Greece – Finding Employment

What is the current state of the job market in Greece, and which sectors are most in demand?

Greece is grappling with a pronounced workforce shortage, and this creates genuine opportunities for overseas candidates. The country requires international workers to address critical gaps in sectors including tourism, agriculture, healthcare, and construction. This structural deficit is one of the defining characteristics of the Greek labour market today, and it translates into real openings for qualified international jobseekers.

As of 2025, Greece has authorised 89,290 job positions for foreign workers, spread across major employment categories. Seasonal positions account for the largest portion with 45,670 roles (51.2%), followed by dependent employment at 41,670 positions (46.7%). Highly skilled roles number 2,000, representing just 2.1% of the overall total.

In 2024, the occupational groups in Greece recording the highest concentration of shortage occupations were health professionals, customer services clerks, and stationary plant and machine operators. Conversely, occupational groups recording the highest concentration of surplus occupations included legal, social and cultural professionals, science and engineering professionals, and teaching professionals.

The technology sector is expanding steadily, with firms seeking software developers, engineers, and marketing specialists. Healthcare professionals — doctors, nurses, and home care workers in particular — are in strong demand owing to Greece’s ageing population and ongoing shortfalls in medical staffing. There is also considerable appetite for customer service, sales, fraud prevention, and technical support professionals, especially those with fluency in languages such as German, French, Spanish, and other European languages.

As of 1 January 2024, Greece’s statutory minimum wage stood at €910 per month gross. In 2023, the average gross monthly earnings of a single employee reached €1,961, while the EU27 average was €3,417. The net equivalent was €1,476 in Greece, against €2,351 across the EU27. Greek salaries are therefore considerably lower than the European average, though the cost of living — particularly outside Athens — is also substantially cheaper than in much of the rest of Europe.

Construction firms overseeing projects valued at over €20 billion are contending with acute staffing shortages. Between 2024 and 2025, the sector requires at least 55,000 additional workers, with particular demand for skilled tradespeople such as welders, carpenters, plumbers, and heavy machinery operators. The healthcare sector is meanwhile expected to generate roughly 2,500 new roles, centred on elderly care and home support services.

What are working conditions and workplace culture like in Greece?

Greece records the longest average working hours in the European Union, at 42.3 hours per week. According to Eurofound, the economic pressures Greece has experienced over recent decades have contributed to greater work intensity and extended hours, with a corresponding negative effect on work-life balance. This stands in notable contrast to northern European norms, where working weeks tend to be shorter and more tightly regulated.

The legal ceiling on working hours in Greece is 9 hours per day and 45 hours per week for employees aged 18 and above. Overtime is capped at 150 hours annually, with a daily maximum of 3 hours. Law 5053/2023 permits certain industries to adopt a six-day working week under strictly defined conditions, applicable to round-the-clock operations such as manufacturing and retail, but explicitly excluding the hospitality sector.

Workplace culture in Greece retains a hierarchical character, with a clear separation between management and employees. Greek society is grounded in tradition, communal bonds, personal responsibility, and respect for seniority — values that are directly reflected in professional settings. Greek employees are broadly regarded as diligent, loyal, and team-oriented, taking genuine pride in their contributions.

Personal relationships occupy a central place in Greek professional life, rooted in long-standing values of community and mutual cooperation. Building and maintaining strong interpersonal networks is fundamental to succeeding in the Greek business environment. Newcomers may be surprised by the expressive communication style — as a collectivistic and outward-looking society, Greeks tend to communicate openly and with frequent gestures. Lively, animated exchanges are entirely normal in the workplace and should not be mistaken for conflict.

Trade unions are well established in Greece and collective bargaining is widespread — approximately 25% of workers are union members. Organisations such as GSEE (representing the private sector) and ADEDY (representing the public sector) play a central role in negotiating Collective Labour Agreements, which frequently set wage floors and working conditions that exceed the statutory minimum.

Probationary periods for permanent positions can extend to six months, and fixed-term contracts may be renewed up to three times before automatically converting to open-ended employment. One cultural nuance that may surprise newcomers is the reluctance of many Greeks to sign contracts or hold significant meetings on Tuesdays, reflecting the tradition that the Byzantine Empire fell on that day. This belief is not universally observed, but it may surface in more traditional business environments.

