Jobs in Greece

Prepare for Jobs in Greece

Set goals

Greece is dreamy, sure, but if you’re planning to work here, it's time to zoom out from the blue rooftops and ask: what do you actually want from this experience?

• Think about your lifestyle. Do you want the island vibe with ferry commutes and midday swims? Or are you looking for something more structured in a city like Athens or Thessaloniki?
• Define your purpose. Are you chasing international work experience? Funding your travels? Or dipping a toe into expat life? Your “why” will shape everything, from the job you choose to the visa you’ll need.
• Brush up on Greek basics. You don’t need to be fluent to get hired, but even a little Greek will take you a long way in building local trust. Most employers in tourism speak English, but it’s not a free pass everywhere.

Understand the benefits

Working in Greece can be more than just a paycheck or a stop between islands. Done right, it can seriously upgrade your life experience.

• The pace is real. Greece runs on a slower, more intentional rhythm. Long lunches, strong coffee, and work-life balance are baked into the culture. You’ll learn how to live, not just work.
• It's easy to network. Greece gets a huge number of international travelers and digital nomads. Whether you’re working in a café or a coworking space, it’s a surprisingly connected place to build global contacts.
• The lifestyle is genuinely affordable. Rent, meals, and transport are cheaper than most of Western Europe. If you’re strategic, you can enjoy a high quality of life without draining your savings.

Things to know

Before you start daydreaming about sunset shifts in Santorini, here are some things to keep in mind.

• Visas - Non-EU citizens need a work permit to get hired legally. Some programs help, but most casual employers won’t sponsor. Greece’s digital nomad visa is a solid option if you're working remotely.
• Timing - Tourism jobs fill up fast, and most hiring happens by spring. Showing up in June hoping to land something on the spot is risky. Make sure to plan ahead.
• Pay - Most entry-level jobs pay €700–€1,000/month. It’s enough to live simply, especially outside tourist zones, but you’ll want savings if you’re staying long-term.
• Language - English gets you far in touristy areas, but basic Greek goes a long way. A few phrases can make a strong impression with employers and locals.

Choose a Location

Costa Rica isn’t huge, but your location still makes a big difference. Here are a few solid places to base yourself:

Athens

Big-city energy with ancient ruins around every corner. Athens has a growing startup scene, plenty of teaching and tourism jobs, and a strong digital nomad community. Bonus: easy transport links to the islands and Europe.

Corfu

Located west of mainland Greece, near Albania, Corfu offers a tropical climate, postcard-worthy Ionian Sea views, and a unique mix of history and creativity. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site and hub for fine arts, Corfu has opportunities in tourism, cultural preservation, and museum or library work—all with an island pace.

Chania (Crete)

If you want to mix island life with solid job prospects, Chania is one of the best bets. Summer brings tons of tourism roles, and it’s a favorite for travelers wanting a slower pace with good access to nature.

Choose a Field

Living in Greece hits differently when you’re not just passing through. Working here gives you a chance to settle in, find a rhythm, and experience the country beyond the guidebooks.

Tourism & Hospitality

This is Greece’s bread and butter. From May through October, resorts, hotels, and tour companies are hiring everything from front desk staff to diving instructors. Knowing another language besides English (like German, French, or Russian) is a huge plus.

Teaching English

There’s steady demand, especially in private language schools (frontistiria). A TEFL or TESOL certificate helps a lot, and so does an EU passport. Some programs assist with placement and visas for non-EU citizens.

Remote Work & Freelancing

Greece has been building up its digital infrastructure and now offers a digital nomad visa. If you already work online, Greece is a peaceful, inspiring, and budget-friendly base, especially during the off-season.

Tips & Advice

Getting started with a job in Greece doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Just take it step by step, and you’ll be settling into your new routine before you know it.

1. Get matched

Head over to the GoAbroad Online Advisor to get paired with job programs or working holiday info that fits your skills and timeline.

2. Choose a program

Use your MyGoAbroad account to save and compare programs. You’ll stay way more organized as you search and apply.

3. Funding & scholarships

Start a FundMyTravel campaign or check out GoAbroad’s scholarships and deals. Every little bit helps, especially with relocation costs.

4. Apply

Once you’ve found a program or job that feels like a good fit, take the leap and apply. Head to the program listing and click “Inquire Here” or “Apply Now.” There’s usually someone on the other end who’ll walk you through what happens next.

5. Get your essentials

Sort out the following to save yourself from future headaches once you arrive in Greece:

• Passport and visa - Have a valid passport and know exactly which visa fits your situation. If your program offers support, take full advantage. If not, give yourself plenty of time to navigate the process.
• Travel insurance - Get coverage for health, cancellations, and personal belongings. It’s a small cost that saves big stress.
• Flights and arrival - Book early and plan how you’ll get from the airport to your accommodation. Don’t leave it up in the air.
• Accommodation - Know where you’re staying, at least for the first few nights. Ask if your program includes housing or offers help finding it.

Getting these sorted early gives you space to actually enjoy Greece, not just survive the transition.