Greece Seeks 300,000 Foreign Workers for Diverse Industries

Greece Faces Labor Shortage, Offering Opportunities for Foreign Professionals

Greece is currently grappling with a significant labor shortage, creating opportunities for foreign professionals to fill over 300,000 positions across various industries. Both skilled and unskilled labor are urgently needed to sustain Greece’s economic growth.

High-Demand Sectors in Greece

Several sectors are experiencing critical labor shortages, particularly in:

• Tourism & Hospitality: With Greece’s thriving tourism industry, professionals ranging from chefs to housekeeping staff are essential to maintaining high guest satisfaction.
• Construction: Electricians, plumbers, and construction workers are crucial for ongoing infrastructure development.
• Manufacturing: There is a demand for skilled machine operators, welders, and production staff to support industrial production.
• Information Technology: The IT sector requires professionals like software developers, cybersecurity specialists, and IT support staff to drive technological innovation.

Simplified Immigration Policies

To attract foreign talent, Greece has simplified its immigration process, making it easier for workers to fill these gaps:

• Revised EU Blue Card Policies: Updates allow short-stay visa holders and those entering visa-free to apply for the EU Blue Card, streamlining the process.
• Processing Timelines: Although improvements have been made, it still takes 6 to 9 months for work authorization, which can be a challenge for seasonal employment sectors.

Read more: Job opportunities announced by Denmark for International Workers

Global Interest in Greek Employment

Countries such as India, Bangladesh, Egypt, Moldova, Georgia, and Vietnam have shown strong interest in Greece’s job opportunities, with more than 2,000 Greek businesses seeking international workers through platforms like WorkInGreece.

Visa Options for Employment in Greece

For foreign workers looking to move to Greece, here are the key visa options:

1. EU Blue Card
   • Eligibility: Requires a bachelor’s degree or equivalent, a job offer in Greece, and a salary meeting the national threshold.
   • Features: Open to short-stay visa holders and those entering visa-free.
   • Requirements: Proof of qualifications, employment contract, and salary details.
2. National Visa (D Visa)
   • Eligibility: For long-term roles like chefs, electricians, and plumbers.
   • Features: Valid for up to one year, with the possibility of extensions and transition to a residence permit.
   • Requirements: Valid passport, job contract, and accommodation proof.
3. Seasonal Work Visa
   • Eligibility: For short-term roles in agriculture, tourism, or hospitality.
   • Features: Valid for up to six months, ideal for temporary workforce needs.
   • Requirements: Job offer, proof of return travel, and sufficient financial resources.

By offering these tailored visa options and addressing barriers to entry, Greece is positioning itself as an attractive destination for global talent. Foreign workers interested in relocating should prepare their applications early and ensure they meet all requirements for a smooth transition into the Greek labor market.