Work in Greece: prospects and opportunities

Do we need to be in Greece?

The question of earning income in Greece is not straightforward. The country experienced a debt crisis in 2010, which still affects the state of the Greek economy. Many businesses closed, and the unemployment rate reached 26% in 2015. However, according to the Hellenic Statistical Authority (ELSTAT), the unemployment rate had decreased to 18.6% by October 2018. Experts from the Hellenic Federation of Enterprises (SEV) attribute this to the creation of low-paying jobs.

Labor market

Foreign job seekers can find opportunities in Greece if they do not apply for managerial positions and are willing to take seasonal jobs or possess high qualifications that are valuable to Greek employers.

Tourism

Tourism is a key sector of the Greek economy, accounting for about 25% of GDP. In 2018, around 30 million tourists visited Greece, and about 15% of workers in this sector are foreigners.

Agriculture

Agriculture is considered an important sector for Greece, contributing about 7% to the GDP. It employs around 12% of the total workforce, including foreigners.

Industry

The industrial sectors include light industry, food industry, metallurgy, machine engineering, petrochemicals, and woodworking industry.

Shipping

Shipping plays an important role in the Greek economy, accounting for about 20% of GDP. Greece controls a significant share of the world's fleet, including tankers, cargo ships, chemical carriers, and more.

Requirements for foreigners

In order to work in Greece, foreigners need to have a residence permit, a work permit, and a Greek visa of category D.

Key factors for successful operation in the tourism industry

To be effective in the tourism sector, knowledge of several languages is required. For example, a hotel administrator should be proficient in English, Greek, and possibly Russian. At the same time, housekeepers only need a basic level of language proficiency.

Features of various professions in the tourism industry

When looking for a job as a tour guide, knowledge of English and Greek may not be necessary if you plan to work with Russian-speaking groups. Documented proof of qualifications plays an important role, and physical fitness can also be a key factor in employment.

Career development and job search in the tourism industry

Online portals offer a wide range of job vacancies in various fields. For example, Mycarriera provides job opportunities not only in Athens but also in other cities in Greece, covering areas from IT to construction. For those dreaming of working abroad, the portal Work.com offers numerous job vacancies in the Greek labor market, as well as useful tips for employment and career growth.

• Knowledge of languages, documented proof of qualifications, and physical fitness are key factors for employment in the tourism industry.

Finding a job in Greece: Useful tips

Today we want to share unique tips on how to find a job in Greece. There are many ways to start your job search in this country. One such method is using the largest international recruiting social network, which has a huge number of users from all over the world. This is a great opportunity to look for job openings in various fields and from different countries.

There is also an outstanding recruitment agency in the Greek labor market that has been operating for a long time. It offers a wide range of job vacancies and organizes meetings for young professionals with representatives from businesses and educational institutions.

Search through specialized websites

Another effective method is job searching through specialized websites that feature numerous job vacancies in the European labor market, including positions in Greece. These resources also provide information about internships abroad for students and graduates. They serve as an essential bridge between employers and job seekers.

Use of social networks

An additional innovative approach involves the use of social networks, where groups dedicated to job searching in Greece have been created. In these communities, one can find job postings and join discussions.

Internship for students and graduates

If you are a student or have recently graduated, an internship can be a great way to kickstart your career in Greece. The legal stay of foreigners in the country can last from six months to two years through internship or grant programs. This is a wonderful opportunity to immerse yourself in local life and get to know the culture and traditions of Greece.

Volunteering

There are many ways to succeed in the job search in Greece, and each has its own features and advantages. The key is not to settle for one option and to explore all possibilities to achieve your goal.

For those seeking a job

They offer various formats of cooperation, but mostly they involve free accommodation and meals in exchange for work. For example, this could be work on farms, as a tutor, nanny, or even a dog sitter. In any case, the terms are discussed in advance.

The employment mechanism in Greece

1. Job search from an officially registered company in Greece or from an employer who is legally residing in the country.

2. Signing the employment contract.

3. Obtaining a work permit from the employment service.

4. Obtaining a long-term work visa at the Greek consulate.

5. Obtaining a residence permit.

Legal employment in Greece is only possible with a work permit and a long-term national visa.

Job search in Greece

According to Greek legislation, citizens of the country and EU member states are given priority for any job vacancy. If none of the applicants are suitable for the employer, they can submit a request to hire a foreigner to the Ministry of Labor.

