Work Greece

For foreigners wishing to work in Greece, there is a multi-step procedure for obtaining a work permit and the corresponding residence permit.

Find a job and sign an employment contract: The first step for non-EU citizens is to obtain an official job invitation or employment contract from a Greek employer. The employer must also provide proof that no suitable candidates are available among the citizens of Greece or the EU.

Document preparation: The document package includes:

   - Passport (valid for at least 6 months from the intended date of entry into Greece);

   - Signed employment contract or job invitation;

   - Qualification proof (diplomas, certificates);

   - Health insurance covering all essential medical expenses and repatriation;

   - Proof of financial status (e.g., bank statements for the last 3-6 months);

   - Criminal record certificate (in some cases);

   - Passport-size photographs and a completed visa application form.

Submitting a work visa application: With the document package, you need to contact the Greek consulate in your country to apply for a long-term visa type D, which allows staying in the country for more than 90 days. The process may involve an interview, and the application review can take several weeks to several months.

Obtaining a residence permit: Upon arrival in Greece and before your visa expires, the applicant must apply for a residence permit at the local migration office. A visit to the "one-stop shop" will allow completing the registration for long-term residence and work in the country. This residence permit is usually valid for two years with the possibility of renewal.

Additional aspects

After obtaining a residence permit, the foreign worker can benefit from social guarantees, including access to the public healthcare system and pension benefits. Workers are also required to register with the Greek tax authorities and obtain a social insurance number.

Features for EU citizens

Citizens of EU countries have the right to freely work and live in Greece without needing a work visa. If planning to stay for more than three months, only a registration certificate is required, which can be obtained at the local police department. For this, you need to provide a valid passport, an employment statement, proof of financial sufficiency, and also obtain a tax number and a social insurance number.

Features for non-EU citizens

Foreigners from non-EU countries need to obtain a long-term visa type D and a residence permit with the right to work. After obtaining the visa, upon arrival in Greece, they need to apply for a residence permit through the local migration department.

You can find a job in Greece using both local resources and international platforms and networking tools. The most popular employment sectors include tourism, agriculture, education (especially teaching English), as well as information technology and the service industry.

Main steps for job searching in Greece

Using online platforms for job searches: Job sites like Indeed, LinkedIn, Kariera.gr, and Skywalker.gr offer a wide range of vacancies in various industries across the country. It's also worth using international portals, such as GoAbroad and Expat.com, which can be useful for finding vacancies targeted at foreigners.

Opportunities for seasonal work: During the tourist season (usually from May to October), there is high demand for seasonal workers in tourist areas, such as hotels and restaurants on the islands. Positions often include service, entertainment, reception work, and guides. Employers such as TUI and other large tourist companies actively hire foreigners for seasonal work.

Networking and professional contacts: In Greece, significant attention is given to personal contacts and recommendations. Use LinkedIn to search for professionals in your field and participate in industry groups, as well as attend local events and exhibitions. Good connections can provide access to vacancies not published on public resources.

Freelance and Remote Work Opportunities: For those who prefer a flexible schedule, remote work is an excellent option. Specialists in content, marketing, customer support, and IT can work remotely using platforms like Upwork or Fiverr while residing in Greece.

Language

For many positions, basic knowledge of the Greek language is a significant advantage, especially for interacting with colleagues and clients. However, in major cities and in sectors such as tourism, IT, and international companies, English is also highly valued, and for some positions, it may be sufficient. Additional languages such as German, French, and Italian may be a plus in tourism and customer service sectors.

Qualifications and Skill Verification

High-qualified specialists are required to provide proof of their qualifications, which includes having diplomas, certificates, and experience, especially in regulated professions such as medicine or engineering. For such positions, specific verification or recognition of qualifications according to Greek standards may be required. High-qualified workers can apply for an EU Blue Card, allowing them to work not only in Greece but also in other EU countries.

