Dreaming of a job with sunny beaches and a growing economy? Greece needs more workers right now. There are big shortages in many jobs. If you are from outside the EU (called Third-Country Nationals), you must know the rules for the Greece Work Visa. This is the first step to get your Residence Permit to work and live there.
This guide gives the newest 2025 updates. It helps you find Work Visa Sponsorship. It also explains the Single Permit. This permit lets you live and work in Greece.
Greece’s High-Demand Jobs: Where Foreign Talent is Needed
Greece is getting better after hard times. The services sector is growing fast. Places like Athens and Thessaloniki need help. They want skilled workers from other countries. Look for jobs in these areas. You will have better chances.
Top Sectors Facing Labour Shortages (2025)
| Sector | High-Demand Job Roles (LSI Keywords) | Economic Context |
|---|---|---|
| Tourism & Hospitality | Hotel Management, Chef, Seasonal Employment, Waitstaff, Tour Guide. | This is the main part of the Greek economy. They need staff for summer and all year for management. |
| Construction & Real Estate | Construction Workers, Civil Engineer, Plumbers, Electricians. | Big projects for buildings and roads. Real estate is growing. Needs are very high. |
| Information Technology (IT) / ICT | Software Developer, Data Analyst, Cybersecurity, FinTech, Digital Transformation. | New startups are coming up fast. They need IT experts to grow. |
| Shared Service Centers (SSC) / BPO | Multilingual Jobs, Customer Support, English-Speaking Jobs. | Big companies open offices here. They want people who speak many languages. |
These jobs are open because local people cannot fill them all. Foreign workers can help. Start your search online or with Greek companies. Many post jobs on sites like LinkedIn or Greek job boards. Learn some Greek words to stand out, but English is often enough in big cities.
The Single Permit: Your Key to Working in Greece
Greece uses one main paper for work and stay. It is called the Residence Permit for Employment. People also call it the Single Permit. It lets you live and work together. No need for two papers.
Secure a Job Offer and Sponsorship
Everything starts with a job. You need an employer in Greece to help you.
- Job Offer: Get a real job letter and contract from a Greek company. The pay must be at least the minimum wage. In 2025, it is about €830 gross per month. Gross means before taxes.
- Employer’s Role: The boss must prove no Greek or EU person can do the job. This is the Labour Market Test. The Public Employment Service (called OAED or DYPA) checks it. For jobs in high demand or with high skills, this test is easy or not needed.
- Initial Approval: Your employer asks the local office for pre-approval. This is the Decentralized Administration Authority. They say yes or no for your visa start.
Think about how to find a job. Use job websites. Contact companies directly. Go to job fairs online for Greece. Network with people who work there. A good CV helps. Show your skills and experience. If you speak English or other languages, say it. For IT or engineering, share your projects or certificates.
The employer does a lot of work. They post the job for some time. If no local applies, they can pick you. This takes weeks. Be patient. Once they get approval, you move to the next step.
Applying for the National Visa (Type D)
After the employer gets pre-approval, you apply for entry. You do this from your home country.
- National Visa (Type D) for Employment: This is a long visa. It lets you enter Greece. Apply at the Greek Embassy or Consulate near you.
- Required Documentation: Get all papers ready. It is important to do it right. Common papers are:
- The pre-approval letter from the Authority.
- Your signed work contract.
- Passport that is good for at least 1.5 years.
- Health insurance that covers you in Greece.
- Police paper showing no crime. From your home. It may need Apostille stamp.
- Proof of school or skills. Like degrees or work certificates.
Make copies of everything. Translate papers to Greek if needed. The embassy tells you exact rules. Book an appointment early. It can take time. Pay the visa fee. It is around €75, but check. Wait for decision. It may take 1-3 months. During this, stay in touch with your employer.
What if something is missing? They ask for more. Fix it fast. A clean record and good health help a lot.
The EU Blue Card: The Highly Qualified Route
If you have high skills, try the EU Blue Card. It is faster and better for future.
- Eligibility: You need a university degree. Or three years of work in the field, like IT. Contract must be six months or more.
- Minimum Salary Requirement: Pay must be high. About 1.6 times the average Greek salary. In past, it was €31,918 gross per year. It changes every year.
- Benefits: Bring family easy. Move to other EU countries later. Good for long stay.
The Blue Card is for experts. Like doctors, engineers, IT pros. If your job fits, ask employer to apply for this. It skips some tests. After two years, you can change jobs easier. Compare to normal permit. Blue Card needs higher pay but gives more rights. Think about your career. If you plan to stay long in EU, choose this.
Securing the Final Residence Permit
You enter Greece with Type D visa. Now finish the process.
- Authority: Go to the office soon. Usually in 30 days. Give fingerprints and photos. Office is Decentralized Administration or Ministry of Migration and Asylum (MMA).
- Final Permit: They check everything again. If ok, you get the Single Permit. Now you can work and live long term.
The permit is a card. It has your photo and details. Renew it before it ends. Usually every one or two years at first. After arrival, find a place to live. Get a tax number. Open bank account. Learn about Greek life. Join expat groups for help. What next? Work hard. Pay taxes. Follow rules. After five years, you may get permanent stay. Or citizenship later.
Tips for success: Start early. Save money for fees and travel. Learn basic Greek. It helps daily life. Stay healthy. Get vaccines if needed.
Common mistakes: Wrong papers. Late apply. Low salary offer. Avoid them. Check official sites often. Greece welcomes workers. Tourism needs seasonal help every summer. Construction has big projects from EU money. IT grows with new tech hubs. Shared services want English speakers for calls and support.
For families: Spouse and kids can come if you have permit. They get rights too. Kids go to school free.
Costs: Visa fee, insurance, travel. Employer may help with some.
2025 updates: Quotas may change. More jobs in green energy. Check MMA website.
Disclaimer:
This article is for informational and educational purposes only. Readers are advised to verify details from trusted sources, such as the official Ministry of Migration and Asylum (MMA) and the Greek Consular Authority, before making decisions regarding employment or migration.