Can I work in Greece as an expat?

Working in Greece gives you the chance to experience things like seeing the Parthenon as a local or taking in the stunning sunsets of Santorini. If you’re considering the opportunity to work in Greece, you’ll find that the country has reinvented itself and now offers a welcoming environment for those looking to combine their career with an exceptional quality of life.

If you’re planning to base yourself in Athens or anywhere else in the country, you’ll find that Greece welcomes foreigners with a job market that values international talent and cultural diversity.

Moving to the cradle of Western civilization is an exciting decision. That said, before making the move, it’s important to understand how the job market works and which sectors are currently driving the Greek economy.

In this guide, we’ll give you all the tools you need to make your transition a success.

What are the advantages of working in Greece?

One of the main reasons to choose to work in Greece is its low cost of living, especially when compared to other countries in the European Union.

If you settle in Athens or cities like Thessaloniki, you can enjoy great amenities, vibrant leisure options, and excellent food without overspending. That balance is a big reason why digital nomads and remote workers are drawn to Greece.

Another area where Greece stands out is safety. The country is widely regarded as peaceful, with a relaxed and secure pace of life. You’ll often find lively squares and streets filled with people well into the evening, creating a sense of trust and ease that’s especially appealing for those looking to settle down long-term.

If you’re looking to network with people from all over the world, you’ll be glad to know that Greece’s international community is growing fast. Thanks to incentives for digital nomads and a rising tech sector, you’ll be surrounded by people from a wide range of countries. This cultural mix not only enriches your personal experience, but also makes it easier to build professional connections in a truly cosmopolitan setting.

On the economic front, Greece has been steadily recovering and showing sustainable growth in recent years. Government reforms aimed at attracting foreign investment and encouraging job creation are opening up new opportunities, particularly in sectors such as technology, renewable energy, and high-end tourism.

Finally, the quality of life is perhaps the biggest draw. Working here means having access to crystal-clear beaches, a healthy Mediterranean diet, and a pleasant climate for most of the year.

What are the requirements for working in Greece?

Greece’s immigration system has been modernized to attract both skilled workers and remote professionals. The main requirements vary depending on your nationality and the purpose of your stay:

• Citizens of the European Union (EU) and the European Economic Area (EEA): If you hold a passport from an EU member state, the process is very straightforward. You have the right to live and work in Greece without needing a work visa. You’ll just need to register if you stay longer than three months and obtain your local identification numbers.
• Digital Nomad Visa: It’s one of the most popular options in 2026. It’s designed for people who work remotely for companies or clients outside Greece. You’ll need to show a minimum monthly income of around $3,800 (€3,500). This visa allows you to live legally in the country while enjoying the Greek lifestyle.
• National Work Visa (Type D): If you’ve secured a job offer from a Greek company, you’ll need to apply for this visa through the consulate in your home country. Once in Greece, it can be converted into a residence permit for employment purposes.
• EU Blue Card: Designed for highly skilled professionals, this option requires a university degree and a job contract with a salary above the threshold set by the Greek government for specialist roles.
• Seasonal Work Visa: Common in sectors like agriculture and tourism, this permit allows you to work for up to six months per year and is ideal for those looking for a seasonal experience during peak periods.

In addition to your residence permit, there are three key administrative steps that are essential for settling in Greece: the AFM (tax identification number), which you’ll need for any contract or banking activity; the AMKA (social security number), required to access the healthcare system; and finally, registering with your local municipality.

How to start working in Greece? Practical tips

Moving to the land of philosophers takes a bit of planning so the bureaucracy doesn’t overwhelm you.

Our first tip is to apply for your AFM as early as possible, even before you’ve signed a job contract, since you’ll likely need it to rent a long-term apartment.

Likewise, while English is widely spoken in Athens and tourist islands, learning the Greek alphabet and a few basic polite phrases will go a long way and help you earn the respect of locals.

