A new migration code came into effect in Greece on 1 January 2024. The new code amends various legal provisions of the previous Migration and Social Integration Code (Law 4251/2014), while bringing together other laws.

The code determines (a) the conditions of entry and residence for a period exceeding 90 days in the Greek territory of third country nationals (TCNs) for the purposes specified in the draft law; (b) the rights of TCNs and, where applicable, their family members; and (c) the procedure for issuing, granting and reviewing residence permits issued by Greece to TCNs.

The basic goal of the code is to simplify procedures and reduce administrative delays. Its key innovation is the basis for the "long-term residence permit", which grants its holder the possibility of moving to and working in all EU countries. In addition, the law treats second generation immigrants more favourably, introduces fast-track procedures, adopts provisions that take into account the economic situation of the country, and mitigates the risk of unemployed long-term legal residents finding that their continued stay in the country is illegal.

The new code also reduces the number of available residence permit types from 50 to 19, and abolishes a number of documents previously required for permit renewals.