Seasonal work in Greece – how can you legally work in Greece during the season?

Greece has been facing a serious labor shortage in the tourism and hospitality sector in recent years. The pandemic has further exacerbated the situation as many seasonal workers from neighboring countries returned home during the lockdown and never came back. Today, despite expecting one of the best summer seasons, Greece lacks about 80,000 workers in hotels, restaurants, and bars.

The most sought-after positions are waiters, chefs, receptionists, maids, and lifeguards. In order to bridge this gap, the Greek government has legalized tens of thousands of migrants and signed bilateral agreements on seasonal work with countries such as Egypt, Bangladesh, and India. In northern Greece, numerous asylum seekers are being trained to work in tourism in cooperation with non-governmental organizations, and job fairs (e.g. in Thessaloniki) are being held where many immediately receive job offers.

Can citizens of Serbia work legally in Greece on a seasonal basis?

Yes! Although in previous years working illegally was common and many workers from Serbia worked seasonally without a permit, today it carries great risks. The penalty for an employer can be up to 10,500 euros per unregistered worker.

Fortunately, a seasonal employment program for citizens of Serbia has recently been introduced. Within the annual quotas for third countries, citizens of Serbia can legally work in Greece for up to 6 months per year.

What jobs can citizens of Serbia do?

Mostly these are positions of maids, cleaners, and support staff. Unfortunately, hiring foreigners for positions such as receptionist, waiter, chef, or administrative staff is not allowed.

What is the process of employment like?

The employer in Greece initiates the procedure.
The following is obtained:

  • Employment contract
  • Proof of provided accommodation
  • Payment of fee (150€ per worker)
  • Payment of social security contributions for the first two months of work

The worker then applies for a type D visa at the Greek consulate in Belgrade.

Upon expiration of the visa, the worker must leave the country. Changing employers is not allowed.

What is the salary of seasonal workers in Greece?

  • Support staff, waiters, maids: from 1,000 to 1,200 euros per month
  • Experienced chefs, managers: from 1,500 to 2,000 euros per month
    Food and accommodation are usually provided, which significantly reduces costs.

When to apply and where to look for a job?

The ideal time to search for a seasonal job is March, April, and May, when employers form their teams. The most opportunities are in northern Greece: Halkidiki, Thassos, Kavala, and Parga.

If you want to work legally, contact hotels directly, larger hospitality establishments, or attend job fairs in Greece. If you have a Croatian passport, the possibilities are much broader as you are not subject to restrictions for third countries.

What if you want to work from Greece as a digital nomad?

If you are interested in the option to legally reside and work remotely from Greece, working for a foreign company, be sure to read our detailed guide on the Digital Nomad visa in Greece.

A job in Greece if you own real estate - is it just a myth?

In recent years, information has appeared in the media that in order to obtain Greek papers, it is enough to own real estate, but with real estate that is more expensive than 250,000e, you only get a residence visa, not a work visa.
Read more information about a work permit in Greece in our article by clicking here, and about the procedure for buying real estate in Greece here.
If you are young and ambitious and love Greece, then you can apply for a job at a local travel agency and if you are lucky enough to work as their representative at a tourist destination.
And, if you speak Greek, you can also contact us. Read more information here.

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