November 2023, continue to reside in the country and have been offered a valid job offer. As of end of May 2025, 33 333 persons received a temporary residence permit following initial approval of their application. This opportunity was available until 31 December 2024.
In November 2024, the National Co‑ordinator for Returns and the National Co‑ordinator for combatting migrants’ smuggling were appointed within the Ministry of Migration and Asylum. They are mandated with the planning and co‑ordination of the national and European policies on the respective fields, both being major policy priorities for Greece.
In May 2025, the government announced the intention to present a draft legislation in order to introduce tougher penalties for illegal entry and stay and speed up returns of those not authorised to stay.
In 2024, the Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Public Employment Service signed a memorandum of co‑operation to engage with Greek diaspora. This initiative aims to inform Greeks living abroad about job opportunities in Greece and design incentives such as employment, entrepreneurship, and training programmes to encourage their return.
In terms of bilateral agreements, a digital platform was launched in June 2024 to facilitate the implementation of the bilateral agreement with Egypt for the employment of seasonal agricultural workers. Greece is also negotiating a bilateral agreement on labour migration with India.
The “HELIOS” integration programme concluded in 2024, offered support to 45 688 beneficiaries of international and temporary protection in finding housing, Greek language learning and labour market integration. Building on these results, the “HELIOS+” programme includes monitoring of the integration progress, awareness raising activities for the host community and further co‑operation with the local authorities regarding the Migrants’ Integration Centres. Additionally, the “HELIOS JUNIOR” programme, launched in October 2024, was designed for approximately 2000 formerly unaccompanied minors who have reached adulthood.
For further information: www.migration.gov.gr | www.astynomia.gr | www.statistics.gr.
