How to Work Abroad in Greece: A Practical Guide for Expats

If you’ve landed on this page, you’re ready to explore what it really takes to land a job in Greece. I’m Matilda (native Greek, career coach), and I’ll pull back the curtain on visa rules, job markets, how local employers think, and what life looks like when you get hired here.

Whether you’re dreaming of Athens, Thessaloniki, or one of the islands, this guide gives you the practical, concrete insight you need to move from “thinking about it” to “working in Greece”.

Why Work in Greece?

Working in Greece offers a unique combination of career opportunities and lifestyle. Coming from a native Greek perspective, I can tell you it’s more than just sun and sea (though those help!).

Here are the real reasons to seriously consider Greece:

1. Growing Demand for International Talent

After the financial crisis years, Greece is strategically rebuilding sectors like tech, customer service (especially English-language roles), shipping, and renewable energy. As TTEC notes, “Many companies use English as their main language. Being bilingual or even multilingual can boost your chances of getting hired.” In many of these roles, you don’t necessarily need perfect Greek. The demand is shifting toward professionals who bring global experience.

2. Cost of Living and Quality of Life for Expats

Average salaries in Greece are lower compared to some Western European countries. For example, the average monthly salary in Greece is around €1,380, or about USD 1,455.

But your money goes further because the cost of living is also lower, especially if you’re willing to live outside the most expensive areas.

What that translates to: less stress, more time for things you love, and a culture that values work-life balance (think: longer lunches, earlier finishes, and a slower, more meaningful everyday rhythm). That's why living in Greece can feel like a lifestyle upgrade, not just a job change. (And that's the exact idea behind our name ➜ it's simply more than careers.)

3. Greece's strategic EU location

Greece sits at an interesting intersection: it’s in the EU, uses the euro, and yet retains the flexibility and opportunity you don’t always find in more saturated markets. For expats, this means: easier travel, access to European markets, bilingual job roles, and an entry point into Southern Europe with fewer of the competitive pressures found in places like London, Paris, or Berlin. In short: you get European access + a lifestyle many dream of.

In short: yes, Greece can be your next life destination, if you approach it with the right strategy, right positioning, and realistic expectations. Up next we’ll dive into visa rules, what kinds of jobs are available, and how to apply, so you’ll know exactly how to move forward with confidence.

Work Visa & Eligibility Requirements for Greece

Before you start applying for jobs in Greece, you need to make sure you can legally work here.

This part trips up a lot of people and makes them give up before they've even started. Let's make sure this doesn't happen in your case. Here's what you need to know.

Visa-Free Rules for EU Citizens

Greece is part of the European Union, which means EU/EEA citizens don’t need a visa or work permit at all.

Visa Options for Non-EU Citizens (Work, Blue Card, Digital Nomad)

If you’re from outside the EU (for example, the US, UK, Australia, Canada, or India), you’ll need to apply for a national visa and work permit before starting a job. The most common pathways to legally work in Greece include:

• Type D (National) Work Visa: For skilled professionals who’ve received a formal job offer from a Greek employer. Valid for stays over 90 days. Usually tied to a specific employer. Once you arrive, you’ll apply for a residence permit for employment at your local immigration office (within 30 days).

  
  

• Blue Card (EU Blue Card Program): For highly qualified professionals with a university degree and a job offer that meets the minimum salary threshold (around €22,000–€25,000 per year). It offers easier renewal and EU-wide mobility. It's a great option if you plan to stay long-term or potentially move to another EU country later.

• Digital Nomad Visa: For remote employees or freelancers working for companies outside Greece. Initially valid for 12 months, renewable for up to 2 years. It requires proof of monthly income of at least €3,500 (net), plus additional funds if you bring dependents, and lets you live legally in Greece while working remotely.

  
  

• Internship or Graduate Trainee Visa: For students or recent grads joining companies or international organizations in Greece. Valid for the internship duration, typically 6-12 months. It requires proof of acceptance by a Greek organization or the Erasmus+ program.

Each visa has its own timeline, salary threshold, and documentation checklist. (Be cautious, because these change regularly.) Always confirm the latest requirements on the official Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs website or at your local Greek embassy.

Getting Sponsored by a Greek Employer

If you’re not an EU citizen, the simplest way to move and work in Greece is to secure a job offer with visa sponsorship. Some companies, especially in tech, tourism, and customer service, actively hire international candidates and handle the paperwork for you.

How to find sponsored jobs in Greece:

• On LinkedIn, filter by “visa sponsorship available” or “relocation assistance”.

• Look for global companies with offices in Athens, Thessaloniki, or Crete. They’re used to hiring candidates from abroad.

• Mention in your cover letter that you’re relocation-ready and familiar with the visa process. (This instantly sets you apart.)

