Jobs in Greece for Foreigners and Locals – Complete Guide

Greece is a Mediterranean country with a diverse economy anchored by tourism, shipping, agriculture, construction, and a growing technology sector. As a full member of the European Union and part of the Eurozone, Greece has been experiencing steady economic recovery and growth, creating increasing employment opportunities for both local workers and foreign nationals across multiple sectors.

Whether you are from Asia, Africa, Eastern Europe, or beyond, Greece offers genuine employment opportunities — especially in tourism, hospitality, construction, agriculture, healthcare, and IT. The Greek government has introduced various measures to attract skilled foreign workers and has a structured work permit system for non-EU nationals seeking legal employment in the country.

This guide covers everything you need to know — from in-demand jobs and salaries to the full step-by-step process of getting a work permit and visa in Greece. For verified job listings and recruitment support, visit AtoZSerwisPlus.com.

Job Market in Greece – In-Demand Jobs and Opportunities

Greece has a dynamic and evolving job market driven primarily by its world-famous tourism industry, maritime sector, agriculture, and a rapidly developing technology ecosystem centred in Athens. The country attracts approximately 30 million tourists every year creating consistent seasonal and year-round demand for hospitality, food service, and customer-facing roles.

Foreign workers are particularly sought after in areas where local talent is insufficient. Construction, agriculture, healthcare, and domestic care services face persistent shortages that employers are actively addressing through international recruitment. Greece also faces a significant brain drain as many skilled Greeks have emigrated to other EU countries, creating additional gaps in the professional workforce.

Greece has also invested heavily in developing its technology sector with Athens emerging as a regional startup hub attracting international investment and creating demand for IT professionals, software developers, and digital marketing specialists. Key sectors driving employment include:

• Tourism, hospitality, and food services
• Construction and infrastructure development
• Agriculture and food processing
• Healthcare and social care services
• Shipping and maritime services
• Information technology and digital services

Top In-Demand Jobs in Greece

Blue Collar Jobs in Greece – Top 20

White Collar Jobs in Greece – Top 20

Salary in Greece – Minimum Wage and Average Pay

Minimum Wage in Greece

Greece's national minimum wage is approximately 830 euros per month gross for employees aged 25 and over. Workers under 25 years of age are subject to a slightly lower rate as determined by Greek labor law. This rate applies to all workers regardless of nationality or country of origin and is reviewed periodically by the Greek government.

Employers are required by law to pay at or above the minimum wage and provide every worker with a written employment contract. Workers earning below this rate have the right to report the employer to the Greek Labour Inspectorate (SEPE — Soma Epitheorisis Ergasias).

Average Salary in Greece by Industry

The average monthly salary in Greece ranges between 1,000 and 1,500 euros across all industries. Salaries in Athens and Thessaloniki tend to be 20 to 30 percent higher than in smaller cities and island communities, although seasonal hospitality roles on popular islands can offer additional income through tips and overtime.

How to Find Jobs in Greece – Official Sources and Trusted Platforms

Finding a legitimate job in Greece starts with using trusted and official sources. Always verify your employer through official channels before accepting any offer or signing any documents.

Greek Public Employment Service (DYPA — Δημόσια Υπηρεσία Απασχόλησης): The main government body for employment in Greece. DYPA operates job centres across the country, maintains an official vacancy database, and provides career support services free of charge to all job seekers including foreign nationals.

Greek Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs: The official ministry that oversees work permit applications, labor regulations, and employment rights for foreign nationals seeking work in Greece. It publishes the annual quota for non-EU foreign workers by sector.

Greek Labour Inspectorate (SEPE): The official body that verifies legal employer registrations, enforces labor standards, and investigates violations of employment law across all sectors in Greece.

Greek Ministry of Migration and Asylum: The official body responsible for processing residence and work permit applications for non-EU nationals entering Greece for employment purposes.

AtoZSerwisPlus.com: A professional international recruitment platform connecting verified employers with pre-screened job seekers across borders. They assist with documentation, work permit guidance, and the full hiring process including Greece placements.

