Greece -- Work Visa, Jobs and Living Guide

Overview

Greece is recovering strongly from its economic crisis, with tourism, shipping, agriculture, and energy leading growth. The country has significant demand for workers in tourism, agriculture, and construction, especially during the busy summer season. Greece's strategic location and Mediterranean climate make it an attractive destination. The cost of living is among the lowest in Western Europe.

Labor Laws

Standard working hours are 40 per week (8 hours/day, 5 days). Overtime is paid at 120% for the first 5 hours and 140% beyond. Employees receive 20-22 working days of vacation depending on tenure. Greece provides Christmas, Easter, and vacation bonuses. Sick leave is paid at 50% by social security after a 3-day waiting period. Notice periods range from no notice during probation to 4 months for long-tenured employees. Greek labor law protects against unfair dismissal with mandatory severance. All workers are enrolled in the EFKA social security system covering health, pension, and unemployment.

Work Permit Process

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Step 1: Obtain a job offer from a Greek employer. Step 2: The employer applies for a work permit at the Decentralized Administration office. Step 3: A labor market test confirms no EU candidate is available. Step 4: Once approved, apply for an entry visa (Type D) at the Greek Embassy in Dhaka. Step 5: Submit passport, job contract, criminal record certificate, and medical certificate. Step 6: Upon arrival, apply for a residence permit at the local Aliens Bureau within 30 days. Step 7: After 5 years of continuous legal residence, apply for a long-term resident permit.

Industries & Professions

Key Industries

Tourism & Hospitality Agriculture Shipping & Maritime Construction Food Processing Energy Retail Healthcare

In-Demand Professions

Hotel Staff Chef/Cook Farm Worker Construction Worker Restaurant Staff Cleaner Warehouse Worker Olive/Grape Picker Ship Maintenance Worker Electrician

Companies Hiring Foreigners

Company	Sector	Website
Hellenic Petroleum	Energy	Visit
OTE Group	Telecommunications	Visit
Viohalco	Metal Processing	Visit
Titan Cement	Construction Materials	Visit

Key Cities

Athens

High

Capital with construction, services, and tourism jobs

Thessaloniki

Medium

Northern hub with industry and agriculture

Crete

High

Largest island with year-round tourism and agriculture

Rhodes

Medium

Major tourist island with seasonal hospitality demand

Cost of Living

Athens apartments cost €400-800/month for one bedroom, making it one of the cheapest EU capitals. Thessaloniki is even more affordable at €350-600. Island locations vary widely. Groceries cost €200-280/month. Monthly transport passes cost €30 in Athens. Utilities average €100-160/month. Greece offers excellent food quality at low prices. A single person needs approximately €1,000-1,600/month.

Climate & Weather

Greece has a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers (30-40°C) and mild, wet winters (5-15°C). The islands are slightly milder. Athens is one of Europe's hottest capitals in summer. Greece enjoys 250-300 days of sunshine per year.

Future Outlook

Greece's tourism sector is booming with record visitor numbers, creating massive demand for hospitality workers. The government is investing in renewable energy, digital infrastructure, and real estate development. Agriculture continues to need seasonal workers for olive, grape, and fruit harvests. Greece has introduced new immigration pathways to attract workers in shortage sectors and is streamlining the work permit process.

Air Routes from Bangladesh

Route	Airlines	Duration	Avg Price
Dhaka (DAC) Athens (ATH)	Turkish Airlines, Emirates, Qatar Airways	11-15 hours	৳48,000-78,000
Chittagong (CGP) Athens (ATH)	Emirates via Dubai	14-19 hours	৳52,000-82,000