Work Visa and Permit

For EU citizens, the procedure is significantly simpler: they can work without a visa, but staying for more than three months requires registration. Non-EU citizens need to first receive a job offer from a Greek employer and sign an employment contract, which will be the basis for applying for a long-term type D visa and a residence permit with work rights.

Sectors in Demand for Qualified Workers

Tourism: This sector remains a mainstay in Greece's economy, particularly important during the tourist season. Qualified professionals such as hotel managers, chefs, event specialists, and guides are in demand to ensure high levels of service.

Healthcare: With increasing demands for medical services, the demand for doctors, nurses, and pharmacists is growing. Greece actively attracts qualified medical professionals to support the national healthcare system.

IT and Technology: In recent years, Greece has focused on digital technologies, creating demand for software developers, cybersecurity specialists, and data analysts. These jobs offer high salaries and attractive conditions for qualified specialists.

Agricultural Sector: Despite its ancient roots, this sector is becoming increasingly technological, requiring agronomists and specialists in sustainable agriculture.

Engineering and Construction: With infrastructure development and major renewable energy projects, demand for engineers (civil engineering, energy, and telecommunications) continues to rise.

Sectors for Unskilled Workers

Seasonal Work in Tourism: During the tourist season (May to October), there is a high demand for staff in the hotel and restaurant industry. Vacancies include waiters, cleaners, bartenders, and hotel administrators.

Agricultural Work: Greece also actively hires unskilled workers for seasonal agricultural jobs, such as harvesting olives, grapes, and citrus fruits. This is one of the largest sources of employment for migrants.

Manufacturing and Logistics: Companies in manufacturing, warehousing, and transportation need workers to perform various physical tasks, including work in warehouses and factories.

Domestic Services and Support: Cleaning services and maintaining order in offices and residential buildings are also in demand, creating additional opportunities for unskilled employees.

Main Elements of Greece's Pension System

National Pension: This is the basic element of pension provision, funded by the state through taxes and available to all who meet the minimum work tenure requirements. To receive the full national pension, one must work for 20 years and live in Greece for at least 40 years. The minimum pension is around 413 euros per month.

Additional Pension: For those who have worked under a labor contract and paid insurance contributions, an additional pension is provided. It is calculated based on the contributions made by the employee and employer throughout the employment period. In 2024, the pension calculation rules were changed, and now the pension amount is calculated considering the wage index, which may lead to a gradual increase in payments in the future.

Special Pension Programs: Certain professions (such as military personnel and workers in heavy-duty conditions) have special pension terms and higher contribution rates. Depending on the field of work, these employees may retire earlier than the general retirement age and receive a higher level of pension benefits.

Features for Foreign Citizens:

Foreign citizens who have worked in Greece and paid contributions have the right to receive a pension if they meet the minimum requirements for work experience and age. Additionally, Greece offers favorable taxation for foreign retirees who transfer their tax residency to the country, with a fixed 7% tax rate on pension income from abroad, making the country attractive for foreign retirees.

Pension Insurance:

   - Greece provides mandatory pension insurance through a national fund, where contributions are made by both employees and employers. Basic pension insurance is divided into a main and supplementary (additional) pension. The main pension is formed based on insurance contributions and work experience, while the supplementary is added for most workers and is funded separately from the main fund. Special programs and benefits are also provided for workers engaged in hard and hazardous work conditions and for military personnel.

Medical Insurance:

   - Medical care under the public system is available to all working citizens and residents of Greece through the social insurance system. Both the employer and employee make contributions to medical insurance, covering services from basic treatment in public hospitals to lab tests, hospitalization, and basic medications. Many choose private insurance for faster and more convenient services, especially for specialized medical services and private clinics.

Unemployment Insurance and Social Benefits:

   - Greece has support programs for the unemployed. Workers and employers contribute to ensure entitlement to benefits in case of unemployment and other social benefits. The amount of benefits depends on the length of service and the level of earnings before unemployment.