Step-by-Step Process to Get a Job in Greece

Getting a job in Greece as a foreigner follows a clear and structured process. Follow each step carefully to avoid delays or rejections.

1. Job Search: Search for verified vacancies on official government sources including the DYPA portal or trusted international recruitment platforms. Filter by sector, region, and job type to find roles that match your skills and experience in Greece.

2. Apply: Submit your CV, cover letter, and all relevant documents. Your CV should be written in English or Greek. Clearly list your skills, qualifications, certifications, and availability to start work in Greece.

3. Interview: If shortlisted you will be invited for an interview either in person or via video call. Greek employers will ask about your technical skills, work experience, availability, and willingness to relocate to Greece.

4. Receive a Job Offer Letter: If selected the employer will issue an official job offer letter and employment contract governed by Greek labor law. Read the contract carefully — pay attention to working hours, salary, insurance contributions, and probation period before signing.

5. Work Permit Application: Your employer submits the work permit application on your behalf to the Greek Ministry of Migration and Asylum. This step takes place inside Greece and does not require you to travel. The employer must also confirm that the role falls within the annual quota for non-EU workers.

6. Work Visa Application: Once the work permit is approved you apply for a National Visa (Type D) at the Greek Embassy or Consulate in your home country. Submit your permit approval, passport, employment contract, and all supporting documents.

7. Travel to Greece: After your visa is approved and stamped arrange your travel to Greece. Keep all documents — offer letter, work permit approval, visa, and employment contract — readily available when passing through immigration at Athens International Airport or other entry points.

8. Start Your Job: Register with the local Municipality (Dimos) and obtain your AFM (Greek Tax Identification Number) and AMKA (Social Insurance Number) within the required timeframe after arrival. Your employer must register you with EFKA (the Greek Social Insurance Organisation) before your first working day.

What to Do If Your Job Application Is Rejected in Greece

Rejection is not the end of the process. If your work permit or visa is refused, take these steps:

• Request the specific reason for rejection in writing from the Greek Ministry of Migration and Asylum or the Greek Embassy
• Correct the identified issue — most rejections are due to quota limitations, missing documents, or employer registration problems
• Confirm with your employer that the vacancy falls within the current annual non-EU worker quota before reapplying
• Resubmit a complete and fully corrected application as soon as the next quota period opens

Act quickly and professionally. Most rejections can be resolved with the right documentation and quota confirmation in place.

Work Permit in Greece – Requirements, Documents and Process

Who Needs a Work Permit in Greece

All non-EU and non-EEA citizens who intend to work in Greece require a valid work permit and residence permit. EU and EEA citizens have the right to work freely in Greece without a permit under EU freedom of movement rules. Non-EU nationals must go through the full formal application process. Working without a valid permit is a serious legal violation in Greece.

The employer — not the worker — is responsible for submitting the work permit application to the Greek Ministry of Migration and Asylum. The worker cannot apply independently and must wait for the employer to complete this step. Greece operates an annual quota system for non-EU workers by sector and the employer must confirm availability within the quota before applying.

Documents Required for Greece Work Permit

Work Permit Processing Time in Greece

The work permit application in Greece typically takes 30 to 60 working days to process from the date of submission. Processing times may vary depending on the sector, the completeness of the application, quota availability, and the current volume of applications being handled by the Ministry.

Once approved the permit is issued for the duration of the employment contract — usually one year. It is renewable before expiry provided the employment relationship continues, the quota is available, and all legal requirements are met.

Work Visa for Greece – Application and Approval Process

Once the work permit is approved inside Greece the foreign worker must apply for a National Visa (Type D) at the Greek Embassy or Consulate in their home country. This visa is separate from the work permit and is the worker's direct responsibility to obtain. It serves as both the entry visa and the initial authorization to work in Greece.

The embassy process involves visiting the Greek Embassy or Consulate, submitting a completed visa application form, paying the official visa fee, and attending a biometric appointment or interview if required by the embassy.

Documents Required for Greece Work Visa

What Happens If Your Greece Work Visa Is Rejected

If your visa application is rejected you will receive a formal notice from the Greek Embassy stating the reason for refusal. Read it carefully, address the specific issue identified, correct your documentation, and resubmit a complete and accurate application.