In 2023, only 5.5% of employed people in Greece sometimes worked from home, compared with 13.3% across the EU27. A further 1.9% of employed persons in Greece usually worked remotely, against 8.9% in the EU27. Remote working is gradually becoming more common in Greece, but it remains less prevalent than in many comparable European economies.

What language skills are required to work in Greece?

Greek is the country’s official language and the medium of daily life, public administration, and local commerce. In Athens and Thessaloniki, English is widely spoken, particularly in business, technology, and tourism environments. Many professionals in these fields are comfortable working in English, and international companies based in Greece frequently use it as their primary working language.

In tourism and customer-facing roles, additional languages are often necessary to serve international visitors effectively. While Greek is an asset in almost any context, it is not always a prerequisite for positions within global industries. Roles at multinational firms, in technology centres, or in customer support operations oriented towards international markets are frequently conducted entirely in languages other than Greek.

Greece has become a significant base for multinational companies establishing customer contact centres, generating consistent demand for multilingual agents — particularly those fluent in Dutch, German, French, and the Nordic languages. Proficiency in a less widely spoken European language can therefore represent a meaningful competitive edge in the Athens job market.

For roles in local businesses, the public sector, healthcare, law, and education — and for everyday life beyond the major cities — Greek language ability becomes far more significant. Even a functional command of Greek signals commitment to potential employers and will be genuinely appreciated. Anyone planning a long-term career in Greece is strongly advised to invest in language learning before or shortly after their arrival.

Where should I search for jobs in Greece?

Greece’s online employment market is maturing and expanding. The following platforms represent the primary starting points for most jobseekers:

• Kariera.gr — one of the largest Greek employment portals, carrying listings across all sectors from entry-level through to senior professional roles.
• Skywalker.gr — a prominent Greek job board with particular strength in technology, engineering, and professional services.
• XE.gr Jobs — part of the widely used XE.gr classifieds network, offering broad coverage of vacancies across industries and regions throughout the country.
• EURES (European Employment Services) — the EU’s official labour mobility platform, listing vacancies across all member states including Greece and particularly useful for EU citizens relocating from elsewhere in Europe.
• DYPA (Public Employment Service) — the Greek government’s employment agency, formerly operating under the name OAED, which advertises vacancies and administers training and apprenticeship schemes.
• LinkedIn — widely used by international companies with operations in Greece, especially in Athens. Many multinational employers and recruitment consultancies post openings here.

Productive job-searching in Greece combines a polished CV, active networking, and an appreciation of local working culture. Specialist recruitment agencies — particularly those focused on multilingual positions, technology, or healthcare — can also prove invaluable. Firms such as Blu Selection and Manpower Greece are actively engaged in placing international candidates in Greek roles.

Given that personal relationships are central to the Greek professional world, pairing digital job-searching with direct networking — attending industry events, participating in expat communities, and approaching prospective employers directly — considerably improves the likelihood of success.

How does a Greek CV differ from international norms?

Your CV should be concise — one to two pages is ideal — and include a professional photograph, your contact information, and a clear summary of relevant skills and experience. Customising your CV to align with each specific role and employer is essential rather than optional.

Attaching a professional photograph is standard practice in Greece, in contrast to countries such as Canada, Australia, or Ireland where photos are generally omitted to prevent unconscious bias. Greek employers typically expect to see a headshot alongside your personal details. Leaving it out may cause your application to attract the wrong kind of attention.

A standard Greek CV follows this structure:

1. Personal information — full name, date of birth, nationality, address, telephone number, email address, and a professional photograph.
2. Professional summary or objective — a concise paragraph of three to five lines outlining your background and what you offer the employer.
3. Work experience — presented in reverse chronological order, including employer names, dates of employment, job titles, and brief bullet points covering key responsibilities and accomplishments.
4. Education — academic qualifications and institutions, again in reverse chronological order.
5. Skills — language proficiency levels (e.g. B2, C1), IT competencies, and any technical skills pertinent to the position.
6. Certifications and training — professional qualifications and relevant short courses.
7. References — typically noted as “available upon request.”

Greek employers frequently look favourably upon the Europass CV format, which enjoys wide recognition across the European Union and offers a standardised, clear layout. For applications to regulated professions or the public sector, using the Europass template can make it easier for HR teams and licensing authorities to process your submission efficiently.