Real estate in Greece

Examples of real estate:

• House in Thessaloniki, Greece- Area of 400 sq.m. A 3-story cottage is for sale, featuring one bedroom, a living room, a kitchen, a bathroom, and storage rooms on the first floor; a living room, kitchen, and bathroom on the second floor; and 3 bedrooms, a bathroom, and a storage room on the third floor. The windows offer a magnificent view. Price: €900,000.
• House in Sithonia, Greece- Area of 220 sq.m. A 2-story cottage is for sale with 3 bedrooms, a living room with a kitchen, a kitchen, and 2 shower rooms on the second floor, as well as a storage room on the first floor. The windows offer a view of the sea and mountains. The property features a fireplace, air conditioning, awnings, a barbecue area, and heating. Price: €600,000.
• Villa in Loutraki, Greece- Area of 390 sq.m. Private house on a plot of 500 sq.m. with a first floor of 125 sq.m., a second floor of 125 sq.m., and a basement of 140 sq.m. The windows offer a view of the sea. Schools and a market are nearby. It is possible to divide it into three apartments. The distance to the sea is 1.5 km. Price: €240,000.
• Villa in Chania, Greece- Area of 450 sq.m. A 3-story villa with an area of 450 sq.m. is for sale on the island of Crete. Price: €1,100,000.

Sale of a luxurious 4-story villa in Nea Makri, Greece

We offer a luxurious 4-story villa for sale, covering an area of 550 sq.m, located in the picturesque town of Nea Makri, Greece. The first floor features a spacious living room and a cozy storage room, while the basement has another storage area. The second floor impresses with its variety: here you will find 3 cozy bedrooms designed in a modern style, a living room, a fully equipped kitchen, a bathroom, a shower, and another storage room. The windows offer a magnificent view of the sea and mountains.

Apartment in Thessaloniki with an area of 1420 sq.m

In addition, we have another house in Thessaloniki - an apartment with an area of 1420 sq.m, which is being sold with all the necessary furniture.

Cozy apartment in Athens with an area of 104 sq.m

We also have a cozy apartment in Athens, with an area of 104 sq.m. This property on the third floor offers 3 bedrooms, a living room with a kitchen, a bathroom, a shower room, and a spacious view of the sea and the city. The apartment is equipped with solar panels, a fireplace, air conditioning, awnings, a barbecue area, and a heating system.

1-story cottage in Thessaloniki with an area of 195 sq.m

If you prefer a country house, we offer a cozy single-story cottage in Thessaloniki for sale. This cottage, with an area of 195 sq.m, is equipped with everything necessary for comfortable living and is sold with furniture. The property also has an alarm system, a parking space, and a garden.

1-story cottage in Athens with an area of 150 sq.m

There is also a single-story cottage available in Athens with an area of 150 sq.m. This cottage is equipped with two bedrooms, a living room with a kitchen, a bathroom, a shower, and all the amenities for comfortable living. The windows offer a magnificent view of the mountains and the forest.

Cozy 3-story villa on the island of Crete

Don't miss the opportunity to own a cozy 3-story villa on the island of Crete. The basement level of the villa includes a cozy living room, a bathroom, and two storage rooms, perfect for keeping your family treasures. All our properties offer amenities and comfort so you can enjoy life in Greece.

Here are several properties for sale in Greece from different developers. The first property is a 150 sq.m. apartment in Thessaloniki on the second floor. It has two bedrooms, two living rooms with a kitchen, one bathroom, one shower room, and a storage room. This apartment is already being sold with furniture, as well as heating equipment. The building has an elevator and a parking space for a car. The windows offer a view of the sea and the city. The price of this property is €270,000.

Second object

The second property is a standalone house for sale in Thessaloniki, with an area of 350 sq.m. located in the Nikopoli area. It consists of a basement with an area of 25 sq.m., as well as three two-bedroom apartments on each floor (first, second, and third). Each apartment has an area of 84 sq.m. The building also has another one-bedroom apartment with an area of 47 sq.m. The price of the property is €200,000.

Third object

The third property is a maisonette in Peania, which is located 77 km from Thessaloniki. This property is on the third floor and consists of two bedrooms, a living room with a kitchen, one bathroom, and one toilet. The windows offer a view of the city. This property is also already equipped with heating, as well as having an elevator and a parking space for a car. The price of the property is €385,000.

Fourth object

The fourth property is an apartment in Thessaloniki on the first floor, located in Charilaou. It has an area of 58 sq.m. and includes one bedroom, a living room combined with a kitchen, as well as a bathroom. This apartment is already fully furnished and equipped with household appliances. The price of the property is €144,000.

Fifth object

The fifth property is a maisonette in Nea Smyrni with an area of 113 sq.m. It occupies the first and second floors and consists of three bedrooms, one kitchen, one bathroom, and one toilet.

Stylish housing in the Agia Paraskevi area

Certified α+ class buildings in the Agia Paraskevi area of Greece offer unique opportunities for comfortable and stylish living. The interior and exterior lighting, private pool, and high energy efficiency make these properties particularly attractive. The area is known for its beauty and coziness, making it a desirable place to live.