Another key aspect is housing. The rental market in cities like Athens and Thessaloniki is quite active. It’s worth focusing on neighborhoods well connected by metro or tram, such as Koukaki or Nea Smyrni, which strike a good balance between cost and quality of life. And keep in mind that personal connections matter a lot in Greece; many of the best housing and job opportunities often come through word of mouth and direct recommendations.

During your adjustment period, staying connected will be essential for translating signs, using maps, or replying to recruiters’ emails. A great option is Holafly’s monthly plans, which give you unlimited data for your first few months. You can set up the eSIM before you even board your flight to Athens, so the moment you land, you’ll already be able to get online and move around Greece with ease.

Best of all, the plan’s eSIM is global, meaning it works in over 160 countries. That lets you travel across Europe and beyond without having to switch eSIMs every time you cross a border.

If you prefer to take things slowly while exploring different islands, you can opt for an eSIM for Greece. It gives you mobile data from the moment you land, for as long as you choose. Unlike subscription plans that renew automatically, this option provides unlimited data for a fixed period. It’s a solid choice while you’re getting settled, but it’s limited to Greece and won’t cover travel across Europe on the same eSIM.

What kinds of jobs for foreigners are popular in Greece?

Greece is no longer just a place to vacation. It is increasingly becoming a hub for services and tech. Its strategic location and openness to international talent have created a job market with diverse opportunities, depending on your skills and experience.

Shared-service and multilingual centers

Many multinational companies (such as Teleperformance and Concentrix) have chosen Athens and Thessaloniki as locations for their global support centers.

If you speak Spanish and English, you’ll find plenty of opportunities in customer service, content moderation, and technical support. These roles often come with relocation packages that cover your flight and initial accommodation.

Hospitality and experience-based tourism

Tourism remains the country’s driving force, but by 2026, the trend will be toward luxury and sustainability.

There is strong demand for reception staff, head chefs, sommeliers, and yacht crew across the islands and new resorts along the Athenian Riviera. If you have experience working with high-end clientele, Greece can be an excellent place to grow your career.

Maritime and logistics sector

Greece has one of the largest merchant fleets in the world, which creates strong demand for roles in port management, shipbroking, and international logistics. It’s a highly professional environment where English is the main working language and previous experience in international trade is highly valued.

Real estate and property management

The rise in foreign investment and Golden Visa schemes has driven strong demand for real estate agents, short-term rental managers, and legal consultants who speak foreign languages to support international investors.

Education and language instruction

There is steady demand for native Spanish and English teachers in private language schools (frontistiria) and international schools. Greeks place a strong emphasis on learning foreign languages, which creates consistent opportunities for qualified teachers.

What are the jobs for foreigners in highest demand in Greece?

If your goal is to quickly secure stable employment or apply for a highly skilled worker visa in 2026, these are the sectors with the greatest shortage of local talent and the strongest demand for international professionals:

• IT and cybersecurity specialists: Greece is undergoing a rapid digital transformation. There is a strong demand for software developers (Java, Python), data analysts, and cybersecurity specialists. The government is also streamlining processes to help tech companies hire international talent more quickly.
• Renewable energy engineering: With the goal of becoming a leader in wind and solar energy in the Mediterranean, there is strong demand for electrical and civil engineers specializing in sustainability projects. It’s a sector that offers highly competitive salaries and excellent long-term prospects.
• Healthcare and elder care professionals: Like many other European countries, Greece is facing an aging population. There is a growing need for nurses, physiotherapists, and healthcare support staff. Many private clinics are also looking for multilingual professionals to serve the increasing number of retired foreign residents.
• Digital marketing and E-commerce: Greek companies are expanding into global markets, which is driving demand for SEO and SEM specialists, as well as content strategists who understand Spanish- or English-speaking audiences and can lead international campaigns.
• Construction and skilled trades: Greece is in need of qualified electricians, welders, and site managers for major infrastructure projects and the restoration of historic buildings. If you have certified technical experience, this sector offers immediate opportunities.

What are wages and the cost of living like in Greece?

To work successfully in Greece, it’s important to understand the financial landscape. In 2026, the country uses the euro (€), and while salaries may seem lower than in Northern Europe, this is largely offset by significantly lower day-to-day living costs.

