Can I work in Greece on the Digital Nomad Visa?

You can work remotely for employers and clients based outside Greece. You cannot work for, or provide services to, Greek-based companies or employers. The Digital Nomad Visa is specifically designed for location-independent remote workers whose income comes entirely from outside Greece.

What are the average salaries in Athens for English-speaking expats?

Salaries for English-speaking expats in Athens vary widely by sector. IT and tech roles: €1,800–€3,500/month gross. Tourism management: €1,200–€2,000. Teaching English at private language schools (frontistiria): €900–€1,400. Marketing and communications: €1,200–€2,000. Shipping sector (freight, logistics): €1,800–€3,500. Note that these are local Greek salaries — many expats earn foreign salaries while living in Greece remotely.

Is it easy to start a freelance business in Greece as a non-EU citizen?

It is possible but complex for non-EU citizens who are not already in Greece on a qualifying permit. Non-EU nationals on the Digital Nomad Visa cannot invoice Greek clients. Those on a long-stay D-Visa or who have permanent residency can register as self-employed. The IKE company structure is the most practical for those who do qualify. A Greek accountant and lawyer are strongly recommended for non-EU business setup.

Do I need to speak Greek to work in Greece?

For remote work and multinational companies in Athens, English is usually sufficient. For local employment in traditional Greek businesses, government agencies, schools, or small businesses outside major cities, Greek is essentially required. Private English-language teaching (at frontistiria) is one sector where native English speakers are actively hired without Greek language skills.

How long does it take to get a work permit in Greece?

Employer-sponsored work permits for non-EU nationals typically take 2–6 months from initial application to permit issuance. The process involves a labour market test, an application at the regional Migration Department, and then a visa application at the Greek consulate. Delays are common due to administrative backlogs. EU citizens do not need work permits at all.

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🇬🇷 Greece

Work & Business

Greece's job market is smaller than northern European economies, with lower average wages but improving conditions. EU citizens can work freely in any sector.

€1,300–€1,600

Average Monthly Salary

Gross, private sector, Athens

€950/mo

Minimum Wage (2025)

Gross; raised from €830 in 2023

22%

Corporate Tax Rate

Standard corporate income tax

~26.95%

Self-Employment Social Insurance

EFKA contribution on declared income

~10%

Unemployment Rate

Still elevated vs EU average

Tourism, shipping, tech, agriculture

Main Industries

Tourism alone is ~25% of GDP

Last updated: March 2026

Overview🏛️Athens 🏰Thessaloniki 🏖️Crete

🛂Visa 🏥Healthcare 💰Finance 🏠Housing 💼Working 🌆Daily Life ✈️Moving 📚Education 🌅Lifestyle 📈Investing

Overview

Greece's job market is smaller than northern European economies, with lower average wages but improving conditions. EU citizens can work freely in any sector. Non-EU citizens need a work permit tied to a specific employer or self-employment registration. The growing startup scene in Athens, the expanding tourism sector, and the rise of remote work are creating new opportunities for skilled English-speaking expats.

Key Takeaways

EU citizens can begin working in Greece immediately without any permit; rights are equivalent to Greek nationals
Employer-sponsored work permit: the Greek employer must demonstrate that no qualified Greek or EU national was available for the position (labour market test); the process takes 2–6 months
Digital Nomad Visa (see Visa section) is the formal route for non-EU remote workers — requires €3,500/mo income from outside Greece
IKE (Idiotiki Kefalaiouchiki Etaireia — Private Company): minimum share capital of €1; the most popular structure for small businesses; can be incorporated through the General Commercial Registry (GEMI) online in 1–3 days
Relationship-driven business: Greeks value personal trust and established relationships; expect a warm-up period of coffee meetings and getting to know each other before formal agreements

EU Citizens — Working in Greece

EU and EEA citizens have the full right to work in Greece in any sector, for any employer, or as self-employed. No work permit is required. The process is simply about registering with the Greek tax and social insurance systems.

EU citizens can begin working in Greece immediately without any permit; rights are equivalent to Greek nationals
Register for an AFM (tax number) at the local AADE tax office — required before receiving salary or issuing invoices
Register for AMKA (social security number) at KEP — required for employment contracts and social insurance
Employed EU citizens are enrolled in EFKA (the unified social insurance fund) through their employer; contributions are shared between employee and employer
Employee EFKA contribution: approximately 15.33% of gross salary; employer contributes an additional ~24.81%
Income from employment is subject to the standard Greek progressive income tax (9–44%) with a personal allowance of approximately €10,000
The Greek labour market has a strong seasonal component — tourism, hospitality, and agriculture offer significant seasonal employment on the islands and in coastal areas
EU professional qualifications are recognised in Greece; some regulated professions (doctors, lawyers, architects) require registration with Greek professional bodies

Non-EU Work Permits

Non-EU nationals who wish to work in Greece (other than remotely for foreign employers on the Digital Nomad Visa) require a work permit. The most common route is employer-sponsored; self-employment registration is also possible.

