Have you ever thought of working and living in Greece as an expat? For many people, Greece is more than a summer escape; it’s a place to live, work, and enjoy the Mediterranean lifestyle. With sunshine, beaches, culture, and great food, it’s no surprise that many expats choose to make it their home. Some buy property in Greece as a Mediterranean base for holidays or rental income. Others relocate permanently, finding jobs and embracing local life. In this article, we’ll look at what it’s like to live and work in Greece and share practical tips for those considering the move.
Why would someone move and work in Greece?
Many dream of retiring to Greece, but not everyone can afford to do so financially. A practical alternative is to move here for work. For many expats, it’s less about advancing their career and more about enjoying a better daily balance. Some continue working for companies abroad while living in Greece, taking advantage of remote work, while others explore local job opportunities to immerse themselves in Greek life fully. Let’s look at some of the main reasons why someone would move to Greece to work.
– Lifestyle: Beautiful natural landscapes, great food, and a slower, more relaxed pace of life.
– Lower costs: The cost of living in Greece is significantly lower than in countries such as Germany, France, the Netherlands, and Belgium, ranking 107th globally and 20th in Europe for affordability. If you have the opportunity to work remotely in your home country and live in Greece or make extended stays at your Greek home, your daily expenses will be lower, and your purchasing power will increase.
– Connectivity & flexibility: Expats can enjoy true flexibility while living and working in Greece, staying connected wherever they are. With good internet connection almost everywhere and easy air connections to major European cities, you can work efficiently remotely without losing access to your office abroad whenever needed. You can also use ferries to explore other minor destinations.
– Climate: Sunshine lasts almost all year round, with winters usually mild, offering numerous opportunities and a distinct feel to everyday life.
– Travel opportunities and cultural exploration: You can explore Greece and other nearby European countries, engaging in local customs and cultural experiences.
– Love: For some people, love is a big reason to make the move to Greece. It’s not unusual for someone to meet a Greek partner and later decide to settle here to be together. And when you add the charm of the country itself, its sun, sea, and lifestyle, the decision becomes even easier.
Four Different Ways to Work in Greece
Working remotely for a foreign company that doesn’t require physical presence (Digital Nomad): Living in Greece while doing your job entirely online for a company based abroad, gives you flexibility and the chance to enjoy the Greek lifestyle. Common examples include software developers, graphic designers, writers, online marketers, customer support agents, consultants, and language tutors.
Working for a foreign company with a branch in Greece: Many international companies have offices in Greece, allowing you to work locally while staying connected to your global team. Examples include roles in IT, marketing, finance, consulting, or customer support.
Working for a Greek company: You can take a full-time or part-time position with a local employer, gaining experience and integrating into the Greek work culture and language. Common roles include tourism and hospitality staff, teachers, customer service representatives, and sales positions.
Setting up your own business in Greece: Entrepreneurs can start their own company, offering services or products locally while taking advantage of Greece’s business environment and lifestyle. Examples include opening a café or restaurant, starting a travel or tour business, launching a B&B or hotel, or providing freelance consulting or creative services.
Why Greece is a Real Hotspot for Digital Nomads
If you are a digital nomad, working remotely via the internet and not being tied to a fixed location, Greece is one of the top choices worldwide for you to stay. According to the Global Digital Nomad Report 2025, the country ranks 12th worldwide, with an overall score of 88.48, and first in the citizenship and mobility index.
The Greek Digital Nomad Visa is ideal for international citizens who are seeking to live and work in Greece, providing legal residence while allowing them to maintain employment abroad.
The combination of a high quality of life, strong digital infrastructure, favourable climate, and competitive cost of living offers an ideal environment for those who wish to combine work and residence. For third-country citizens who work exclusively remotely for foreign companies or clients, the Digital Nomad Visa is the institutional route for legal residence in Greece.
Greek Digital Nomad Visa requirements
The Digital Nomad Visa is a unique residence permit that allows non-EU nationals to live and work from Greece, as long as they are employed solely by companies or clients based outside of Greece. This visa allows digital nomads to enjoy life in Greece without requiring a conventional work permit. These are the requirements for getting a Digital Nomad Visa in Greece:
– Employment contract with a company outside Greece.
– Freelance agreements with international clients.
– Proof of business operations outside Greece (e.g., company incorporation documents, tax returns).
– Minimum Income: €3,500 for the applicant, plus 20% for a spouse, and plus 15% for each minor child.
– Health Coverage: Applicants must have private health insurance that covers the entire period of their stay in Greece.
– Declaration of Non-Employment in Greece: Applicants are required to sign a declaration confirming that they will not work for Greek companies or provide services to clients located in Greece.
You should also be aware of the costs involved in obtaining this visa, which include:
– The state fee: For the initial issuance of the Digital Nomad Visa, the applicant is required to pay a fee of €1,000, digitally through Gov.gr or from the corresponding Embassy.
– The residence permit (card) issuance fee: An additional fee of €16 is charged for the issuance of a residence permit in the form of a plastic smart card.
– Additional costs, depending on the case.