Cover letters are expected for the majority of professional roles. They should be concise and formal in tone, tailored directly to the employer — a generic letter is unlikely to make a favourable impression. If you have any knowledge of Greek, including even a brief section written in Greek (or checked by a native speaker) can create a positive and memorable first impression.

What does the job application process typically involve in Greece?

The recruitment process in Greece varies considerably according to the sector, the size of the organisation, and whether it is a locally owned business or an international subsidiary. In general, the process tends to be less uniform and potentially more drawn out than in some other European countries. At every stage, personal rapport and the cultivation of trust carry real weight.

1. Application submission — send your CV and cover letter through the relevant job platform or directly by email to the employer or HR team. Following up with a phone call a few days after submitting is considered perfectly appropriate and signals genuine motivation.
2. Initial screening — most employers will arrange a brief telephone or video call to gauge your suitability before extending a formal interview invitation. For multilingual positions, a language assessment is commonly incorporated at this stage.
3. First interview — typically held in person for professional or senior roles. Face-to-face meetings are highly valued in Greek business culture, and travelling to attend an interview in person is advisable where possible. The conversation is likely to be relatively relaxed and relationship-focused rather than rigidly structured around competency-based questions.
4. Second interview or technical assessment — for senior, technical, or regulated positions, a follow-up round may include a skills test, a presentation, or meetings with department heads and senior leadership.
5. Reference checks — references are frequently verified informally through direct telephone contact. Ensure your referees are available and prepared in advance.
6. Job offer — offers are customarily made verbally in the first instance, then confirmed in writing. Upon hiring, the employer is legally required to provide you with written terms of employment, which are subsequently submitted to the authorities in the form of a recruitment declaration — always request a copy for your records.
7. Onboarding registration — before commencing work, confirm that your AFM (tax number) and AMKA (social security number) are in order. Your employer will formally register your employment contract through ERGANI, the government’s electronic declaration platform for employment matters.

Timescales vary widely. At large international companies, the entire process may conclude within two to four weeks. At smaller Greek businesses or within the public sector, recruitment can extend to several months. Building realistic expectations around timing is an important part of your planning.

What work visas or permits does a foreign national need to work in Greece?

Citizens of EU, EEA, or Swiss countries are free to work in Greece without a work permit, enjoying the right of free movement to seek and take up employment. After three months of residence, EU/EEA citizens are generally required to register with the relevant local authority. This is broadly in line with the freedom of movement that applies across the Schengen Area.

For nationals of countries outside the EU/EEA, the following main pathways are available:

• Type D Work Visa (National Visa) — for positions in tourism, hospitality, agriculture, construction, healthcare, and manufacturing, the starting point is securing a job offer from a Greek employer. In most cases the employer initiates the work permit application, after which the applicant applies for a Type D work visa at the Greek embassy or consulate in their country of residence.
• Seasonal Work Permit — suited to short-term roles in agriculture and tourism, this permit grants temporary authorisation to work during peak periods. It is valid for up to six months and is renewable, making it particularly appropriate for seasonal industries.
• EU Blue Card — this route enables highly qualified non-EU professionals to work in Greece and other EU member states, subject to specific conditions: a recognised higher education qualification or at least five years of relevant professional experience, together with a job offer satisfying a minimum salary threshold. Always confirm the current salary requirement with the Greek Ministry of Migration and Asylum, as this figure is subject to revision.
• Digital Nomad Visa — remote workers may benefit from the Greece Digital Nomad Visa, which carries certain tax advantages. This visa is intended for those working remotely for employers or clients based outside Greece and does not permit the holder to take up local employment in Greece.
• Freelancer/Self-employed Visa — a dedicated visa route exists for freelancers wishing to work legally in Greece. Setting up as self-employed requires registration with the relevant professional body and the tax authorities.

Always verify current visa requirements, applicable fees, and processing timelines directly with the Greek Ministry of Migration and Asylum or your nearest Greek consulate, as these details are subject to change.

How does tax registration and payroll work in Greece?

To work legally in Greece, you must hold a tax identification number (AFM), a temporary social security number (PAAYPA), and a national insurance number (AMA). Securing these numbers should be among your earliest priorities upon arriving in the country.

