The Blue Card is issued to citizens of third countries who apply to be allowed to enter and stay in the Greek Territory for the purpose of highly specialized employment.
The citizen of a third country who applies for the issuance of an “EU Blue Card” in Greece, must, after entering the country and before the expiration of the national entry visa for the purpose of highly qualified employment, apply for its issuance. Applications for the issuance and renewal of the “EU Blue Card” are submitted and examined by the competent Directorate of the Ministry of Interior
The “EU Blue Card” is valid for two years. If the employment contract covers a period shorter than the above, the “EU Blue Card” is issued for the duration of the employment contract increased by three months, which is renewed for three years.
During the first two years of legal employment of the person concerned in Greece, as a holder of the “EU Blue Card”, his access to the labor market is limited to the exercise of highly skilled paid work. After the first two years, the person concerned is obliged to report to the competent department, in accordance with the applicable national legislation, any change regarding the change of employer
Unemployment in itself is not a reason to revoke an “EU Blue Card” unless the period of unemployment exceeds three months.
Family members of a third-country EU Blue Card holder may accompany or come to see the caregiver if he or she proves that he or she has a stable and regular personal income sufficient for the needs of himself or herself and his or her family.
Long-term resident status in the EU is provided for blue card holders if the following conditions are met:
(a) five years of legal and uninterrupted residence in the territory of the European Union as a holder of an “EU Blue Card”; and
b) two years of legal and uninterrupted residence, immediately before the submission of the relevant application, as a holder of an “EU Blue Card”, in the Greek Territory, where the application for a long-term residence permit in the EC is submitted