Press Release
Deon's Talent Visa Recommendations Implemented
Contact:Theodora Kachrimanidi
Email: info@deonpolicy.org
“Greece is one of the most attractive destinations in the world, and this does not concern tourism alone. This uniquely valuable advantage, combined with a national economy and an entrepreneurial ecosystem that in recent years have impressed internationally with their growth, has now created the opportunity for us to become, from a supplier of talent to the world, an international pole of attraction for it. With frameworks such as these two new visas, the way is opening for highly skilled human capital to enter and work in our country and to contribute to its even more dynamic growth.”
Deon Policy Institute is proud to announce the successful implementation of another one of its policy recommendations, marking a significant milestone in its mission to shape forward-looking public policy in Greece.
Following its initial announcement in 2024 and subsequent policy reaffirmations, the Talent Visa has now been formally enacted into law (Article 25 in the Migration Code) reflects key elements of Deon Policy Institute’s original proposal, translating a forward-thinking recommendation into concrete policy.
The Talent Visa introduces a flexible pathway for highly skilled graduates from leading global universities to enter Greece without a prior job offer, allowing them to explore employment opportunities and integrate into the domestic workforce. This design reflects Deon’s core recommendation to reduce entry barriers for top international talent and better align labor supply with the needs of Greece’s growing economy.
The implementation of the Talent Visa comes at a critical time, as Greece continues to face significant shortages in high-skilled labor across sectors such as technology, healthcare, and renewable energy. By enabling access to a global talent pool, the policy is expected to support economic growth, enhance productivity, and strengthen Greece’s position as an emerging hub for innovation and entrepreneurship.
This proposal was developed jointly with Endeavor Greece, with the shared goal of boosting Greece’s global competitiveness, fostering innovation, and creating new pathways for sustainable economic development.
Importantly, the legislated framework reflects not only the core concept of the Talent Visa, but also key requirements for its successful execution, as outlined in Deon Policy Institute’s report. These include:
1) Simple application process
2) Quick response time
3) No burden on public finances
4) Effective marketing
Ensuring these elements are implemented in practice will be essential to maximizing the policy’s long-term impact.
The adoption of the Talent Visa places Greece among a select group of countries competing in the global “war for talent,” while offering a distinct advantage within Europe through a uniquely flexible model.