The AFM (Arithmos Forologikou Mitroou) is Greece’s Tax Identification Number. Every individual or legal entity conducting transactions with the Greek tax authorities is required to have one. For expatriates, this nine-digit number unlocks virtually every official process in Greece — from opening a bank account to signing a lease, paying taxes, or entering into a mobile phone contract. It functions in a broadly similar way to a National Insurance number in the United Kingdom or a Tax File Number in Australia, underpinning your entire administrative presence in the country.

The AFM is issued and managed by the Independent Authority for Public Revenue (AADE), accessible through gov.gr. The application process has been updated with the launch of the myAADE online portal. While certain steps can be completed digitally, identity verification always requires either a video call via myAADElive or an in-person appointment at the local tax office, known as a DOY.

Obtaining an AFM is free of charge, with the exception of any translation or notarial costs. If applying from abroad through a tax representative, the process typically takes one to three weeks depending on document preparation, legalisation procedures, and the efficiency of the appointed representative.

Foreign workers must additionally obtain an AMKA (social security number) and register with their local municipal office. These numbers are required for accessing healthcare, paying taxes, and being employed legally in the country.

Once you are employed, your employer will register your contract through the ERGANI system and will deduct income tax and social security contributions from your salary. You are also entitled to Christmas, Easter, and summer bonuses — the amounts of which are calculated according to your monthly or daily wage and the duration of your employment with the same employer. These payments, known informally as “dorodokies,” are a statutory entitlement rather than a discretionary benefit, and together amount to the equivalent of one additional month’s pay distributed across the year.

Greece also offers a flat-rate income tax incentive for new residents who transfer their tax residency to Greece, aimed at attracting internationally mobile professionals and retirees. If this could apply to your situation, consult a qualified Greek tax adviser or the AADE website for current eligibility criteria and applicable rates.

How are foreign qualifications recognised in Greece?

Whether your overseas qualifications will be recognised in Greece depends on whether your profession is regulated — meaning recognition is mandatory before you can legally practise — or unregulated, in which case recognition is optional but can strengthen your candidacy.

The principal body responsible for assessing the equivalency of academic and professional qualifications obtained outside Greece is DOATAP (the Hellenic NARIC — National Academic Recognition Information Centre). DOATAP evaluates higher education degrees from abroad and issues official equivalency certificates. This process is broadly comparable to the UK’s ENIC scheme or Germany’s anabin system. Up-to-date guidance and application procedures are available on the DOATAP official website.

For regulated professions, further mandatory registration or licensing requirements apply. Key examples include:

• Medical doctors and dentists — must register with the appropriate Regional Medical or Dental Association (Ιατρικός Σύλλογος) and have their qualifications verified by the Hellenic Ministry of Health.
• Nurses and pharmacists — regulated through the Ministry of Health and the respective professional chambers.
• Engineers and architects — must register with the Technical Chamber of Greece (TEE — tee.gr), which oversees the recognition of engineering qualifications and acts as a prerequisite for professional practice in Greece.
• Lawyers — must apply to a regional Bar Association. Lawyers from EU member states may practise under home-country title rules in accordance with applicable EU directives.
• Teachers in public schools — qualifications are assessed by the Hellenic Ministry of Education and a state teacher register (ASEP).

EU citizens benefit from expedited mutual recognition of professional qualifications under EU Directive 2005/36/EC, though sector-specific registration with the relevant Greek professional chamber is still generally required. For qualifications originating outside the EU, the process can be more involved and may necessitate certified translations, apostille stamps, and in some cases supplementary assessments. Processing times at DOATAP can vary considerably — always apply well in advance and check current timelines on their website.

What networking and professional association opportunities exist in Greece?

Personal relationships lie at the heart of Greek professional life, and cultivating a strong network is fundamental to building a career in the country. This places a premium on direct, in-person networking — to a greater degree than in many northern European countries where job-searching tends to be more transactional and digitally driven.

