On May 22, 2018, the Greek government published a law (no. 4540) implementing the European Union (EU) Directive 2014/66 “on the conditions of entry and residence of third-country nationals in the framework of an intra-corporate transfer”.
Further clarifications on the application of the new law, and an implementing decree, are expected from the authorities in the coming weeks.
ICT Permit
- The new ICT permit is available to third-country nationals transferred to work in Greece within the same group of companies as senior managers or specialists, or paid trainees with a university degree.
- The foreign employee must have worked for their sending company continuously for at least twelve months (six months for trainees).
- For managers and specialist, the ICT permit is issued for a maximum duration of three years. For trainees, the maximum total stay is one year.
- The ICT residence permit should be issued within 90 days of submission of a complete application.
- Qualifying family members can accompany the principal applicant as dependents and are allowed to work without an additional work permit.
Intra-EU Mobility
- A holder of an ICT permit issued in Greece will be able to work in another EU member state for a company of the same group, for stays of up to 90 days in a 180-day period, without a separate work permit, although the host country may require a notification. For stays of more than 90 days, a “mobile ICT permit” for that country may be required.
- A holder of an EU ICT permit issued in another EU member state can work at a company of the same group in Greece on the basis of that permit. A long-term mobility permit may also be required for stays over 90 days – this should be clarified by the implementing regulations. For stays of up to 90 days, a notification must be filed with the Greek authorities before the employee arrives in Greece.
Directive 2014/66/EU of May 15, 2014 “on the conditions of entry and residence of third-country nationals in the framework of an intra-corporate transfer” aims to create a consistent EU-wide system for non-EU nationals sent on assignment within a group of companies to EU Member States.
The Directive has now been transposed into national law in all Member States except Belgium.
Employers intending to transfer third-country nationals to Greece from outside the EU within the same group of companies should consult an immigration expert for further details.
Please note that this is general information only and not intended as advice on a specific matter. Please feel free to contact Fakhoury Global Immigration directly with questions exclusive to your situation. This news alert may have been prepared using information from Peregrine Immigration Management, which is licensed to Fakhoury Global Immigration.