Work & Business Guide
Job market, business opportunities, and work permits for expats in Greece
Employment Rate
64.5%Moderate employment rate with ongoing growth of 0.4-0.6% in 2026, unemployment at decade lows. Structural challenges persist in youth, women participation, and skill gaps, but tourism, construction, and EU-funded projects drive job creation.
Startup Ecosystem
58.0%Growing startup ecosystem bolstered by government reforms cutting red tape, EU RRF digitalization funds, and innovation incentives. Athens emerging as tech hub with VC presence; success in fintech and tourism tech, though limited unicorns and funding compared to top EU peers.
Average Salary Range
€12,000 - €30,000 annually
Average salaries €12k-30k annually, with minimum wage rising to €880 in 2025 and €950 targeted in 2027. Higher in tech/shipping (€25k-50k); purchasing power moderate due to regional variations, lower Athens costs post-reforms, but tax cuts boost net income.
Work Visa Requirements
EU citizens enjoy full freedom of movement and right to work in Greece without visa or permit.
Non-EU need work visa or permit; EU Blue Card for skilled workers (salary threshold ~€1.5x average). Digital nomad visa available for remote workers earning min €3,500/month.
Streamlined processes via Enter Greece platform; work permits tied to job offer, 1-2 month timelines. Special programs for investors, startups, and highly skilled; RRF reforms ease bureaucracy for 2024-2026.
Business Registration
3-7 business days
€0
Fully digital via GEMI portal for IKE/Ltd (no min capital required). Steps: notary deed, tax registration, social security. Reforms reduced red tape; Ease of Doing Business improved, investment-grade rating attracts FDI.
Remote Work Policies
Remote work regulated by Law 4808/2021; voluntary agreement required, employer covers extra costs.
High post-pandemic adoption, especially in tech/services; hybrid common. Digital nomad visa supports remote workers. Abundant co-working in Athens/Thessaloniki; EU funds boost digital infrastructure.
Key Industries
Job Opportunities by Sector
Strong demand for hospitality staff, guides, managers amid record 2026 tourism. Seasonal coastal jobs; multilingual skills key. Salaries €15k-25k, growth via EU-funded upgrades.
Boom from RRF €36B investments in infrastructure; engineers, laborers needed. 16.4 business expectation index; salaries €18k-35k, strong job security.
Expanding solar/wind projects via EU funds; technicians, engineers in demand. Energy hub role creates long-term roles, salaries €20k-40k.
Athens hubs seek developers, data analysts; digitization reforms fuel growth. Skill mismatches but training programs emerging; salaries €25k-50k+.
World-leading fleet needs logistics, maritime pros. High demand in Piraeus; competitive salaries €30k-60k, career progression.
Aging population drives nurse/doctor needs; private sector growth. Good balance, salaries €20k-40k.
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