Z.15 — Talent Visa (Θεώρηση Ταλέντου - Z.15)

The Talent Visa (Z.15) was introduced as part of the major immigration reforms under Law 5275/2026, which took effect on February 6, 2026. This visa was established to fill a critical gap in the Greek labor market by allowing highly educated foreign nationals to enter the country without a pre-existing job offer. It serves as a strategic tool to attract global talent, providing a 12-month period for individuals to reside in Greece to search for employment or develop professional business activities, thereby simplifying the transition to long-term residence permits once a career path is established.

This visa is specifically designed for highly qualified individuals who hold at least a Master's degree, a PhD, or a postdoctoral qualification from an international higher education institution that appears on at least two recognized international ranking lists. It is ideal for top-tier graduates, researchers, and professionals who wish to explore the Greek market. A distinctive feature of this visa is that it does not grant immediate work rights; instead, it provides the necessary legal status to live in Greece while securing a position, after which the holder can transition to a standard work-related residence permit without needing to leave the country.