Working in Greece | All you need to know

Imagine that you are sitting by the ocean on a sunny afternoon, sipping Greek coffee in one of the many cities steeped in history while working in Greece. Working in Greece is not just a job; it's a lifestyle that most people dream of- but for someone coming from the outside, a dream is just a dream unless you know a few things about the journey ahead in terms of opportunities and legalities, and direct guidance.

No matter if you're looking for jobs in Athens, Greece, for foreigners, or thinking about starting a business in one of the most culturally rich and historic countries in Europe, the biggest consideration is first how to understand the legalities and practicalities of employment. And that's where we come in.

iLand provides tailored solutions for foreigners looking to live, start a business, or invest in Greece, from luxury real estate and building projects to individual residency services.

Benefits of Working in Greece as a Foreigner

For many expatriates, Greece is not just a vacation spot; it is the beginning of a balanced and happy life whether you aspire to scale the corporate ladder or are simply looking for a way to begin an enterprise, to work in Greece as a foreign staff has unique benefits that make it one of the most sought-after choices in the continent.

• Low Cost of Living, Good Quality of Life

One of the best things about working in Greece is its low cost when compared to other European countries. While its capital cities, Athens and Thessaloniki, are not particularly inexpensive like medium-sized cities and villages within the country, they do have modern city amenities with a thriving expat population, good healthcare, and education systems for a fraction of the price of large cities like Paris or Berlin.

You will find that rent, food, transport, and entertainment are all relatively low. Coupled with the low cost of living, your salary certainly can stretch, allowing for a better work-life balance so that you can enjoy a happy family, holidays, and overall wellbeing.

• A variety of jobs and an entrepreneurial environment

While many people look for jobs for foreigners in Athens, Greece, in tourism, technology, education, and digital space occupations, Greece also has an entrepreneurial environment. The tourism sector has tremendous opportunities, especially for boutique hotels, guided tours, wellness retreats, and gastronomy tours.

While a few visa categories (like Golden Visa or Financial Independence) prohibit your ability to earn a salary, they permit you to own a business. This is one reason we at iLand emphasize self-employment and startup opportunities for clients, particularly in the burgeoning hospitality and real estate sectors.

• Strong worker protections and the law

Greece's working conditions comply with EU labor standards and provide employees with annual leave, paid public holidays, maternity/paternity rights, and public healthcare entitlements. Full-time employee contracts typically include social security and pension contributions from their employer.

As a business owner or freelancer, the accountability and legal and finances tend to be catching up to cut through the red tape, particularly for foreigners as Greece is looking for foreign investors and entrepreneurs. With a good education and plan, you can live and legally operate under on-going residency.

• Cultural Richness and International Community

By choosing to stay and work in Greece as a foreigner, you become part of a globally cosmopolitan and richly cultured international community. Greece is an expat nation with thousands of expats, remote workers, digital nomads, and entrepreneurs, from all corners of the globe (To learn more about the Digital Nomad Visa for Greece, click the link to find out more.). The diversity enriches new ideas and global networking and business opportunities, particularly in the best of places like Athens.

Your Greek adventure doesn't have to be daunting; with good guidance, it can begin much earlier than you might think, because we will help you to start your own business.

What Are Wages in Greece Like?

Having an idea of what the wage structure is like is vital for anyone looking to work in Greece as a foreigner. If you are working and seeking a job, or if you want to be an entrepreneur, you need to have an idea of what wage you could receive for the work you do, and what life will be like in the Greek economy based on the income you receive.

Minimum Wage in Greece

As of 2025, minimum wage workers in Greece earn approximately €910 per month (gross) for regular employees, which translates to about €780 net after taxes and social fees. The minimum wage applies throughout the country in major cities like Athens and Thessaloniki.

Surprisingly, however, employers in large cities like Athens will typically pay somewhat higher wages so that employee wages keep up with city life, especially in IT, customer service, or other technical professions.

Average Salaries by Profession

Here's a look at the average annual gross income in some popular fields (rounded estimates):

Of course, salaries can vary significantly depending on experience, qualifications, and company size. For example, a senior software developer in Athens working for an international firm may earn over €50,000 annually.

Wage Expectations in Athens and Other Major Cities

While jobs in Athens, Greece, for foreigners tend to pay more than in rural areas, the cost of living is also higher. Rent, transport, and daily expenses are noticeably steeper in the capital. However, for those with in-demand skills, particularly in tech, marketing, or finance, Athens offers more competitive packages.
Working in Greece also means you may enjoy certain non-monetary benefits such as:

• 14 monthly salary payments (including Christmas, Easter, and vacation bonuses)

• Paid vacation (up to 20–25 days annually)

• Access to public healthcare and pension contributions

• Flexible work schedules in certain sectors

Would you like to know more about the cost of living in Thessaloniki? Learn more about it in the other article.