  
  

Since I'm an ex-recruiter, I’ll say this: companies appreciate candidates who’ve done their homework. If you understand the sponsorship and relocation process and show initiative, you make their decision much easier.

How to Find a Job in Greece

Okay, the next step is understanding where to look and which roles are open to international talent. The good news? Greece’s job market has been steadily growing, especially for bilingual professionals, remote workers, and international hires. The key is knowing which industries are hiring expats, what roles to focus on, and where those jobs are actually listed.

Best Job Boards for Expats in Greece

These are the most reliable and active job boards if you’re looking for English-speaking or international-friendly roles in Greece:

• LinkedIn Jobs (Greece filter): Still the #1 place to find verified listings, especially for multinational companies hiring bilingual professionals.

• Kariera.gr: One of Greece’s largest local job portals, with English and Greek listings. Great for tech, HR, marketing, and hospitality roles.

• Glassdoor & Indeed (Greece): Aggregates both global and local job postings, often showing salary ranges and reviews.

• Europe Language Jobs: Perfect if you speak more than one language. Many roles in customer support, sales, and service are open to multilingual expats.

• TTEC Careers & Teleperformance Greece: Both companies regularly hire English-speaking expats for remote or Athens-based roles with visa sponsorship.

• Relocate.me: A niche board that curates verified relocation-friendly positions in tech, design, and operations.

Pro tip: Greek employers rarely list “visa sponsorship” in the title. Instead, use keywords like “English-speaking,” “remote from Greece,” or “relocation support” to filter faster.

Top Industries Hiring in Greece

While Greece is famous for tourism, its expat-friendly job market is far more diverse than most people think. Here are the top sectors actively hiring international professionals right now:

1. Customer Experience & Support Centers

   • Global outsourcing companies like TTEC, Teleperformance, and Webhelp run multilingual hubs in Athens and Thessaloniki.

   • These centers hire hundreds of foreign professionals yearly — especially those fluent in English, French, German, Italian, or Dutch.

   • Entry-level salaries typically start around €1,300–€1,700/month, often with relocation packages, housing assistance, or bonus schemes.

     
     

2. Technology & Digital Roles

   • Greece’s tech scene is small but rapidly growing, supported by startups, EU-funded innovation programs, and remote-first companies.

   • Roles range from software engineering, data analytics, UX/UI design, and digital marketing.

   • Salaries vary from €1,800 to €3,500/month, depending on experience and whether the employer is local or international.

     
     

3. Tourism & Hospitality

   • Still the country’s backbone, contributing around 20% of GDP.

   • Each year, hotels, resorts, and cruise companies hire seasonal and full-time staff from across Europe.

   • Common roles: front office, marketing, guest relations, and operations management.

   • High season = April to October, with many companies offering staff housing.

     
     

4. Shipping, Logistics & Trade

   • Greece has one of the largest merchant fleets in the world.

   • Piraeus (Athens’ port) and Thessaloniki are home to shipping and logistics companies constantly seeking professionals with international business, finance, or engineering backgrounds.

     
     

5. Renewable Energy & Engineering

   • As Greece invests in solar, wind, and green tech, demand for engineers, project managers, and sustainability experts is rising fast.

   • Many EU-funded infrastructure projects offer opportunities for expats with specialized technical skills.

     
     

In-Demand Roles for Expats

If you’re wondering, “but what jobs can I actually get?” here’s a snapshot of roles consistently open to foreigners:

Remember, Greek companies are practical. If you can do the job well, speak decent English (and ideally some Greek), and show you understand local work culture, they’ll seriously consider you, even if you’re not based here yet.

In short, Greece’s job market is far more open than most people realize. But you need a focused approach. Start with the right industries, apply through reliable channels, and make your resume and cover letter fit the Greek hiring style (short, metrics-focused, and personable).

Cost of Living, Taxes & Salaries in Greece

Before saying yes to a job offer, it’s worth asking: what does a good salary in Greece actually look like? As someone who grew up here and now helps expats navigate their job moves, I can tell you: the cost of living in Greece can feel refreshingly affordable if you plan smartly.

Average Salaries in Greece

• The average gross monthly salary in Greece is around €1,380, or about €16,500 annually.

• For English-speaking expat roles, salaries usually range between €1,300 and €2,200/month, depending on experience, company size, and city.

• Highly skilled professionals in tech, engineering, or management can earn €2,500–€4,000+ per month, especially if they work for EU or multinational firms.

Seems too low? Fair point. Salaries are lower than in Northern Europe, but so are expenses. Rent, healthcare, and groceries can cost up to 40% less than in Germany or the Netherlands.

