Work in Greece as a Foreigner

Looking for job opportunities for foreigners? Working in Greece is increasingly appealing as the country's economy rebounds, and its job market expands. This guide explores Greece jobs available to expats, covering booming sectors like tourism, technology, and healthcare. Learn about essential visa practicalities for both EU/EEA and non-EU nationals, alongside practical tips for those looking to relocate to Greece and secure employment in its vibrant cities like Athens and Thessaloniki

In-Demand Sectors & Cities

Tourism & Hospitality

This is Greece's largest industry. Hotels, resorts and cruise lines in Athens, Thessaloniki and the islands are constantly hiring. Roles range from front-desk and concierge to housekeeping and food service. For example, one report notes Greek hoteliers urgently need receptionists, waiters, cooks and even cleaners to handle 40 million annual visitors. In practice, foreigners often find entry as hotel receptionists, tour guides or restaurant staff. Housekeeping jobs in Athens and on the islands are especially common - many hotels recruit seasonal cleaning staff every spring. (Being bilingual is a plus - speaking English plus a European language like German or Dutch can set you apart in guest-facing roles.)

Technology & IT

Greece's tech sector is growing, especially in Athens and increasingly in Thessaloniki. Companies need software developers, IT support specialists, data analysts and cybersecurity experts. International startups and digital agencies also hire talent for e-commerce, AI and blockchain projects. Salaries here tend to be well above the Greek average (often €2,000-€3,000+ per month for experienced developers), reflecting the demand. Foreigners with skills in programming, network engineering or UX/UI design will find Greece welcoming, especially if they can work in English or have some Greek language ability.

Multilingual Service & Business Centers

Athens and Thessaloniki host many international call centers and BPO offices. These centers frequently recruit multilingual staff: fluency in German, French, Dutch or Nordic languages (plus English) is highly prized. Customer service and technical support roles are often advertised to foreign speakers, and many positions come with training and benefits. Sales, marketing and finance roles in global companies also value foreign candidates who can reach European markets. (For example, Greek firms expanding into Northern Europe hire digital marketers and sales reps who speak local languages.)

Healthcare & Social Care

Greece has a shortage of medical personnel. Hospitals and clinics in Athens and Thessaloniki recruit nurses, doctors and technicians, especially in public health and elder care. Likewise, private agencies look for carers and aides for Greece's aging population. These jobs usually require European qualifications and licensing; proficiency in Greek is often required or highly recommended. Still, shortages mean openings exist - for instance, registered nurses from other EU countries sometimes get hired, particularly if they learn basic Greek medical terms.

Education & Language Teaching

Teaching English (or other languages) remains a popular option. Language schools, universities and private academies in Athens and Thessaloniki regularly hire TEFL- or CELTA-certified teachers. International schools (bilingual or IB programs) also have openings for foreign teachers in subjects like science or math. These positions often require specific credentials but not necessarily Greek language skills. Non-academic education roles (tutoring, corporate training) are other entry points for foreigners with teaching experience.

Shipping, Logistics & Trade

Thessaloniki's large port and Athens's Piraeus port make maritime jobs significant. The shipping and logistics sectors need professionals in cargo handling, supply-chain management, freight brokerage and vessel operations. Foreigners with maritime or international trade experience can find niche roles, though some jobs (especially at smaller firms) prefer Greek or other EU language skills. Otherwise, large port-related companies in Thessaloniki and Athens do hire English-speaking coordinators and sales staff, especially if you have technical or management skills.

Across these fields, Athens offers the broadest range of opportunities: tourism, education and multilingual business services dominate the market. Thessaloniki, Greece's second city, combines tourism with industry: it has a robust hospitality scene and Greece's second-largest economy. In Thessaloniki you'll also see foreign-friendly jobs at the university, in IT startups and in manufacturing. (For example, one guide notes many jobs in Thessaloniki for multilingual foreigners appear in hotels, restaurants and logistics firms.)

Salaries and Cost of Living

In general, Greek wages are lower than Western Europe's, but so are living costs. The minimum gross wage in Greece is currently about €830 per month (as of April 2024). Average gross salaries in the private sector hover around €1,300-1,500 monthly, though experienced or highly skilled roles often pay far more. In tech, finance or engineering jobs it's common to see €2,000-€3,000+ offers.

For a concrete example, an overview of Thessaloniki wages shows entry-level tourism jobs around €700-€1,200/month, while tech and logistics roles range roughly €1,200-€2,500. Athens salaries tend to be slightly higher than Thessaloniki's (reflecting the bigger market and higher expenses). As one career guide notes, foreign professionals in Athens might find chef or manager roles paying near €1,200-€1,500 and developer roles from €2,000 upwards. Remember these figures are gross - expect 15–20% to go to taxes and social security.

To get a clearer idea of what to expect for your role, use our completely free AI-powered salary checker to compare offers with real market data in Greece. This helps you avoid undervaluing your skills and keeps your expectations grounded in actual trends.