Best Jobs for Working in Greece

If you're a foreigner considering employment in Greece, the secret to success is choosing the right job; a smooth transition and long-term success all begin here. Fortunately, Greece's economy is experiencing some recovery, and some industries are continuing to grow, offering opportunities to skilled and semi-skilled foreigners who want to join the workforce or start their businesses.

What are some common and practical options for foreigners to work abroad in Greece?

• Tour Guide or Travel Consultant

One of the best parts about Greece is that it is one of the top tourist destinations in the world, so there is always a demand for English (or not) speaking guides. If you have a deep understanding of Greek culture, history, or local attractions, being a tour guide may be one of the most enjoyable and lucrative choices for a foreigner in Greece. This job is perfect for anyone from the USA, UK, or Iran, especially if they have experience working in the tourism industry. Seasonal peaks (May - October) promise superior earning opportunities.

• English Teacher

There is considerable demand for English teaching; in particular, private language institutions, known as "frontistiria", almost always hire native speakers. While you don't normally need a specific diploma, a TEFL or CELTA certificate will boost your hireability. This is one of the most common jobs in Athens, Greece, for foreigners – especially students or expats – who are just getting started.

• Digital Marketing Specialists

Many (many) companies throughout Greece (especially in Athens and Thessaloniki) are hiring digital marketers who specialize in SEO, Google Ads, social media, and content creation.

We are seeing an increase in remote work, with international businesses based in Greece sometimes hiring foreign workers. Salaries can vary, but they are usually paid much higher than the national average.

• Hospitality and Hotel Worker

Hotels, resorts, and restaurants in tourist areas (especially Santorini, Crete, and Mykonos) hire many foreign workers as receptionists, waitstaff, and chefs. Most of the positions are seasonal, but they usually pay pretty well and include accommodation and meals as well. Hospitality and hotel work allow the flexibility you may be looking for in Greece, especially for short-term contracts.

• Software Developer / IT Specialist

High-paying jobs in Greece are technology jobs. International and local firms regularly employ foreign developers, data analysts, and IT professionals, especially those with a strong portfolio or experience in programming languages such as JavaScript, Python, or cloud computing. Most jobs are a hybrid model or remote, which makes this a great opportunity for knowledge migrants.

• Real Estate or Property Consultant

With the rise of the Golden Visa (To learn more about the Greece Golden Visa Conditions, click the link to find out more.) and increasing foreign investment in real estate, professionals with knowledge in property, sales, or investment advisory can thrive. Working alongside firms like iLand, you can assist foreign buyers, manage high-end listings, and help others relocate while earning commissions and bonuses.

As you explore working in Greece, remember that your options aren't limited to employment. Many foreign residents choose entrepreneurship, opening cafés, launching tourism businesses, or invest in real estate in Greece to bypass traditional job limitations tied to residence permits.

Income Taxes in Greece

If you're working in Greece as a foreigner or planning to start a business, understanding the income tax system is essential. Greece has a progressive income tax structure, meaning the more you earn, the higher your tax rate. 

Taxes are calculated annually and paid to the Independent Authority for Public Revenue (AADE). Salaried employees usually have taxes deducted directly from their paychecks, while self-employed individuals are responsible for filing and paying quarterly. 

In addition to income tax, residents may also be subject to solidarity contributions and social security payments, depending on their income level.

Below is an overview of the income tax brackets in Greece (as of 2025):
Keep in mind that freelancers and business owners may also face an additional prepayment tax of up to 100% of the estimated annual tax, especially in the first years.

Income Tax Brackets in Greece (2025)

Keep in mind that freelancers and business owners may also face an additional prepayment tax of up to 100% of the estimated annual tax, especially in the first years.

Which European countries have digital nomad visas? In the other article, we have described this.

Conclusion

Moving to Greece is not just about securing a job; it is an opportunity to enjoy a rich lifestyle, a low cost of living, and an amazing culture, all while gaining a gateway into the European market. Whether you are searching for jobs in Athens, Greece, for foreigners, considering starting a business, or discovering conditions to work in Greece, there is a direction that meets your skills and aims.

At iLand, we understand the legal, financial, and lifestyle aspects of relocating and working in Greece. Since 2014, we've helped clients from investors to remote workers navigate everything from residency permits and property investment to strategic business setup.

Contact iLand today and take your first step toward a successful and fulfilling life in Greece.