Working in Greece as a Non-EU Citizen: Visas, Permits and the 2026 Rules

Non-EU citizens can work legally in Greece in 2026 through employer-sponsored work permits, with a modernised seasonal route allowing up to nine months of work per twelve-month period under the new immigration law (Law 5275/2026). The key fact to understand from the start: the process begins with the employer, not the worker. Here is how the system works, what documents you need and realistic timelines.

The Legal Routes Into Greek Employment

Greece's 2026 framework offers several paths. The seasonal work route serves tourism, hospitality and agriculture, capped by an annual quota — for 2026, more than 94,000 approved positions — and now allows stays of up to nine months in any twelve. The standard dependent-employment route covers year-round jobs such as construction, with permits tied to an employer-sponsored contract of at least six months. Separate provisions exist for highly skilled workers (EU Blue Card) and intra-company transfers. Bilateral agreements — notably with Albania and a large-scale agreement with India — create dedicated quotas.

Step 1: The Employer Applies (Metaklisi)

Under the invitation ("metaklisi") system, the Greek employer submits an electronic application to sponsor a named worker, attaching an employment contract of at least six months, proof the business can pay the wage, and a fee of €200 per worker. Approval targets have improved under the new law, with a 90-day processing goal, though real-world timelines vary by region. This is the stage where most independent applications fail — workers cannot self-sponsor, which is why placement through an agency with employer relationships matters. HRCM manages sponsorship paperwork jointly with employer clients; see our services.

Step 2: The Visa at the Greek Consulate

Once the sponsorship is approved, you apply for the entry visa (type D for standard employment, seasonal visa for the seasonal route) at the Greek consulate in your country. Expect to provide a valid passport, the approval decision, the signed contract, criminal record certificate, medical insurance and biometric photos. Consular appointment availability is often the slowest link — book immediately upon approval.

Step 3: Arrival, AFM, AMKA and EFKA

On arrival you obtain an AFM (tax number) and AMKA (social security number), and your employer registers you with EFKA before your first shift — this registration is what makes your employment legal and insured. For non-seasonal routes, you also file the residence permit application and receive a receipt legalising your stay while the card is issued.

Wages and Your Rights

The statutory minimum wage in Greece rose to €920 gross per month in April 2026 and applies equally to foreign workers. You are entitled to a written contract, social insurance from day one, statutory leave and overtime rates. A contract in a language you understand is your right to request; never accept undeclared cash work — it invalidates your legal status and insurance. Wage benchmarks by sector are covered in our guides to hospitality jobs in Greece and construction jobs in Greece.

Realistic Timelines

From employer application to first day of work, plan for three to six months in total: sponsorship approval (up to ~90 days), consular visa (two weeks to two months depending on the consulate), then travel and registration. Seasonal hires for a Greek summer season should therefore be initiated in the preceding autumn or winter.

Documents to Prepare Now (Before Any Job Offer)

Because the employer's application window moves quickly once a match is made, candidates who have their file ready get sponsored first. Prepare in advance: a passport valid well beyond the intended stay, a recent criminal record certificate from your home country (these expire — check validity windows), civil documents if family will follow, trade or hospitality certificates with official translations, and a truthful CV with verifiable references. Where a bilateral agreement applies to your nationality, ask which documents the designated channel requires — the lists differ. Candidates registered with HRCM receive a country-specific checklist so that when an employer selects them, the sponsorship file is complete on day one.

Red Flags: How to Avoid Illegal or Exploitative Offers

The demand for workers has also attracted bad actors. Treat these as immediate red flags: any "agent" charging you for a job offer or visa (legitimate agencies charge employers, not candidates); offers to work on a tourist visa "while papers are arranged"; contracts you are asked to sign in a language you cannot read with no translation; wages quoted "cash, no insurance"; and passport retention by an employer, which is illegal. A legal offer always involves a written contract, EFKA registration and a permit initiated by the employer before you travel.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I come to Greece on a tourist visa and then get a work permit?

No. The sponsorship must be approved before you enter; working on a tourist visa is illegal and jeopardises future applications.

How long can seasonal workers stay in Greece in 2026?

Up to nine months within any twelve-month rolling period under the new law.

Does a Greek work permit lead to permanent residency?

Standard (non-seasonal) permits can be renewed and, after five years of continuous legal residence, may lead to long-term EU resident status. Seasonal permits do not accumulate residence.

Do I need to speak Greek to get a work visa?

No language requirement exists for the permit itself; employers set their own language expectations per role.

Can my family join me on a Greek work permit?

Family reunification is possible on standard (non-seasonal) permits after meeting residence, income and housing conditions; seasonal permits do not carry family rights. Plan the permit type around your family intentions from the start.

Which sectors have the most sponsored positions in 2026?

Tourism and hospitality, agriculture and construction dominate the approved quotas, with the seasonal framework alone covering more than 94,000 positions — the sectors where Greek employers simply cannot fill roles domestically.

How HRCM Helps Workers and Employers

HRCM places candidates with vetted Greek employers in hospitality and construction and coordinates the sponsorship process on the employer side — the combination that actually gets permits issued. Candidates can register free on our jobs page; employers exploring international recruitment can contact us.

Related guide: Bilingual job placement in Greece for relocating professionals