Whether you already live in Greece or are considering moving there, you are entering a recovering job market. Unemployment, long among Europe's highest, has fallen to around 8.5%, and the country now lacks labor in several sectors, to the point of relying heavily on foreign workers. Here is how to find a job, an internship or an apprenticeship there.
Why work in Greece?
Because the recovery creates real needs, especially in tourism and maritime, two pillars of the economy, but also in tech and renewable energy. The cost of living remains reasonable and the setting attractive.
- A recovering market, after years of crisis.
- A strong need for labor, notably seasonal.
- Tourism and maritime, world-class sectors.
- A reasonable cost of living and a Mediterranean setting.
How does the Greek labor market work?
After a deep crisis (unemployment near 28% in 2013), the market has clearly recovered. Shortages are strong in tourism, which lacks tens of thousands of seasonal workers, and Greece is opening its doors to foreign workers via agreements and quotas.
- A recovering market with marked shortages.
- Strong seasonal demand, especially in summer.
- Growing reliance on foreign workers.
- The weight of networking in accessing jobs.
Which sectors hire the most in Greece?
- Tourism and hospitality: strong seasonal shortage (hotels, catering, chefs).
- Maritime and shipping, a globally competitive industry.
- Technology and digital services, growing.
- Construction and logistics.
- Health, finance and renewable energy.
Which cities should you target in Greece?
- Athens: the capital, services, tech, finance and administration.
- Piraeus: the major port, maritime and logistics.
- Thessaloniki: the second city, services and industry.
- Islands and tourist areas: many seasonal jobs.
Work visa: the steps for foreigners
EU nationals work freely. For others, you need a long-stay (type D) visa then a residence permit for work; Greece sets quotas by region and occupation, revised regularly.
- EU/EEA: free access to the labor market.
- Non-EU: type D visa then residence permit, subject to quotas.
- Bilateral agreements ease the arrival of workers from certain countries.
- The process is employer-led.
Salaries and cost of living: what to expect
Greek salaries remain among the lowest in Western Europe, but the cost of living is also low, preserving some purchasing power, especially outside Athens.
- Modest salaries, higher in tech and maritime.
- A low cost of living, especially outside the capital.
- Many seasonal opportunities in tourism.
How to find a job, internship or apprenticeship in Greece?
- Targeted unsolicited applications (see below).
- Networking and referrals.
- Fairs and platforms, especially for tourism and maritime.
- Agencies specialized in shipping.
The unsolicited application: the key to Greece's hidden job market
In Greece, networking and direct contact often outweigh ads. The unsolicited application lets you target companies directly, especially in tourism and maritime, where needs are acute.
- You reach companies short of staff.
- You benefit from shortages, especially seasonal.
- You start the direct relationship, highly valued.
- You stand out from conventional applications.
Succeeding in your professional integration: our tips
- English is often enough in tourism and maritime; Greek helps for the rest.
- Target shortage sectors (tourism, shipping, tech).
- Anticipate seasonal hiring before summer.
- Activate your local network.
Your next steps to work in Greece
Target a city and a sector, prepare a CV in English, then contact companies directly, prioritizing tourism and maritime. The recovery and shortages reward initiative.