Various housing options

Housing options in this area are represented by a variety of properties: maisonettes in Athens, houses on the Olympic Riviera, and apartments in Thessaloniki. For example, the company Glyfada Golf Properties IKE offers a stylish maisonette in Athens with an area of 20 square meters, which is currently under construction. This property includes a spacious living room with a kitchen, one shower room, air conditioning, and a heating system.

• Grekodom Development A.E presents a three-story house in Pieria with an area of 360 sq.m on the Olympic Riviera. This cottage features various rooms, including bedrooms, living rooms, kitchens, and bathrooms, providing comfortable living for a large family. Located in a picturesque area, the house offers a unique opportunity to enjoy the surrounding nature.
• Mercury Group offers an apartment in Thessaloniki with an area of 50 sq.m, located on the second floor. This apartment consists of a bedroom, a living room with a kitchen, and a shower room, and is equipped with air conditioning and a heating system. It is sold with furniture and has an elevator in the building, ensuring comfort and convenience for residents.

Obtaining a work permit in Greece

Foreign workers wishing to work in Greece must obtain a work permit. The employer must contact the employment service to obtain the necessary documents. The final decision on the issuance of the work permit is made by the employment department of the Greek prefecture. The employer is required to provide a written commitment to employ the foreigner, a guarantee letter for an amount equal to three months' salary, and other necessary documents.

Set of documents for applying for a work visa in Greece

To apply for a work visa in Greece, a set of documents is required. This set must include:

• The completed and signed questionnaireprovided by the applicant.
• Valid foreign passportwhich must be valid for at least three months after the requested visa expires.
• Copies of all pages with marksmade on a foreign passport, as well as a copy of the internal passport.
• Two color photographs.
• Valid visaif applicable.
• Certificate of no criminal record.
• Health insurance and a medical certificate confirming the absence of infectious diseases.

The process of submitting documents and translation into Greek.

After gathering all the necessary documents, they must be submitted to the nearest representation of Greece: the main consulate in Moscow, St. Petersburg, or Novorossiysk, depending on the applicant's place of residence. It is very important to...

Equality in the workplace

In Greece, it is important to uphold the principle of equality among all workers, including migrant laborers, to ensure a favorable working atmosphere. Here, everyone, regardless of gender, nationality, religion, or financial status, is given equal opportunities. Foreign citizens also have access to basic education in the country.

Support for international students and workers

For foreigners wishing to delve into issues of admission, education, and employment, there are supportive resources available. After living in Greece for seven years, non-residents and their families can apply for Greek citizenship. This opens access to free healthcare, unemployment benefits, pensions, and consumer loans.

In-demand professions

Currently, various professions are in demand in Greece, including:

• tourism (administrators, animators, tour guides, travel agents, chefs)
• service (housekeepers, maids, caregivers for children and the elderly, waiters, bartenders, shop assistants)
• construction (movers, carpenters, bricklayers, welders, concrete workers, electricians, mechanics, plumbers)
• agriculture (harvesters, agronomists, irrigation technicians, farmers)

Due to the economic crisis, some specialists, including doctors, pharmacists, teachers, accountants, and systems analysts, have been leaving Greece, which has led to a shortage of highly qualified personnel. Many international companies in the country are constantly offering job vacancies in the local labor market.

Salary in Greece

Salaries in Greece vary depending on the profession.

Currently, the minimum monthly wage is 758 euros, and the annual income is 9.1 thousand euros. However, many specialists earn below this amount. The average salary in the country is just over 1.0 thousand euros before taxes. Specialists earn an average of about 1.5 thousand euros, while unskilled workers earn around 715 euros.

Some categories of workers, including local officials, have significantly higher incomes. Civil servants earn between 1,000 to 2,000 euros, while top managers in large companies can earn between 3,000 to 10,000 euros per month.

Earnings in various fields

The earnings of medical professionals in regular clinics can reach €2,000 per month, while young specialists earn around €1,000. Lawyers earn between €1,500 and €3,000 depending on their work experience. School teachers can earn up to €1,000, while salespeople usually make no more than €700. Judges in Greece earn between €1,500 and €4,000 each month, and lawyers around €2,000. Foreign workers in the tourism and agriculture sectors can expect to earn about €600.

Real estate in Greece

The real estate market in Greece offers a variety of options. For example, in Athens, there is a commercial property for sale with an area of 4500 m² in the Alimos area. The building is leased to a well-known toy store. Another option is a 964 m² property in the village of Villa, located 50 km from Athens. This is a two-story building with 30 rooms.

Offers in Thessaloniki

There are also interesting offers in Thessaloniki. For example, a commercial property of 800 m² is for sale for €1.2 million. Another building with a total area of 740 m² is available for €750,000. It consists of offices and storage spaces. The extension of the building has a plot of land of 4,000 m².

These and other real estate properties are featured in the portfolio of Mercury Group.