Monthly Living Costs in Major Cities

Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect to spend each month as an expat living in Greece (based on data from Numbeo, Expatistan, and local sources):

Many expats say the biggest factor in how “expensive” Greece feels is location. Living in Crete or Kalamata can cut your costs by up to 25%, while island life (Santorini, Mykonos) can double them.

Tax Rates in Greece (for Employees & Expats)

Onto everyone's favorite topic: taxes. Greece uses a progressive income tax system, which means the more you earn, the higher your tax rate.

In addition, expect to pay around 16% for social security contributions, which cover healthcare and pensions.

For remote workers: If you’re on a Digital Nomad Visa, you can benefit from Greece’s 50% tax reduction scheme for foreign professionals. It's valid for up to 7 years. This means you’ll only pay tax on half your income if you relocate legally through that route.

What This Means in Practice

Let’s make this real.

If you earn €1,800/month working in Athens, after taxes and social contributions, you’ll take home around €1,350–€1,450. That’s enough to live comfortably as a single professional (or modestly as a couple), especially if you choose local restaurants over touristy ones and use public transport.

If you’re earning €3,000+, you’ll live very comfortably in most cities, even with regular travel, dining out, and saving each month.

Also, as a native, I can vouch that Greeks value balance. People prioritize time, food, and community over luxury spending. You’ll quickly learn that “affordable” here doesn’t mean “low quality.” Fresh food, outdoor life, and genuine connection are part of everyday living.

Work Culture & Lifestyle in Greece

Working culture and lifestyle determine whether you’ll actually enjoy working in Greece long-term, not just survive it. Because while the weather, food, and pace of life might sell you instantly, understanding how Greeks work, communicate, and manage time can make or break your experience once you settle in.

As someone who grew up here (and has worked both locally and internationally), here’s exactly what to expect.

Work Hours & Vacation

The standard workweek in Greece is 40 hours, usually split across five days (Monday–Friday). Typical office hours run from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., though many private companies, especially in Athens, operate from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

For shift-based or hospitality roles, hours can extend into evenings and weekends, especially during the summer tourist season.

• Public holidays: Greece has around 12 national public holidays each year (including Easter Monday, Independence Day on March 25, and Ochi Day on October 28), plus regional holidays in certain areas.

  
  

• Paid vacation: Employees are legally entitled to at least 20 days of paid annual leave, increasing with years of service (up to 25–26 days). It’s common to see entire companies slow down or close in August when half the country heads to the islands.

  
  

Even in fast-paced industries, work-life balance is a genuine priority. You’ll rarely see people glorify overworking. Greeks value time with family, friends, and above all, their holidays.

Employee Benefits You Can Expect

Employee benefits in Greece vary depending on whether you work for a local company or an international employer. Here’s what’s typical:

• Health insurance: All employees are automatically covered under Greece’s national healthcare system (EOPYY) through social security contributions. Many multinationals offer private health plans on top.

• Bonuses: A legally mandated Christmas bonus (one full month’s salary), Easter bonus (half-month), and summer vacation allowance (half-month) are common, meaning many workers receive 14 salary payments per year.

• Pension contributions: Included in your social insurance payments.

• Meal or transport stipends: Offered more often by international employers or corporate offices in Athens and Thessaloniki.

• Remote work flexibility: Since 2020, Greek labor laws have expanded to allow remote and hybrid work models, especially in tech, marketing, and consulting roles.

Pro tip: Always ask during interviews whether the salary offered includes or excludes bonuses. In Greece, that detail can make a big difference to your annual income.

Communication & Management Style

Greek communication at work tends to be warm, relationship-driven, and expressive. People value genuine conversation, so expect a few minutes of friendly chat before diving into business.

Managers often prefer in-person communication and appreciate initiative, but there’s still a degree of hierarchy, especially in traditional sectors like finance, government, or manufacturing. In startups and international firms, structures are becoming more collaborative and flexible.

• Communication: Slightly indirect but personal. Greeks are tactful with feedback, preferring diplomacy over confrontation.

• Decision-making: Still top-down in many companies, but shifting toward shared input in younger organizations.

• Team culture: Strong emphasis on trust, relationships, and loyalty. Once you’re “in,” you’re treated like family.

• Work-life balance: Deeply rooted in the culture. Long lunches, coffee breaks, and after-work gatherings aren’t laziness — they’re social rituals that make work more human.

In Greece, people work with you, not for you. Relationships matter more than titles, and earning trust is worth as much as hitting KPIs.

Pros & Cons of Working in Greece

Finally, let's look into the pros and cons of working in Greece. As much as I love living in Greece, I understand that no country is perfect. And Greece is no exception.

But once you understand how things really work here, you can set expectations realistically and make smart decisions about your move.

Here’s an honest look, from a native Greek’s point of view (mixed with what my expat friends have said):

FAQs About Working in Greece as an EU Citizen