How much does a worker earn in Greece?

In 2026, Greece’s minimum wage is around $950 (€880) gross per month, typically paid over 14 installments a year, with additional bonuses at Christmas, Easter, and in the summer.

If you work in the service or hospitality sector, this will be your starting point, leaving you with about $810 (€750) after taxes.

However, if you’re a skilled professional in fields like tech or engineering, salaries are significantly higher. For instance, software developers and mid-level engineers typically earn between $2,150 (€2,000) and $3,450 (€3,200) gross per month. At this level, you can live very comfortably, save money, and still have plenty left to enjoy the local food scene.

How expensive is it to live in Greece?

Living costs in Greece are generally lower than in many other European countries. Still, like anywhere in Europe, managing your budget wisely is important if you want to make the most of your money.

Rent in Athens is, as in most European capitals, the biggest expense. A one-bedroom apartment in a well-connected neighborhood outside the tourist center typically costs around $650 (€600) per month. Another popular housing option in Greece is coliving. Especially common among digital nomads, it combines accommodation, workspaces, and a built-in community all under one roof.

If you choose cities like Thessaloniki or more suburban areas, apartment prices can drop to around $485 (€450). Many expats also cut costs by sharing accommodation. In that case, you can expect to pay roughly $325 (€300) per month for housing.

Food in Greece is an affordable pleasure. A monthly grocery shop with fresh, seasonal produce typically comes to around $380 (€350) per person.

Basic utilities such as electricity, water, and heating average around $160 (€150) per month, although air conditioning in the summer can push electricity bills slightly higher.

While costs may vary, on average, these are the expenses you can expect in Greece:

• Rent (1-bedroom apartment in a standard neighborhood): $650 (€600)
• Utilities (electricity, water, gas): $160 (€150)
• Groceries (supermarket): $380 (€350)
• Public transportation (monthly pass): $33 (€30)
• Leisure and extras: $270 (€250)
• Estimated total: $1,493 (€1,380)

Where can you find job opportunities in Greece?

Greece’s job market blends tradition with modern practices. While many roles are still filled through personal networks, digital recruitment has grown significantly in recent years, especially when it comes to attracting international talent.

Here are the avenues you should explore:

Job boards and professional networks

LinkedIn is an essential tool for skilled professionals in Athens and Thessaloniki. Tech, shipping, and financial companies post job openings there on a daily basis. Optimizing your profile in English and following major companies based in the country will improve your chances of getting hired.

For more local and diverse job opportunities, Kariera.gr is Greece’s leading job portal. It’s very user-friendly and lets you filter by category and location. Another great option is Skywalker.gr, which is widely used by locals and includes a section for jobs that don’t require full fluency in Greek.

If you’re looking for jobs in tech or startups, Workable, a company founded in Greece, lists the most innovative openings.

Recruitment agencies and multilingual consulting firms

If you speak Spanish, English, or another European language, outsourcing agencies can be a great entry point. Companies like Teleperformance, Concentrix, and TTEC have large operations in Athens and regularly hire staff for global support projects. They often provide relocation packages that cover your flight and accommodation for the first few months.

International recruitment agencies like Randstad Greece and Adecco also have a strong presence, handling job openings in areas such as administration, sales, and logistics.

For the luxury hospitality sector on the islands, agencies like Talent Odyssey focus on matching international candidates with high-end resorts for the summer season.

EURES and the public employment service

As a member of the European Union, Greece is part of the EURES network (European Employment Services), where you can find job listings that meet EU legal standards. In addition, the Greek public employment service, known as DYPA (formerly OAED), publishes job openings and employment programs, although its platform is mostly in Greek.

Frequently asked questions about working in Greece

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Paula Henderson

Spanish-English Translator

Hi! I'm a Spanish-English translator working with Holafly, helping bring travel content to life for curious travelers. As a digital nomad with a passion for exploring, I'm always adding new spots to my bucket list. If you love to travel like me, stick around because you're in the right place to find inspiration for your next trip! ✈️🌍

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