Working in Greece not only comes with great career opportunities but also a chance to live in one of the most beautiful countries in the world. Its stunning islands, historic cities, and sunny Mediterranean climate provide a healthy work-life balance that is hard to match. As part of the European Union, Greece attracts EU and non-EU workers, with its low cost of living and an economy that is strong in industries like tourism, technology, and shipping, creating job opportunities for skilled workers, entrepreneurs, and remote professionals.
This article covers everything about working in Greece, including work visas, wages and taxes, and the best industries to work in the country.
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Why Work in Greece
Greece is a great place to work, offering a low cost of living, a relaxed work culture, and job opportunities in tourism, tech, and shipping. There are different visa options depending on your work situation. The Work Visa is for those with a job offer, while the Greece Golden Visa grants residency to investors who purchase property worth at least €250,000 and allows people to live and work in Greece and the EU. Remote workers can benefit from the Greece Digital Nomad Visa, which comes with tax advantages. Skilled professionals can apply for the EU Blue Card, and freelancers can legally work through the Freelancer Visa.
The country’s warm climate, rich history, and stunning landscapes create the perfect environment for a balanced work-life experience. As part of the European Union, Greece ensures strong worker protections, and EU/EEA citizens don’t need a visa to work there.
To learn more about the Greece Digital Nomad Visa
Benefits of Working in Greece
Low cost of living
Low cost of livingGreece is more affordable than many Western European countries, with lower rent, food, and transportation costs, especially outside of Athens.
Relaxed work culture
Relaxed work cultureThe Mediterranean lifestyle values work-life balance, offering long lunch breaks, a slower work pace, and strong social interactions in the workplace.
Job opportunities
Job opportunitiesMajor industries like tourism, hospitality, shipping, agriculture, and the growing tech sector provide diverse employment options. Athens and Thessaloniki are emerging as tech hubs.
Strong labor protections
Strong labor protectionsEmployees receive at least 20 days of paid vacation, maternity and paternity leave, and social security benefits, including healthcare and pensions.
Visa options for non-EU citizens
Visa options for non-EU citizensSeveral pathways allow foreigners to work legally, including the Work Visa, Golden Visa, Digital Nomad Visa and the EU Blue Card for more opportunities.
Mediterranean climate
Mediterranean climateWarm summers, mild winters, and plenty of sunshine make Greece a comfortable place to live year-round.
EU/EEA work freedom
EU/EEA work freedomCitizens from EU/EEA countries can work in Greece without needing a visa or permit, making relocation easy.
Work Visas in Greece
Working in Greece provides several work visa options, including opportunities for skilled professionals, freelancers, and investors. These visas cater to the needs of the job market, offering the benefits of EU residence and allowing you to live and work in Greece while exploring its diverse opportunities.
Visa Type | Eligibility | Requirements | Residence permit Duration |
Work Visa | Non-EU citizens with a job offer from a Greek employer. | - A job offer from a Greek employer. | Up to 1 year, renewable |
Greece Golden Visa | Non-EU investors purchasing property worth at least €250,000. | - Purchase of real estate valued at €250,000 or more. | 5 years, renewable |
Greece Digital Nomad Visa | Non-EU remote workers with a steady income from abroad. | - Proof of a stable income (minimum €3,500/month). | 1 year, renewable |
EU Blue Card | Highly skilled non-EU professionals. | - University degree or equivalent qualifications. | 2 years, renewable |
Freelancer Visa | Non-EU self-employed individuals. | - Proof of sufficient income to support yourself. | Up to 2 years, renewable |
Seasonal Work Visa | Non-EU workers in agriculture, tourism, or hospitality. | - Signed employment contract for seasonal employment (e.g., agriculture, tourism). | Up to 6 months |
Intra-Company Transfer Visa | Non-EU employees transferred to a Greek branch. | - Proof of employment at a multinational company. | Up to 3 years, renewable |
Wages in Greece
Salaries in Greece are influenced by industry, experience, and location, with higher wages in major cities like Athens and Thessaloniki.