Finding a Job in Greece as an Expat
But what about those looking for a full-time or part-time job in Greece as expats? Working full-time in Greece isn’t the most common choice, as salaries can be lower than in one’s home country, but many still decide to do so, especially after building connections with locals. After all, there’s more to being happy than just a paycheck. If you are seeking a job in Greece, several popular sectors to work in are:
– Tourism, Travel & Hospitality: With plenty of seasonal roles on the islands and in popular resorts.
– Real Estate & Property Management: especially in popular areas for holiday homes.
– Customer Service & Sales: Bilingual and multilingual support roles are in high demand in major business hubs, such as Athens and Thessaloniki. These jobs can be done remotely, without the need to relocate to a large urban centre.
– Language jobs: Teaching English or other languages can also be a flexible option to generate income.
Practical tips for expats
A good way to start your job search in Greece is by exploring websites and platforms such as JobFind, Indeed, Kariera.gr, recruitment agencies, and expat networks. Another popular option, both in Greece and abroad, is searching through social media.
LinkedIn is the most well-known platform for job research, but Facebook and Instagram can also assist you in your research. Networking is also essential when looking for a job in Greece. Be sure to look for expat communities and get involved, as they often help one another. The same applies to locals. The more people you know, the more opportunities are likely to open. Knowing Greek is not always necessary, but it certainly helps in some areas. English is widely spoken in Greece, from urban centres to small islands.
What you need to know if you are seeking work in Greece
For an EU country citizen, a valid ID or passport is enough. If you intend to stay for more than three months, you must apply for a registration certificate at the competent immigration office in your place of residence, presenting your identity document.
To work in Greece as a non-European citizen, you need to obtain a residence and work permit, which requires the issuance of an individual long-term visa, the submission of an application to the competent immigration service, and then the issuance of a residence card, which includes the right to work.
In terms of salary expectations, wages in Greece are generally lower than in most European countries. Working in Greece provides fourteen wages a year instead of the usual twelve. This includes the regular twelve-monthly salaries plus an extra Summer bonus, an Easter bonus and a Christmas bonus, which are mandatory according to Greek labour law and add up to two extra salaries. The standard working week is up to 40 hours over 5 days. For more detailed information and FAQs, please visit here.
Tax considerations for expats working in Greece
Taxes in Greece can be tricky, so it’s smart to understand the basics before you start working here as an expat. Consulting a local accountant can save you headaches and ensure you’re doing everything right.
Tax residency: If you stay in Greece for more than 183 days in a calendar year, you are considered a tax resident of Greece. This means you pay tax in Greece on your worldwide income. If you stay less than that, you are taxed only on the income you earn in Greece.
Income tax rates: As of 2025, the personal income tax in Greece is progressive, starting at 9% for the first €10,000 and increasing up to 44% for higher incomes.
Double taxation treaties: Greece has agreements with many countries (including the US, UK, Germany, France, the Netherlands, and more) to make sure you don’t get taxed twice on the same income.
What do expats who have moved to Greece have to say?
Living and working in Greece offers a unique opportunity to combine a high-quality lifestyle with professional flexibility. Whether you choose to work remotely, find a job in Greece, or invest in property, the country provides options for every pace of life.
Several foreign buyers and even some short-term visitors eventually decided to relocate permanently to Greece. Within the Elxis team, we have colleagues from the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, and France who have left their home countries to settle in places like Crete and Thessaloniki. We asked our Real Estate Consultant, Laura Avonds, who works in our offices in Crete, what influenced her decision and how she experiences life in Greece today.
What made you decide to leave your country and settle permanently in Greece?
“My parents always knew they didn’t want to stay in Belgium, so they decided to move to Crete for the lifestyle and the weather. Since I was usually the first to complain about Belgium, I was easily persuaded, especially after visiting Crete.”
What were the most significant differences you noticed in your daily routine and lifestyle after moving?
“In Belgium, my life felt boxed-in and very scheduled. Here in Greece, life is much freer and spontaneous. Instead of coming home after work, eating, and watching TV, we often decide last-minute to go to the beach, have a drink, go out for dinner, or take a walk. Life feels lighter, less stressful, and people are generally more laid-back. There’s no constant rush, and that really changes your mindset.”
How did you find the experience of looking for work in Greece, and what advice would you give to a foreigner thinking of doing the same?
“For me, it was pretty easy. I started in tourism, first as a diving instructor and later in a tavern, since jobs in that sector are always available. During the COVID-19 pandemic, I switched to remote customer service, where they always need people. Eventually, after being patient for something to come on my path that really suits me, I joined Elxis – At Home in Greece.
My advice: start with a local job that allows you to interact directly with people. It’s one of the best ways to become part of the community. For year-round positions, patience is key. It may take time, but the right opportunity will come.”
What is the favourite moment or habit you have acquired in Greece?
“There are many, but one of my favourites is going to the beach with my husband and dog after work. We unwind, enjoy the sun and the sound of the waves, swim, read a book, and stay until it gets dark or until we get hungry. It’s a simple thing that brings a lot of joy.”
Ultimately, working in Greece isn’t always seamless. Bureaucracy, job hunting, and cultural differences can take time to adjust to. But for many expats, living in Greece offers a unique balance of lifestyle, work flexibility, and cultural experiences that make the challenges worthwhile.