Notable networking resources and professional associations worth exploring include:

• SEV (Hellenic Federation of Enterprises) — Greece’s primary employers’ organisation, representing major businesses across sectors and hosting industry forums and events.
• Technical Chamber of Greece (TEE) — the mandatory registration body for engineers and architects, and a substantial professional community with regional branches across the country.
• American-Hellenic Chamber of Commerce (AmCham Greece) — holds regular business events, workshops, and networking evenings drawing a diverse international professional audience.
• British Hellenic Chamber of Commerce — another active bilateral chamber with a programme of events well suited to internationally mobile professionals.
• EEDE (Greek Management Association) — organises professional development events, conferences, and training courses aimed at managers and business practitioners.
• Startup Greece and the Athens technology community — Athens hosts a growing startup ecosystem. Platforms such as Startup Greece and events like the Thessaloniki International Fair offer useful entry points for those with interests in technology and entrepreneurship.
• LinkedIn local groups and expat communities — groups such as “Expats in Athens” or sector-focused LinkedIn groups covering Greece can provide both job leads and informal introductions to potential contacts and employers.
• XpatAthens (xpatathens.com) — a community platform for expatriates in Greece that organises social events, shares practical guidance, and helps newcomers connect with established residents.

Getting involved in expat communities and attending local professional events is one of the most consistently effective strategies for securing employment in Greece. Many positions — particularly within smaller Greek companies — are filled through personal recommendation rather than open advertising, meaning that an active network can unlock opportunities that no job board ever would.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to speak Greek to find work in Greece?

Greek is the official language and is used across daily life, government, and local businesses. English is widely spoken in Athens and Thessaloniki, particularly within business, technology, and tourism settings. For roles at international companies or in multilingual customer service, Greek is frequently not a requirement. However, for positions in local businesses, the public sector, healthcare, and communities outside the main cities, proficiency in Greek becomes increasingly important. Even a basic command of the language meaningfully improves your employability and your day-to-day experience of living in Greece.

How long does it take to get a work permit in Greece as a non-EU national?

Timescales differ considerably depending on the visa category and the applicant’s country of origin. For a Type D work visa, processing at the Greek consulate typically takes several weeks from submission, and the overall procedure — including the employer’s preliminary steps — can span two to three months or more. Delays at consulates remain a widely acknowledged challenge, with industry representatives having called for additional staffing to accelerate processing. Always allow ample lead time before your intended start date and confirm current processing times with your nearest Greek consulate.

What is the probationary period for new employees in Greece?

Probationary periods for permanent roles in Greece can last up to six months, with fixed-term contracts restricted to three renewals before converting automatically to open-ended employment. During this trial period, either party can generally end the arrangement with shorter notice than would be required once the probation has concluded. Always review the specific terms of your contract and any applicable collective labour agreement.

How do I get my AFM (tax number) in Greece?

The AFM is issued by the Independent Authority for Public Revenue (AADE). The application process has been updated with the myAADE online portal, though final identity verification always requires either a video call through myAADElive or an in-person appointment at a local tax office (DOY). Obtaining the AFM is free of charge, aside from any translation or notarial expenses. If you are applying from outside Greece, you will need to appoint a tax representative holding a power of attorney on your behalf.

Are foreign qualifications automatically recognised in Greece?

No. For academic credentials, formal recognition must be obtained through DOATAP (the Hellenic NARIC), which assesses equivalency with Greek qualifications. For regulated professions such as medicine, engineering, law, or nursing, mandatory registration with the relevant professional chamber or ministry is additionally required before you may practise legally. EU citizens benefit from streamlined recognition under EU directives, but sector-specific registration in Greece is still generally necessary. Always consult DOATAP (doatap.gr) and the relevant professional body before assuming your qualifications will be automatically accepted.

What are the main job sectors for international workers in Greece?

Workers relocating to Greece from abroad are predominantly employed in sectors such as catering, agriculture, construction, and most significantly tourism — an industry that contributes approximately 10% to the country’s GDP. Beyond these fields, technology, healthcare, multilingual customer service, and manufacturing are also growing areas of demand for internationally qualified professionals.

Is there a minimum wage in Greece, and does it apply to all workers?

As of 1 January 2024, the statutory minimum wage in Greece was set at €910 per month gross. This applies to all employees irrespective of nationality. Check the current rate with the Greek Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs, as the minimum wage is subject to periodic review and adjustment.

Can I work in Greece as a freelancer or self-employed person?

Yes. Freelancers and self-employed individuals can operate legally in Greece, but are required to register with the tax authorities (obtaining an AFM), enrol for social security contributions (EFKA), and typically register with the appropriate professional body for their sector. A number of professionals — engineers, for example — work on the basis of issuing service receipts to clients rather than receiving a formal salary, which is a common freelance arrangement in Greece. Non-EU nationals wishing to work on a self-employed basis will generally require an appropriate visa — consult the Greek Ministry of Migration and Asylum for current options.