How to Hire Non-EU Workers in Greece: Work Permits, Type D Visas & Seasonal Staffing (2026)

Construction and hospitality are among the sectors that most rely on non-EU workers in Greece.

Hiring non-EU (third-country) workers for a hotel, restaurant, resort, or construction site in Greece is entirely possible, but it runs through a specific, employer-led legal process. In short: the Greek employer sponsors the worker, secures an approval for the position, and the worker then applies for a National (Type D) visa and, after arrival, a residence-and-work permit. This guide explains the main routes, the seasonal work scheme that hospitality employers rely on, the documents and timelines involved, and how HRCM manages recruitment and compliance from start to finish.

Who Counts as a Non-EU Worker in Greece?

Citizens of EU/EEA countries and Switzerland can work in Greece without a permit. Everyone else is a "third-country national" and needs authorization to work legally. This affects most candidates recruited from countries such as India, Egypt, the Philippines, Nepal, Bangladesh, Pakistan, and many others, who make up a growing share of the workforce in Greek hospitality and construction. Hiring them correctly protects both the employer and the worker and avoids penalties for undeclared or unauthorized labor.

The Main Routes to Employ a Non-EU Worker

Greece offers several legal pathways depending on the role, its duration, and the sector. The three most relevant for hospitality and construction employers are:

• Seasonal work permit: For temporary roles of up to nine months within a twelve-month period, widely used in tourism, hospitality, and agriculture.

• Single residence-and-work permit (dependent employment): For longer-term positions, combining the right to reside and work under one sponsored employer.

• EU Blue Card: For highly qualified roles that meet a salary threshold and require relevant higher qualifications, more common in management and specialized technical positions.

Seasonal Work Permits: The Backbone of Hospitality Staffing

For hotels, resorts, and seasonal venues, the seasonal work scheme is usually the most practical route. Greece sets an annual quota for third-country seasonal workers and allocates positions across sectors like tourism, hospitality, and agriculture. A worker on this scheme can be employed for up to nine months within a twelve-month period, which aligns well with the Greek tourist season.

Recent reforms have tightened employer obligations. Businesses in tourism, hospitality, and agriculture generally need to be properly registered, demonstrate a genuine vacancy, and offer a compliant fixed-term contract before an approval is granted. This makes early planning essential, since applications submitted close to the season can miss quota windows and processing timelines.

Step-by-Step: The Employer-Sponsored Hiring Process

While details vary by permit type, the sponsored hiring journey generally follows these stages:

1. Identify the role and candidate. The employer defines the position and, often with a recruitment partner, selects a suitable non-EU candidate.

2. Secure the position approval. The employer applies to the competent Greek authorities for approval of the specific job, supported by a contract offer and the required paperwork.

3. Type D visa application. Once approved, the worker applies for the National (Type D) long-stay visa at the Greek consulate in their home country.

4. Entry and residence permit. After arriving in Greece, the worker completes biometrics and applies for the residence-and-work permit that legalizes their stay and employment.

5. Onboarding and compliance. The employer registers the employment, ensures social-security coverage, and keeps documentation current for renewals.

Documents and Timelines Employers Should Expect

Requirements differ by permit and can change with new legislation, but employers should typically prepare for the following:

• A signed, sector-compliant employment contract meeting minimum duration and pay rules.

• Proof that the business is properly registered and up to date with tax and social-security obligations.

• The worker's valid passport, clean criminal record, and health insurance coverage.

• Realistic timelines: approvals and visa issuance commonly take several weeks to a few months, so seasonal hires should start well before the season begins.

How HRCM Helps You Hire Non-EU Workers in Greece

At HRCM (Human Resources, Construction & Mediation), we help hospitality and construction employers hire non-EU staff without getting lost in paperwork. We source and vet candidates, prepare compliant contracts, coordinate the approval and Type D visa steps, and support onboarding and permit renewals. Our goal is simple: the right worker, legally employed, ready when your season or project needs them.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a non-EU worker start work in Greece before the permit is issued?

No. The worker must complete the sponsored process, enter on a Type D visa, and hold the appropriate authorization before starting legal employment. Starting earlier exposes both parties to penalties.

How long can a seasonal worker stay in Greece?

Seasonal work authorizations allow employment for up to nine months within a twelve-month period, after which the worker is expected to leave unless another permit applies.

Which sectors most commonly sponsor non-EU workers?

Tourism and hospitality, construction, and agriculture are among the most active, reflecting persistent seasonal and skilled-labor shortages across Greece.

Is this different from the Greek Golden Visa?

Yes. The Golden Visa is a residence-by-investment program for investors, not a work authorization for employees. Working in Greece as a non-EU employee runs through the permits described above.

Ready to Build Your Non-EU Team in Greece?

Whether you run a seasonal hotel, a busy restaurant group, or a construction company facing labor shortages, HRCM can help you recruit reliable non-EU workers and keep the process fully compliant. Contact HRCM today to plan your next hiring season with confidence.

Note: Greek immigration and labor rules change periodically and specifics depend on nationality, sector, and role. This article is general information, not legal advice. HRCM confirms current requirements for your situation before any application.