Commercial real estate in different cities of Greece

Located in Loutra Oreas Elenis (Corinthia) in Eastern Peloponnese, this area is steeped in unique history. According to legend, the gods, struck by the beauty of the Queen of Sparta - Helen, bestowed special blessings upon the locals. The large company Mercury Group offers a wide selection of commercial real estate in several well-known cities in Greece.

Real estate in Athens

In the heart of Athens, there is a building for sale with an area of 692 sq.m. in the Omonia area. It is located near the metro, the National Archaeological Museum, and other attractions. This building consists of two apartments and is available for a price of €800,000. Another building with a total area of 250 sq.m. with two apartments is located in an area with developed infrastructure and is offered for €850,000.

Real estate on the Dodecanese Islands

In the Dodecanese Islands in Uranupoli, Halkidiki, there is a commercial space for sale on the first beachfront line with an area of 120 sq.m. The café-bar located inside the building generates stable profits year-round. In Thessaloniki, you can purchase a commercial space of 160 sq.m. with an equipped barbecue area and parking. There is also an option to rent a parking space.

Real estate in Thessaloniki

Commercial space of 320 sq.m. in the center of Thessaloniki, in the Paleo Faliro area, and a hotel with a total area of 4458 sq.m., located near the train station, are also available for purchase. A large parking area and convenient location make them attractive to potential investors.

A partially built complex is for sale.

The total area of the unfinished complex is 200 square meters, located on a plot of land measuring 2,280 square meters, just 60 meters from the sandy beach. This is a great opportunity for those dreaming of starting their own business in the tourist zone of Greece. The first and basement floors of the building feature four apartments with sea views, and the basement area of 100 square meters can be developed for additional purposes or used for storage. The unfinished complex can be utilized for a café, a mini-hotel, or a shop.

Three-story building in Pieria

When considering investments in commercial real estate, it is recommended to pay attention to a three-story building in Pieria with a total area of 480 square meters. The first floor of the building houses two rented shops, while the second and third floors contain six apartments that are under construction. Due to the building's corner location, there is a great view of the sea and mountains. This property is attractive to potential tenants or buyers.

A business with an area of 426 square meters on the Olympic Riviera

Another investment option is a business with an area of 426 square meters on the Olympic Riviera. It includes 12 fully furnished apartments ready for occupancy. Additional amenities, such as solar panels for hot water and air conditioning, make this offer attractive to tourists.

Restaurant and café-bar in Olympic Riviera

A functioning restaurant and café-bar are for sale on the first coastline in Olympic Riviera, covering a total area of 141 square meters. A huge plot of land, spanning 4212 square meters, offers great opportunities for business development. The prime location attracts many tourists and regular customers.

Commercial space on the Olympic Riviera

If you are looking for an investment property in commercial real estate, consider a building with a total area of 440 square meters on the central street of the resort village of the Olympic Riviera. This convenient location attracts a large number of visitors throughout the resort season and is perfect for setting up a store or a food service establishment.

Greece is an excellent area for investing in commercial real estate. This country allows for good profits from real estate investments. Experts recommend carefully studying the tax regulations to avoid legal issues. The calculation of profits and taxes should be carefully and accurately considered.

I can say that, despite the challenges, Greece still offers a number of prospects and opportunities for foreign job seekers. The sectors of tourism, agriculture, industry, and shipping in the country are well-developed and in need of labor. Tourism plays a key role in the Greek economy, with foreign workers making up a significant portion. Agriculture also provides opportunities for foreign workers, especially in the fields of crop production and livestock. Industry and shipping also offer vacancies for foreign specialists.

Requirements for foreign workers include having a work permit, language proficiency, and proof of qualifications. For example, knowledge of English and Greek is often necessary for jobs in the tourism sector. Physical requirements can also play a role when looking for work in tourism or agriculture.

Job search

Job searches can be conducted through specialized online portals that feature various job openings from employers in different cities across Greece. It's also important to remember that Greece offers opportunities for labor migration for foreign workers who can contribute to the country's economic development.

The main areas of development in Greece

• Tourism is one of the key sectors of the economy, accounting for about 25% of GDP annually.
• Agriculture is a sector that contributes about 7% of GDP. Greece grows olives, grapes, peaches, melons, tomatoes, oranges, cotton, and more.
• The industry is well-developed in light and food production, as well as metallurgy, machine engineering, petrochemicals, and woodworking.
• Shipping is the largest sector of the national economy, which controls a significant portion of tankers, cargo ships, chemical transport, and other types of maritime shipping.

It can be concluded that Greece offers opportunities for foreign workers, especially in the fields of tourism, agriculture, industry, and shipping. Although there are requirements for work permits and language proficiency, these barriers can be overcome. Job searches can be conducted on specialized online portals that feature various job options. Greece provides prospects for labor migration and contributions to the development of the country's economy.