How to legally work in Greece during the 2026 season?
Greece is once again facing a record shortage of workforce in tourism this year. It is estimated that hotels, restaurants, and bars are lacking over 90,000 workers, which has opened the doors to easier access to work permits for citizens of non-EU countries, including Serbia. The good news is that citizens of Serbia can obtain a work permit for seasonal jobs in Greece for up to 6 months.
NEW: We have launched the platform Nikana Connect – a place where Greek employers and workers from Serbia come together. Register and become visible to those offering jobs!
Can Serbian citizens work legally in Greece on a seasonal basis?
Yes! While working “under the table” was common in the past, the risks today are enormous. Fines for employers amount to over €10,000 per worker, and workers risk deportation and a ban from entering the Schengen zone. Fortunately, a seasonal employment program has recently been introduced for citizens of Serbia.
Within the annual quotas for third countries, citizens of Serbia can legally work in Greece for up to 6 months per year.
What are the sought-after jobs in Greece?
The most sought-after positions are waiters, chefs, receptionists, chambermaids, and lifeguards. In order to bridge this gap, the Greek government has signed bilateral agreements on seasonal work with numerous countries in recent years, and large job fairs are held in northern Greece (e.g. in Thessaloniki), where many immediately receive job offers.
What is the process of employment like?
For a more detailed explanation of the process — step by step — you can check here, on our new platform that connects employers with workers. In short, the procedure unfolds as follows:
- Employer in Greece initiates the procedure: Obtains an employment contract, proof of accommodation, and pays the necessary fees and contributions.
- Type D visa: The worker applies at the Greek consulate in your country.
- Return: Upon visa expiration, the worker leaves the country. It is important to note that changing employers during the season is not allowed without starting a new process.
What is the salary for seasonal workers in Greece?
Salaries typically range from €800 to €1,300 for auxiliary positions, while experienced staff can earn significantly more.
- Note: The exact salary amount always depends on your experience, number of working hours, and agreement with the specific employer. We advise you to clearly define all details during negotiations.
Food and accommodation are often provided, significantly reducing costs.
- We advise you to clearly define all details during negotiations.
When to apply and where to look for a job?
The ideal time to look for a seasonal job is in March, April, and May, when employers form their teams. The most opportunities exist in northern Greece: Halkidiki, Thassos, Kavala, and Parga.
The job search process is now much easier through our platform Nikana Connect.
- This platform is specialized in connecting Greek employers with workforce from Serbia and Bulgaria.
- By signing up for Nikana Connect, you directly enter a database searched by hoteliers and restaurant owners, allowing you to receive offers “first-hand” and secure legal work in Greece.
In addition to the platform, you can also visit 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, make sure to read our detailed guide on the Digital Nomad visa in Greece.
Job in Greece if you own property - is it just a myth?
In the media, there have been reports in recent years that owning property is sufficient to obtain Greek papers, unfortunately, this is not true. Owning property does not secure a work permit, not even a Golden Visa. For more information on a work permit in Greece, read our article by clicking here, and for the procedure for buying property in Greece, click here.
If you are young and ambitious and love Greece, then you can apply for a job at a local tourist agency and, if lucky, work as their representative at a tourist destination.
And, if you speak Greek, you can also contact us. For more information, read here.
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