If you’ve ever dreamed of working in a country filled with historic wonders, stunning coastlines, and Mediterranean charm, Greece might be the opportunity you’ve been waiting for. The country is currently grappling with a major labour shortage, and in 2025, it needs 360,000 foreign workers across various sectors.
Despite government initiatives, only about 90,000 foreign workers have entered the country so far, meeting just 25% of this year’s total labour demand. This leaves a significant gap, particularly in industries that are the backbone of Greece’s economy, such as tourism, agriculture, construction, and healthcare.
The following sectors are actively recruiting international workers:
Tourism, which contributes about 10% to Greece’s GDP, remains the top priority for hiring international staff.
To address the growing labour needs, the Greek government has taken several steps:
Between 2023 and 2024, Greece allocated over 180,000 jobs for foreigners, covering everything from factory workers to caregivers.
In addition, the food and manufacturing sectors are expected to welcome at least 3,000 more workers.
If you are considering employment in Greece, here are the steps to follow:
Use official and private platforms such as:
Recruitment agencies in Greece that work with international applicants can also be helpful.
Focus on:
A valid employment offer from a Greek employer is necessary. In most cases, the employer initiates the work permit process.
Once you receive a job offer, apply for a long-stay (D-type) visa through the Greek embassy in your country.
Upon arrival, register with local Greek authorities to receive your residency permit for work.
No permit is required; just residency registration after arrival.
Short-term permit valid for up to 6 months, popular in agriculture and tourism.
For those with a confirmed job offer. Best suited for long-term roles.
Ideal for professionals such as engineers, IT specialists, and doctors. Requires a university degree or five years of experience and a minimum salary threshold.
Whether you’re looking for seasonal work or aiming to build a long-term career in Europe, Greece offers a promising opportunity in 2025 for job seekers ready to relocate and contribute across vital sectors of the economy.