Expats who are non-European Union (EU) citizens working in Greece will need to obtain a work permit; EU citizens have the legal right to work in Greece without needing to secure additional documentation.

While the working environment in Greece was providing ever increasing expat job opportunities until 2008, the market crash resulted in an economic decline and has since limited expat employment.

Getting a work permit in Greece

Those pursuing a work permit for the purpose of working in Greece must be able to prove they are in possession of a skill set that no other Greek national can replicate. This then qualifies them to hold a job in Greece. A Greek employer must begin your work permit application process by filing a formal request with the Greek Ministry of Labour. This government body will then review the request and rule whether there is a need for that position to be filled by an expat.

Upon approval and issue of the permit, there are a number of tasks that must be completed upon your arrival and before you begin working in Greece.

On arrival in Greece, expats will need to go for a medical exam and will need to register at the local foreigners office or police station within 8 days, in order to obtain a residence permit.

Your rights while working in Greece

It is also very important that expats register with the local social security organisation, IKA (Idrima Kinonikon Asfalisseon). Employers sometimes prefer that their employees are not registered as they then can avoid making IKA contributions on a monthly basis. However, work done without an IKA registration is illegal and action may be taken by the local officials against both the employee and the employer. Sometimes this can result in the loss of a job.
 
Being registered with the IKA gives an expat employee protection against not being paid, as well as social security benefits which are essential if no private medical insurance has been taken. Registration also virtually guarantees the payment of the second-cheque on Easter and Christmas which is standard in Greece. When choosing not to register with the IKA, a risky move in any case, it is best to ask to be paid weekly or by shift.
 

Industries in Greece

The high technology computing and communications industries offer a lot of opportunity for those expats with specialized skills. Many large multinationals have local headquarters in Greece and sending an application to one of them with a request to work in the country is a viable option.

Additionally, being placed by a company means that housing, taxes and social security will usually be sorted out by the company and will make settling down easier.

For those expats who wish to work in the tourism or hospitality industry – a much more informal sector - it may be necessary to find alternative sources of income during the off season. There are few year round jobs in the industry, even for locals.

Teaching English is another popular occupation and many teachers are hired informally. For a formal application to an institution a proficiency in Greek is essential, and this can be confirmed with a certificate from the education ministry.