Average salary: The average gross monthly salary in Greece is around €1,300–€1,500. Salaries can vary depending on industry, experience, and location, with higher wages found in larger cities like Athens and Thessaloniki, especially in sectors like tech and finance.
Minimum wage: The minimum monthly wage for full-time employees is approximately €780 (net). This amount is periodically adjusted by the government based on economic conditions.
Bonus payments: Many Greek workers receive annual bonuses, particularly in sectors like public service and hospitality. These bonuses often include 13th and 14th-month payments, providing additional salary instalments in summer and Christmas.
Salary deductions: Employees’ salaries are subject to mandatory deductions, such as social security contributions, which support pensions, healthcare, and other benefits.
Skilled Professionals: For skilled professionals, wages vary by sector. In-demand fields like IT, finance, and engineering offer higher salaries, often exceeding €2,000–€3,000 per month.
To learn more about the Greece Golden Visa
Taxes in Greece
Taxes in Greece include income tax, social security contributions, and VAT. Employees and employers contribute to social security, and income tax is progressive. Businesses pay corporate tax, and there are deductions for individuals and freelancers. Taxes are usually deducted at source for employees, while others file annually.
Income tax taxes in Greece
Income Range | Tax Rate |
Up to €10,000 | 0% |
€10,001 to €20,000 | 9% |
€20,001 to €30,000 | 22% |
€30,001 to €40,000 | 28% |
€40,001 to €65,000 | 36% |
Over €65,000 | 44% |
Other taxes
Tax Type | Details |
Social Security Contributions | Employees pay 16% of their salary, and employers contribute 24%. Covers pensions, healthcare, and social benefits. |
Value Added Tax (VAT) | Standard VAT is 24%, with reduced rates of 13% and 6% for essentials like food, books, and medicine. |
Corporate Tax | Businesses pay a 22% corporate tax, applicable to both local and foreign companies. |
Tax Deductions & Credits | Deductions are available for healthcare, mortgage interest, and dependents. Self-employed can deduct business expenses. |
Freelancer Taxation | Freelancers pay income tax at progressive rates and must contribute to social security (EFKA). |
Tax Filing and Deadlines
Tax Filing: Employees in Greece have their taxes deducted at source (pay-as-you-earn system). However, self-employed individuals, freelancers, and those with additional income must file an annual tax return. The tax year runs from January 1st to December 31st, and returns are generally due by June 30th of the following year.
Tax Benefits for Expats
Greece offers various incentives for expats, such as special tax rates for foreign pensioners and the Greece Flat Tax Regime, which can significantly reduce taxes on foreign income, making Greece an attractive destination for retirees and high-net-worth individuals.
Working Hours and Employment Rights in Greece
In Greece, labor laws regulate working hours and employment rights, though these can vary by sector and employment type.
Standard working hours: Full-time employees typically work 40 hours per week, spread over five days (Monday to Friday), with 8-hour workdays.
Overtime: Work beyond the 40-hour standard is considered overtime and is paid at a higher rate usually 1.25 times the hourly wage for the first two hours and 1.5 times for additional hours.
Flexible working hours: Flexible work arrangements, particularly in tech and remote roles, are becoming more common.
Shift work: In sectors like retail, healthcare, and hospitality, employees may work shifts, including evenings and weekends.
Lunch breaks and rest periods: Employees get a 30-minute to 1-hour lunch break. There must be a minimum of 11 hours of rest between two consecutive workdays.
Public holidays: Greece has several public holidays, and employees are generally entitled to a day off. If they work on these holidays, they are usually compensated extra.
Special regulations: Special regulations in Greece apply to sectors like retail and tourism, where extended hours are common during peak seasons, such as summer. Workers in these industries may need to work evenings, weekends, or public holidays. Hours can differ by region, especially in tourist areas, but all employers must comply with labor laws on overtime and breaks.