Employer-sponsored work permit: the Greek employer must demonstrate that no qualified Greek or EU national was available for the position (labour market test); the process takes 2–6 months
The employer files the permit application with the regional Migration Department; the employee then applies for the relevant visa at the Greek consulate in their home country
Work permits are initially tied to a specific employer; changing employers requires a new permit application
Independent Freelance/Self-Employment: non-EU nationals can register as self-employed in Greece — requires demonstrating sufficient financial means and a business plan; less common than the employed route
Digital Nomad Visa holders are explicitly prohibited from working for Greek-based employers; violation results in visa cancellation
After obtaining a residence permit and working legally for sufficient years, non-EU nationals can eventually qualify for an open-market work permit not tied to a specific employer
English-language industries with the most openings for non-Greek speakers: international tourism and hospitality, shipping and logistics, IT/tech, and teaching English (private language schools)

Remote Work & Digital Nomads

Remote work has transformed the options for expats in Greece. The Digital Nomad Visa specifically facilitates living in Greece while working remotely. Athens and Thessaloniki have growing coworking ecosystems, and the islands are popular bases for location-independent workers during warmer months.

Digital Nomad Visa (see Visa section) is the formal route for non-EU remote workers — requires €3,500/mo income from outside Greece
EU citizens working remotely for EU-based employers can live in Greece with no additional permit — they simply need to register their residency
Tax implications: if you spend over 183 days per year in Greece, you are likely a Greek tax resident regardless of visa type — consult a tax advisor on your specific situation
Coworking ecosystem: strongest in Athens (Synergy, The Cube, Impact Hub) and Thessaloniki; seasonal coworking spaces operate on popular islands in summer
Island remote work: Chania, Heraklion, Rhodes, Corfu, and Santorini all have reliable internet and growing digital nomad communities in summer
Internet reliability: good fibre in cities (85+ Mbps); on remote islands, connectivity can be inconsistent — verify speeds before committing to a rental
The Greek government has taken active steps to attract digital nomads: the visa itself, marketing campaigns, and incentives for relocation are all ongoing

Starting a Business in Greece

Greece has made significant improvements to its business registration process in recent years. An IKE (Private Company) is the most popular structure for small businesses and freelancers, similar to a UK Ltd or Portuguese Lda.

IKE (Idiotiki Kefalaiouchiki Etaireia — Private Company): minimum share capital of €1; the most popular structure for small businesses; can be incorporated through the General Commercial Registry (GEMI) online in 1–3 days
EPE (Etaireia Periorismenis Evthinis — Limited Liability Company): minimum share capital €4,500; more complex but traditional structure for larger operations
Sole trader (Atomiki Epicheirisi): simplest structure; no minimum capital; suitable for freelancers; must register with GEMI and EFKA
Corporate tax rate: 22% on net profits
All businesses must register with GEMI (General Commercial Registry) and obtain a GEMI number, as well as with AADE (tax authority) for a business AFM
VAT registration: mandatory if annual turnover exceeds €10,000; standard rate 24%, reduced rate 13% on food and accommodation
Accounting and bookkeeping: all Greek businesses must use certified accountants for annual tax filings; budget €100–€300/month for a small business accountant
Enterprise Greece (the official investment and trade promotion body) provides free advisory services for foreign investors establishing in Greece

Greek Workplace Culture

Greek workplace culture blends Mediterranean warmth with a more formal hierarchy in established companies. Relationship-building is important, and business is conducted with a personal element that northern European expats may find refreshingly human.

Relationship-driven business: Greeks value personal trust and established relationships; expect a warm-up period of coffee meetings and getting to know each other before formal agreements
Hierarchy: traditional companies tend to be hierarchical; decisions come from the top; newer startups are flatter and more international in culture
Working hours: the standard working week is 40 hours; Greece legally allows for extended hours with overtime pay; the siesta (mesimeri) culture of closing midday is diminishing in cities but still exists in smaller towns
Language: in multinational companies and tech startups, English is often the working language; in traditional Greek businesses and public sector, Greek language is essentially required
Networking: the Athens Startup Ecosystem, Enterprise Greece events, and expat business networks (AmCham Greece, British-Hellenic Chamber of Commerce) are good entry points
Public sector employment: very difficult for non-EU citizens; requires Greek language and specific qualifications
Work-life balance: Greeks work some of the longest hours in the EU by measure but with a more fluid definition of what constitutes 'work time' — long lunches, socialising with colleagues, and flexible scheduling are common

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