Never attempt to enter Greece on a tourist or Schengen visa for work purposes. This is a direct violation of Greek immigration law and can result in deportation, fines, a future entry ban affecting the entire Schengen Area, and potential blacklisting on all future visa applications.

Employer Hiring Process in Greece

How to Hire Foreign Workers in Greece

Greek employers looking to hire verified foreign workers from outside the EU can use a streamlined and legally compliant solution to manage the entire process from vacancy to onboarding.

• Register as a verified employer on the platform
• Post your job vacancy with full details including role, salary, location, and requirements
• Browse pre-screened candidate profiles matched to your vacancy
• Shortlist and interview your preferred candidates
• Issue an official offer letter to your selected candidate
• Receive full support and guidance on the work permit documentation process
• Onboard your worker legally, efficiently, and with full compliance

Register as an Employer

Job Seeker Application Process in Greece

How to Apply for Jobs in Greece as a Foreigner

Foreign nationals and local job seekers looking for work in Greece can follow a simple and guided application process to connect with verified employers.

• Register as a job seeker and complete your full profile
• Upload your CV, list your skills, experience, and preferred job type
• Browse verified vacancies posted by employers across Greece
• Apply directly to employers through the platform
• Receive interview notifications and application updates in real time
• Get step-by-step assistance with your work permit and visa documentation

Register as a Job Seeker

Agent and B2B Recruitment Process in Greece

How to Become a Recruitment Partner for Greece

Recruitment agents, staffing firms, and HR consultants looking to place workers in Greece can join a dedicated B2B partner program built for professional international recruitment.

• Register as a certified recruitment partner
• Access a live database of verified job vacancies across Greece
• Submit candidate profiles on behalf of your client workers
• Discuss partnership terms and benefits directly with the team upon registration
• Receive full documentation support and compliance guidance throughout

Register as a Recruitment Agent

Jobs for Welders Truck Drivers and Healthcare Workers in Greece

Greece has a consistent and strong demand for workers in these three sectors driven by its active construction industry, growing logistics network, and an aging population that places increasing pressure on the public and private healthcare system.

Welder Jobs in Greece

Greece's construction and shipbuilding sectors — particularly in Piraeus, Thessaloniki, and major industrial zones — need certified welders with MIG, TIG, or stick welding experience. Salaries range from 1,000 to 1,600 euros per month and accommodation is often provided by the employer.

Apply for Welder Jobs

Truck Driver Jobs in Greece

HGV and long-haul truck drivers are in consistent demand across Greece's growing logistics, agricultural transport, and construction supply sectors. A valid Category CE driving license is required and salaries range from 1,100 to 1,700 euros per month.

Apply for Truck Driver Jobs

Healthcare Worker Jobs in Greece

Greece faces a genuine shortage of nurses, doctors, and care workers in both public hospitals and private healthcare facilities across Athens, Thessaloniki, and the island regions. Salaries range from 1,200 to 4,500 euros per month depending on role and specialization.

Apply for Healthcare Jobs

Tips to Get a Job Faster in Greece

• Learn basic Greek — even conversational Greek greatly improves your chances with Greek employers who value cultural effort
• Target Athens and Thessaloniki for year-round employment — island jobs are often seasonal and may not lead to long-term permits
• Apply early in the year when the annual quota for non-EU workers opens — slots fill quickly in high-demand sectors
• Get your qualifications officially translated into Greek by a certified translator before submitting applications
• Apply only through verified employers or registered platforms like AtoZSerwisPlus.com to avoid fraudulent job offers
• Register with DYPA as a job seeker even as a foreign national — it gives you access to official vacancy listings and support services
• Obtain your AFM (Greek Tax Number) and AMKA (Social Insurance Number) as soon as you arrive — employers need these before registering you
• Be flexible on location — tourism and agriculture roles are widely available across regions outside Athens during peak seasons
• Network through Greek professional associations and LinkedIn groups specific to your sector and target city
• Never pay a recruitment fee as a worker — legitimate Greek employers and registered platforms do not charge workers for placement