Greece faces major labour shortage, opens 360,000 jobs to foreign workers
Greece is facing a critical labour shortage, needing 360,000 foreign workers to fill major sectors such as tourism, agriculture, healthcare, and construction.
With only 90,000 positions occupied so far, with just 25% of demand, Greece’s labour gap remains open, creating a significant opportunity for job seekers around the world to secure employment.
Despite government action, the country’s domestic workforce can’t meet demand, especially in industries like tourism, which accounts for 10% of the nation’s GDP.
Labour shortages have created an urgent need for both skilled and unskilled foreign talent.
To tackle the shortage, Greece has signed a landmark deal with India to bring in 50,000 workers by summer 2025, approved over 180,000 foreign job positions between 2023 and 2024, and expanded pathways for seasonal, dependent, and skilled work permits.
Top sectors hiring foreign workers
- Tourism & Hospitality: hotel staff, front desk agents, chefs, housekeepers
- Agriculture: farmhands, livestock workers, seasonal crop pickers
- Construction: masons, general laborers, machine operators
- Healthcare: elderly caregivers, nursing assistants
- Manufacturing: workers in cheese factories, olive oil mills, and food processing plants
How to apply for a job in Greece from abroad
Step 1: Secure a job offer
The first step is obtaining a job offer from a Greek employer. In most cases, the employer initiates the work permit application process.
Step 2: Apply for a Type D (Long-Stay) Visa
With a confirmed job offer, the next step is to apply for a Type D Work Visa at the Greek embassy or consulate in the applicant’s home country. This visa permits long-term stay in Greece for employment purposes.
Required Documents
- Valid passport
- Signed employment contract or official job offer
- Proof of accommodation in Greece
- Health insurance coverage
- Police clearance certificate
Step 3: Obtain a residence and work permit in Greece
Upon arrival in Greece, registration with the local municipal or immigration office is required. Following registration, a residence permit for work purposes must be obtained to live and work legally in the country.
Job Opportunities Breakdown
As of 2025, Greece has 89,290 approved job positions for foreign workers, distributed across key employment categories.
Seasonal roles make up the largest share with 45,670 positions (51.2%), followed by dependent employment at 41,670 roles (46.7%).
Highly skilled jobs make up 2,000 positions, representing just 2.1% of the total openings. About 3,000 more roles are also projected in the food and dairy production sectors, including factories and processing plants.
Work permit options
- EU/EEA/Swiss Citizens
No work permit required; only residency registration after arrival.
Valid for up to 6 months (renewable). Ideal for agriculture and tourism.
- Dependent Employment Permit
For long-term contracts: employer sponsorship → Type D visa → residence/work permit after arrival.
- Highly Skilled Work Permit (EU Blue Card)
For professionals (e.g., doctors, engineers, IT specialists) with a university degree or 5+ years’ experience. Requires meeting minimum salary thresholds and allows intra-EU mobility.
The country faces high demand for workers across multiple industries, creating job opportunities for foreign nationals.
With a significant labour shortage across key sectors, competition for jobs in Greece remains relatively low, giving foreign applicants a stronger chance of securing employment.
To meet urgent workforce demands, the government has streamlined visa procedures for high-demand roles, making it faster and easier for qualified candidates to obtain work authorization and begin their employment in the country.
