Greece, as a member of the European Union, is a promising country for employment of expats. In particular, in 2024, the country needs IT specialists, as well as workers in the tourism and agriculture sectors. Find out how to get a work visa to Greece and what employment conditions in the country are relevant in 2024

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Greece attracts expats even despite the difficulties observed in the country's economy in the last few years. The ideal balance between work and personal life, as well as the prospects that are open to foreigners, contribute to moving here. Find out which documents are required to work in Greece and which vacancies are promising in 2024.

What documents must a foreigner have for employment in Greece?

The package of documents that a foreigner will need to work in Greece depends on the expat's citizenship.

- Citizens of EU countries

Greece is a popular destination for EU citizens looking for work opportunities in a new country. The main documents you will need as an EU citizen to legally work in Greece are:

1. Valid ID or passport: As an EU citizen, you do not need a visa to work in Greece. However, you will need a valid passport or ID to enter the country, register and obtain a tax number.

2. Tax Number (AFM): To legally work in Greece, you must obtain a Tax Number (AFM) from the Tax Office (DOY) of your place of residence. You will need to provide your passport or identity card as well as proof of your address in Greece (such as a rental agreement or utility bill).

3. Social Insurance Number (AMKA): In addition to your tax number, you will also need to obtain a Social Insurance Number (AMKA) from the Social Security Office (IKA). This number is required to access the Greek healthcare system and receive social security benefits.

4. Residence permit: Although EU citizens do not need to obtain a residence permit to work in Greece, you will need to register with the local police department (Foreigners Bureau) within three months of arrival. For this, you will need a certificate of employment, a lease agreement and other relevant documents.

- Citizens of the rest of the world

Representatives of the rest of the world will need to obtain a work visa to work in Greece before moving.

Greece has two main categories of work visas – short-term “C” visas and long-term “D” visas.

1. Short-term visas allow people to transit through or stay in the Schengen area for up to 90 days continuously or 90 days that are counted in stages over a 180-day period. This type of permit is best suited for attending business conferences, meetings, signing contracts or seasonal work in Greece.

2. Long-term visa - it is given to people who plan to work in Greece for a long time. It is this permit that will allow you to enter Greece and apply for a residence permit. Work visas of this category have a maximum validity of one year. Anyone holding a D visa must apply for a residence permit within 30 days of entering the country.

Read about the advantages and disadvantages of living in Greece in 2024 in this article.

Requirements for obtaining a Greek work visa

To obtain a work permit in Greece, an expat must prepare the following package of documents:

1. A completed application form for a type D work visa in English or Greek.

2. International passport with at least 2 blank pages and valid for at least 3 months after the D visa expires.

3. A recent color passport-size photograph not older than 6 months.

4. Medical travel insurance valid for the period of validity of the D visa.

5. Health certificate.

6. A copy of the applicant's criminal record.

The visa application must be submitted at the Embassy or Consulate of Greece in the country of residence.

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Work permit in Greece

After obtaining a work visa, workers must obtain a residence permit to work in Greece.

Employers must be locally licensed and registered to obtain a work permit on behalf of workers.

An employment-based residence permit includes the right to work, which means that workers need an employment residence permit after obtaining a long-term visa to legally live and work in the country

Work permits usually depend on employer, occupation and place of residence and are valid for 2 years, with each renewal valid for 3 years.

- How to apply for a work permit in Greece?

International workers can apply online for their first residence permit in Greece at portal.immigration.gov.gr. The work permit they need depends on the position they hold, and this may also affect how long the permit is valid. The main stages of registration include:

1. Obtain a tax number from the local tax inspectorate and a social insurance registration number (AMKA).

2. Fill out the residence permit form.

3. Provide a copy of the visa, passport, passport photo, health insurance certificate and health certificate from the state hospital.

4. Sign an employment contract with a Greek company and attach a certificate confirming that the employee has at least 5 years of relevant experience to work in Greece and approval of the labor market test.

5. Confirmation of local residential address, certificate of sufficient funds to support oneself and receipt of payment of the required fee.

After completing these steps, the employee will receive a blue form that acts as a receipt that the application is being processed. From this moment you can start working.

How to extend a work permit in Greece?

Workers will be required to renew their work permit at the local municipal or prefectural office at least 60 days before its expiration date. If the employee is a citizen of a third country, he can apply exclusively online for the extension of a residence permit or residence card. This requires a valid passport, photocopies of passport pages, a certified copy of the original work permit, a completed application form, and possibly other documents depending on the type of permit.

From September 2, 2024, Greece increased the minimum investment amounts under the Golden Visa program and is working on introducing new investment methods.

Where are expats working in Greece in 2024?

The labor market in Greece is as diverse as its ancient history. While sectors such as tourism and agriculture are booming, there are job opportunities in IT, finance and more. Here is a list of the top 10 jobs in Greece for foreigners:

1. Information technology (IT) specialists.

Currently, the IT sector in Greece is growing and has numerous opportunities for software developers, data scientists and cyber security professionals.

- Salary - from €30,000 to €70,000 depending on experience and complexity of work.

2. Medical workers

The healthcare sector is constantly in need of staff, including doctors, nurses and medical technicians.

- Salary: working in a national or regional office, employees can earn between €20,000 and €60,000 per year.

3. Workers in the field of tourism and hospitality

Tourism is one of the largest sectors of the Greek economy. There are open vacancies in the hospitality industry in the country, such as hotel staff, tour guides, restaurant workers, event coordinators, etc.

- Salary: from €15,000 to €35,000 per year.

4. Engineers

Demand for civil engineers, mechanics and electricians is growing in Greece, driven by infrastructure projects and the expansion of the renewable energy sector.

- Salary – from €25,000 to €60,000 per year.

5. Education workers

Due to the constant flow of expats and the increase in the quality of education, there is a great need for teachers specializing in foreign languages, mathematics, natural sciences and technology, as well as international baccalaureate programs.

- Salary – from €18,000 to €35,000 per year.

The country also needs marketing and sales specialists, finance and accounting experts, and construction workers.

Greece, as a member of the European Union, is an attractive destination for expat employment, so be sure to pay attention to this country when looking for a country to move to.

We will remind you! The shortage of agricultural workers is taking a toll on farmers and the Greek economy. Exporters are calling on the Greek authorities to ease requirements for hiring third-country nationals. We have already told how critical the labor shortage is and how the Greek authorities plan to solve the problem.

For a safe move to Greece, obtaining citizenship and employment, use the advice of an international lawyer.

We help to solve complex and simple issues for your comfort and safety in Greece.

Products from Visit World for a comfortable trip:

Checklist for obtaining a visa and necessary documents in Greece;

Legal advice on immigration to Greece;

Travel insurance for foreigners in Greece;

Medical insurance around the world.

We monitor the accuracy and relevance of our information, so if you notice any errors or inconsistencies, please contact our hotline.