Language
Greek is the official language of Greece and is used in everyday life, government, and local businesses. English is commonly spoken in Athens and Thessaloniki, especially in business, tech, and tourism. Many professionals speak English, and international companies often use it as the main language. In tourism and customer service, English is needed to communicate with visitors. While knowing Greek is helpful, it’s not always necessary for jobs in global industries.
Aspect | Details |
Primary Language | Greek is the official language used in business and daily life. |
English Proficiency | Widely spoken in cities, tourism, and multinational companies. |
Business Language | English is common even in Greek companies, especially in global industries, but Greek helps with networking. |
Learning Greek | Improves career options and local integration. |
Regional Variations | Essential in rural areas where English is less common. |
The Best Sectors to Work in Greece
Greece has many job opportunities in different industries, making it a great place to work in Europe. The economy is growing, especially in areas like tourism, IT, and finance, which create jobs for both local and foreign workers. Here’s a table of the best sectors to work in Greece and the types of jobs available.
Sector | Why It's Great | Roles Available |
Tourism and Hospitality | Greece is a top global travel destination, offering many job opportunities in tourism. | Hotel management, tour guides, chefs, waitstaff, customer service |
Information Technology (IT) and Tech | Rapidly growing sector with demand for tech professionals in Athens and Thessaloniki. | Software developers, cybersecurity specialists, data scientists, IT consultants |
Healthcare | Strong healthcare system with high demand for medical professionals, especially with an aging population. | Doctors, nurses, pharmacists, medical researchers |
Shipping and Maritime | Greece has one of the largest merchant fleets in the world, providing jobs in shipping and logistics. | Ship captains, engineers, logistics managers, port operations staff |
Education and Language Services | Growing demand for educators and language specialists, particularly in English teaching. | English teachers, international school educators, tutors |
Agriculture and Food Production | Strong agricultural sector, producing high-quality products and increasing demand for sustainable farming. | Agricultural engineers, farm managers, food production specialists |
Finance and Banking | Opportunities in banking, investment management, and insurance, especially in Athens. | Accountants, financial analysts, banking professionals, investment advisors |
Real Estate and Construction | Property market growth creates demand for real estate and construction professionals. | Real estate agents, property managers, architects, construction project managers |
Renewable Energy | Growing investment in renewable energy, particularly solar and wind power. | Renewable energy engineers, environmental consultants, project managers |
Retail and E-commerce | E-commerce sector growth in Greece offers opportunities in sales and digital marketing. | Sales managers, e-commerce specialists, customer service representative |
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Frequently Asked Questions about Working in Greece
What are the working hours in Greece?
The typical full-time workweek is 40 hours, spread over five days, with 8-hour workdays. Overtime is paid at a higher rate, and flexible working hours are common in some sectors like tech.
Do I need to speak Greek to work in Greece?
While Greek is the official language, English is widely spoken in business, tech, and tourism sectors. Many international companies use English as the primary language, especially in larger cities like Athens and Thessaloniki.
What are the most common industries for jobs in Greece?
Key sectors include tourism, technology, shipping, and finance. These industries offer many job opportunities, especially in major cities and tourist regions.
What is the minimum wage in Greece?
The minimum wage for full-time employees is around €780 net per month. The government occasionally adjusts this based on economic factors.
Are there any taxes on income in Greece?
Yes, income tax in Greece is progressive, with rates increasing as income rises. There are also social security contributions, VAT, and corporate taxes for businesses.
What are the main work visa options for non-EU citizens?
Non-EU citizens can apply for a work visa with a job offer, the Greece Golden Visa for property investors, or the Greece Digital Nomad Visa for remote workers. Skilled workers may also qualify for the EU Blue Card.
Do workers in Greece receive bonuses?
Yes, many employees receive annual bonuses, including 13th and 14th-month payments, especially in sectors like public service and hospitality. These bonuses are typically paid in summer and around Christmas.
