New ministerial decision on exit and re-entry of third-country nationals
A new ministerial decision issued by the Minister of Citizen Protection, published in the Government Gazette (FEK B’ 7069/29.12.2025), sets out updated provisions regulating the exit and re-entry of third-country nationals to and from Greece. The decision will be in force from January 1, 2026, to December 31, 2026.
With the aim of facilitating travel for third-country nationals, the decision allows eligible individuals to exit Greece to a non-Schengen third country and re-enter the country during the specified period, provided that they departed Greece within this timeframe, hold a valid passport or other travel document recognized by Greek authorities, and meet one of the following conditions:
Possession of a valid certificate of submission, confirming that all required documents have been filed for the initial issuance or renewal of a residence permit, in accordance with Articles 10 and 11 of Law 5038/2023; or
Possession of a valid special certificate of lawful residence, issued under Article 16 of Law 5038/2023.
During the validity period of the decision, eligible third-country nationals are permitted to leave and re-enter Greece multiple times.
In addition, re-entry into Greece will be allowed until December 31, 2026, for individuals who departed the country between January 1, 2025, and December 31, 2025, provided they hold the above-mentioned documents and no rejection or revocation decision has been issued in the meantime regarding their application for the issuance or renewal of a residence permit or a special certificate of lawful residence.
The decision specifies that its provisions do not apply to holders of a special certificate of lawful residence issued under Article 16(5) of Law 5038/2023, who are explicitly excluded from its scope.
The measure is intended to ease mobility for third-country nationals while maintaining compliance with Greece’s legal framework on residence and migration.