Social Benefits:

   - The social insurance system also offers various social benefits, such as childcare assistance and family allowances, which are available under certain conditions. Employees in hard and hazardous conditions have access to additional insurance benefits.

Dismissal:

For the dismissal of employees on permanent contracts, a written notice is required. Employers are obliged to pay compensation if the employee has worked for them for more than one year. The amount of compensation depends on the length of service: from one month to four months of notice depending on the duration of employment. In cases of fixed-term labor contracts, dismissal before the end of the term requires serious grounds, such as gross violations of work duties. The employer must also notify Greek state authorities about the termination of the employment contract within four working days.

Leave:

Employees in Greece are entitled to an annual paid leave, the number of days of which depends on the length of service. The standard leave is 20 working days for a five-day workweek and 24 days for a six-day week. After 10 years with one employer, employees receive 25 working days of leave. There is also the right to sick leave with partial payment by the employer for the first three days of illness and further funding through the national health care system.

Parental Leave

Working parents are entitled to 17 weeks of paid maternity leave, which is divided into 8 weeks before and 9 weeks after childbirth. Both parents can also take up to four months of unpaid parental leave until the child turns 8 years old. Mothers are given the opportunity to reduce their working hours for a certain period after the end of maternity leave.

Public Holidays

Greece observes public holidays, including New Year’s Day (January 1), Independence Day (March 25), Easter (variable date), Labor Day (May 1), Assumption of Mary (August 15), Ohi Day (October 28), Christmas (December 25), and others. On public holidays, many businesses are closed, and employees are paid a full day if they do not work, or receive additional compensation if work is required.

In Greece, professional unions play a key role in protecting workers' rights by providing legal, social, and organizational support. The main unions include the General Confederation of Greek Workers, which represents the interests of private-sector workers, and the Confederation of Public Servants, which advocates for public servants' rights. Both unions actively participate in collective bargaining, protecting working conditions and fair pay, and provide support to members in case of labor disputes.

The PAME union, supported by the Communist Party of Greece, is a significant force among leftist unions and protests against bills that may undermine workers' rights.

In addition to actions and protests, unions provide free legal consultations, protect members from unfair dismissals, and participate in negotiations to raise minimum wages and improve social standards. Unions serve as important support in legal conflicts and collective negotiations, helping to protect workers' rights, including ensuring provisions for minimum wage and overtime pay.

Thus, unions in Greece help workers cope with difficulties and protect their rights amidst constant changes in labor legislation and crisis situations.

Running a business for foreigners in Greece has several features related to legal requirements and local conditions of entrepreneurship.

Main steps for company registration

Choosing a company type: Foreigners can open various types of companies, including a Limited Liability Company (EPE), a Public Limited Company (AE), and a Private Capital Company (IKE). EPE and IKE are suitable for small and medium-sized businesses, with minimal capital requirements and a simplified structure. AE, on the other hand, requires a larger share capital (minimum 24,000 euros) and is suitable for large enterprises.

Registration and obtaining a TIN: The company must be registered with the General Commercial Register and obtain a Tax Identification Number (TIN) from the tax authorities. A TIN is necessary for all operations related to taxes and mandatory company registration in the social security system if hiring employees is planned.

Opening a bank account: All companies are required to open a corporate account in a Greek bank to hold share capital and manage financial transactions.

Compliance with tax and accounting requirements: In Greece, companies must comply with regular financial reporting and submit annual financial statements. The main corporate tax rate is 22%, and the standard VAT rate is 24%, although reduced rates apply to certain goods and services.

Visa and residence permit

Foreign entrepreneurs who are not EU citizens must obtain a long-term visa and residence permit to conduct business in Greece. This requires proof of no criminal record and medical insurance. The application is submitted through the Greek consulate.

Local features and cultural aspects

Although English is widely spoken, many legal documents and official procedures are conducted in Greek. Therefore, it is recommended that foreigners hire a local lawyer or consultant to avoid language and legal difficulties. Establishing connections with local partners and participating in business communities also help in the successful development of the business.