Jobs in Greece for Foreigners – 2025 Work Visa, Salary & Hiring Guide

If you’re currently living in Saudi Arabia, the UAE, or anywhere in the Gulf, and you’re looking for job opportunities in Europe, Greece might just be your next big move. Known for its beautiful islands, rich history, and warm culture, Greece is now emerging as a popular destination for foreign workers looking for seasonal, skilled, and hospitality-related jobs.

In 2025, with Greece’s growing tourism and labor shortages in key industries, many companies are actively hiring international workers—some even offering visa sponsorship.

2. Why Work in Greece in 2025?

Here are a few reasons why Greece is a hot choice for foreign job seekers in 2025:

✅ Affordable cost of living compared to Western Europe
✅ Growing tourism means more jobs in hotels, restaurants, and travel agencies
✅ Demand for workers in farming, construction, and elderly care
✅ Work-life balance and relaxed Mediterranean lifestyle
✅ Residency pathways for long-term workers

Plus, if you’re looking for a way to enter the European job market, Greece offers a great entry point—with easier visa processing than countries like Germany or France.

3. Can Foreigners Get Jobs in Greece?

Yes, foreigners can absolutely work in Greece, provided they have the right documents. Citizens of non-EU countries like Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, the Philippines, or Egypt need to secure a work visa and residence permit before legally starting work in Greece.

Many employers in hospitality, agriculture, and construction are open to hiring non-EU workers to meet their seasonal or full-time labor demands.

Good news: The Greek government has introduced new policies in 2025 that make it easier for foreign nationals to obtain temporary work permits for jobs in key sectors.

4. Top Sectors Hiring International Workers

The following sectors are actively hiring foreign labor in Greece this year:

🏨 1. Hospitality & Tourism

• Hotel staff (cleaners, receptionists, waiters)

• Tour guides with multilingual skills

• Restaurant cooks and servers

• Cruise ship and resort workers

🌾 2. Agriculture & Farming

• Olive and grape picking

• Greenhouse workers

• Farm machinery operators

🏗️ 3. Construction & Skilled Trades

• Masons, plumbers, electricians

• Site workers and engineers

🧓 4. Elderly & Home Care

• Live-in caregivers

• Nursing assistants

• Housekeepers

💻 5. Tech & IT (Skilled)

• Software developers

• Network technicians

• Remote work opportunities

If you have experience in any of these sectors, Greece could be your gateway to Europe.

5. Greece Work Visa Process for Foreigners

To work in Greece legally, you’ll need a Type D National Visa (long-stay visa) and a work and residence permit. Here’s how the process works:

✍️ Step-by-Step Visa Process:

1. Get a Job Offer: A Greek employer must offer you a job contract.

2. Employer Applies for Approval: The employer submits a request to the Greek Ministry of Migration and Asylum.

3. Visa Issuance: Once approved, you apply for a Type D visa at the Greek consulate in your home country (e.g., Riyadh, Jeddah, Abu Dhabi).

4. Travel to Greece: Enter with your visa.

5. Apply for Residence Permit: Within 30 days, apply for your work permit in Greece.

📄 Required Documents:

• Valid passport

• Employment contract

• Proof of accommodation in Greece

• Medical insurance

• Background checks

Processing time usually takes 4–6 weeks, depending on the embassy and employer.

6. Average Salaries in Greece by Sector

Here’s a quick overview of what you can expect to earn in Greece in 2025:

Some employers also offer free accommodation and meals, which increases your savings.

7. Seasonal Jobs vs Permanent Jobs

⏳ Seasonal Jobs (3–9 months):

• Olive harvesting, hotel work, tourism

• Quick hiring, basic experience needed

• Easier visa approval

📆 Permanent Jobs (12+ months):

• Caregivers, skilled construction workers, chefs

• Requires long-term visa & contract

• Possibility of family reunification and residency

Many Saudi and Gulf residents prefer seasonal contracts first, then extend if the job and visa conditions allow.

8. Cities with the Most Job Opportunities

The best Greek cities to search for jobs in 2025 include:

🏙️ Athens – Tech jobs, hospitality, skilled labor
🏖️ Santorini & Mykonos – Seasonal hotel and tourism work
🏛️ Thessaloniki – Growing startup and services market
🌿 Crete – Farming and agricultural jobs
🌊 Rhodes – Cruise jobs and resort hiring

For English-speaking foreigners, tourist islands and hotels are especially welcoming.

9. How to Apply for Jobs in Greece from Saudi Arabia or UAE

If you’re serious about working in Greece in 2025, here’s how to begin:

🖥️ Step 1: Use Trusted Job Portals

• Workable.com (Used by Greek companies)

• EURES (EU job portal)

• XpatJobs.com

• Ergasia.gr (Greek job listings)

• LinkedIn (filter by location: Greece)

📧 Step 2: Create a European Format CV

Include your photo, languages, and prior experience.

📨 Step 3: Contact Greek Recruitment Agencies

Some agencies specialize in placing workers from Asia and the Middle East.

🛂 Step 4: Explore Visa & Work Permit Routes

Ask your employer if they offer sponsorship support. Many small-to-medium companies help if you’re experienced and available for seasonal roles.

10. Jobs in Greece for Foreigners

Working in Greece as a foreigner is no longer a far-fetched dream. In 2025, the country is opening its doors wider than ever before to international workers—especially in hospitality, agriculture, and construction.

If you’re from Saudi Arabia, UAE, or another Gulf country, this could be your chance to gain European work experience, earn in euros, and enjoy a beautiful Mediterranean lifestyle.

With modest visa requirements, growing demand for labor, and the potential for long-term residency, Greece stands out as one of the most accessible European job markets today.

✈️ Ready to Apply?

Start researching job listings today, prepare your documents, and make your move toward an exciting career in Greece.