On the flip side, living in Greece is relatively affordable. Eurostat data put Greece's overall price level about 12% below the EU average. A survey highlights that Athens has a much lower cost of living than cities like Paris or London. Rent and groceries are key savings: a one-bedroom apartment outside central Athens might run €400-€600 per month, versus €800+ in the core. Public transport and utilities are cheaper than many EU countries. Another expat resource emphasizes "lower rent, food and transportation costs, especially outside of Athens." In practice, on a modest salary you can live comfortably here. Many workers also benefit from 13th- and 14th-month bonuses (extra paychecks in summer and at Christmas).

Keep in mind that entry-level jobs (like housekeeping or junior clerical roles) often pay just above minimum, whereas experienced positions pay more. Use a salary checker tool to verify any offer against local data before you commit. This ensures your expectations match Greek norms (for example, you'll know if €1,200 is a good offer for a given job here).

Challenges for Foreign Jobseekers

Working in Greece as a foreigner can be rewarding, but it also has hurdles. The bureaucracy is famously slow and complex. Visa and permit applications often involve extensive paperwork and can take months. Each year's new regulations and quotas can add uncertainty. Local business culture may rely on personal connections more than formal applications: "many job opportunities arise through personal connections" in cities like Athens. This means simply applying online may not be enough; a local network is a big help.

Language is another barrier. Although tourism and international companies use English daily, many Greeks expect at least some knowledge of Greek in the workplace. In fact, one guide warns that "fluency in Greek is often required" for jobs outside tourist roles. Customer-facing and technical jobs may get by with English, but internal meetings, documentation and daily life are in Greek. Learning basic Greek phrases will go a long way.

Practical challenges also include occasional labor strikes and holidays, which can disrupt schedules. Finally, keep in mind seasonality: many hospitality jobs are high in summer and nonexistent in winter. (A Greek tourism official notes that after the season ends, workers have only three months of unemployment benefits - so plan accordingly.)

Despite these issues, foreigners with in-demand skills or languages generally find Greece welcoming. Employers actively recruit abroad (some companies even run hiring fairs in other EU countries), especially for roles locals don't fill. The key is to understand the market and prepare well.

Tips to Improve Your Job Chances

Customize Your Resume

Tailor your CV to each role and the Greek market. Highlight relevant skills (like foreign languages, international experience, or hospitality training). Tools like an AI-powered resume builder can polish your resume format and wording. Emphasize any EU qualifications or licenses you have. Including a professional photo (common in Greece) and all education credentials will make your application stronger.

Know the Salary Norms

Before accepting any offer, use a salary checker tool to compare the pay against local ranges. Ask about benefits too: many full-time jobs come with 13th/14th-month bonuses and health insurance. Understanding typical compensation helps you negotiate fairly and avoid under- or over- estimating your value.

Apply Early and Widely

In tourism and education, recruitment often happens months in advance. If you're aiming for a summer hotel job or an academic year, start applications 3–6 months beforehand. Likewise, apply as soon as roles are posted and be prepared for remote interviews (Skype/Zoom) if you're still abroad. Keep copies of essential documents (degrees, work references, ID) ready to speed up visa processing.

Network Locally

Connections matter a lot in Greece. Attend industry meet-ups or expat gatherings, and let friends or colleagues know you're job-hunting. Greek companies may trust referrals from known contacts more than blind applications. Even joining local Facebook or LinkedIn groups for expats in Athens/Thessaloniki can alert you to openings.

Learn Some Greek

Even basic Greek phrases show respect and can give you an edge. Studying enough to understand common workplace terms or social niceties will help in interviews and on-the-job. Many hiring managers appreciate the effort and it signals you're serious about integrating. (At minimum, use Google Translate or language apps to read job postings in Greek so you don't miss opportunities.)

Leverage Dr. Job

Use Dr. Job’s Auto Apply feature to send multiple applications quickly without repeating the same steps. Just upload your cv and fill in what you want, and the auto apply tool will find the best 10 job matches in 48 hours. You can also set keyword alerts like “Athens foreigner” or “Thessaloniki English” so new listings land in your inbox. Track everything in one place from your Dr. Job dashboard applications, interviews, and follow-ups.

With realistic expectations and smart preparation, finding work in Greece is definitely within reach. The combination of in-demand sectors, growing multinationals, and an improving economy means opportunities are out there. Apply early, build local connections, and be ready to navigate the visa rules. In the end, Greece's quality of life - sunny weather, rich culture and friendly people - can make the effort well worth it for a foreigner willing to take the plunge.

FAQ: Jobs in Greece for Foreigners

Q: Can foreigners easily find work in Greece?
A: Yes, especially in sectors like tourism, tech, customer service, and education. English-speaking roles are common in Athens and Thessaloniki.

Q: Do I need a visa to work in Greece?
A: If you're from the EU/EEA, no. If you're from outside the EU, yes, you’ll need a work visa sponsored by an employer.

Q: What jobs are most in demand for foreigners?
A: Remote IT jobs, English-speaking customer support, hospitality roles, and skilled tech positions like developers and engineers.

Q: How do I apply for jobs in Greece online?
A: Use trusted platforms like Dr. Job to search, set alerts, and apply using features like Auto Apply and smart CV tools.

Q: What's the average salary in Greece?
A: It ranges from €800 for entry-level roles to €2,500+ for skilled professionals. Use the free Dr. Job Salary Checker to get accurate estimates.

Written by Suleiman Alnsour, job market strategist at Dr. Job, with deep insight into European hiring trends for international talent.