An IMGW News Report
Greece is set to abolish a rule that would have extended deadlines for residence permit renewals. The decision, announced by Migration and Asylum Minister Makis Voridis, reflects the government’s push for stricter migration controls. Voridis told Parliament that he would review the necessity of such an extension, originally introduced under the previous ministry leadership. He underscored that any potential extension would need to align with tighter immigration policies to address illegal immigration more effectively.
“In September 2024, the Ministry reported a total of 273,900 pending applications, a 12% increase from the same period in 2023. Of these, 90,140 (nearly a third) were submitted in 2023 alone”
The move means foreigners in Greece will no longer benefit from extra time to renew residence permits. Applicants must now adhere to existing deadlines. In Greece, residence permits can be granted for various reasons, including asylum, work, studies, family reunification, the Golden Visa Programme, and the Digital Nomad Visa. Permit renewals must be submitted before expiration; for asylum applicants, this is no later than 30 days prior.
The Ministry of Migration and Asylum clarified that late applications without justifiable reasons will incur fines of €100. However, applicants can submit documentation explaining delays to avoid penalties in certain cases.
The number of pending residence permit applications has been rising steadily. In September 2024, the Ministry reported a total of 273,900 pending applications, a 12% increase from the same period in 2023. Of these, 90,140 (nearly a third) were submitted in 2023 alone.
This move to abolish the extension is seen as part of a broader effort to tighten Greece’s migration policies, though it remains to be seen whether further measures will follow.
