These are the typical ideas and suggestions of local Greeks and friends and family back home for newcomers seeking a job in Greece, along with my findings based on current laws and the experience of dozens of EU and non-EU citizens, including myself. They haven’t changed much since I arrived 10 years ago.

If you’ve never worked in Greece before, I recommend you read this before looking at job links in the third column to understand myths and reality — it will save you time in the long run.

I also recommend that non-EU citizens first read, “How Americans and other non-EU citizens can move, live and work in Greece” and its ‘Comments’ if you haven’t already seen it, then come back to this article. Why? There is absolutly no point looking for a job if you cannot get a visa or residence/work permit to work in Greece.

With this knowledge and power, you can better prepare yourself to face possible challenges or rejoice that you somehow faced none of them in your successful quest for employment.

1. Get a job at an embassy

A lot of people assume that if they have citizenship, they can work at the Embassy. In reality, these positions are few and for the elite. Please see “Getting a job at an American Embassy,” if you have not yet seen the article.

American Embassies in Greece and Greek Consulates in the USA do not have non-embassy/non-consular job listings. New Democracy’s 2005 amendments to law 2910 have transformed a few dozen Greek Consulates into job centers, but these listings are primarily of the dirty, difficult and dangerous kind. See the article, “The jobs Greeks won’t take.“

2. Work for an American or other non-EU/EU company in Greece

Most American companies operating in Greece are local franchises or privately owned, not direct subsidiaries or branches operated and managed by the parent company in the USA, although the Greek Web site might be a mirror of the USA site. The clientele is Greek, the work environment is Greek, labor laws are Greek, salaries follow the Greek standard and your bosses will likely be Greek.

If you’re interested in finding a position with an American or other non-EU company in Greece or anywhere abroad, you will need to search the privately owned overseas franchise since the parent company will often not be affiliated. Contrary to popular belief, it is not an advantage to be American when looking for a job at an American company abroad because local companies want candidates who already have authorization to work in the EU, have command of the local language and knowledge of local working culture. Why? Because companies in Greece — American or not — are trying to capture the local market. There are also ample candidates available to work without an employer having to deal with lengthy bureaucracy and fees. To see an example of a job listing by an American company in Athens, see “Procter & Gamble Recruitment in Greece.”

As a non-EU citizen, you compete with everyone else on the job market — there are no listings for “Companies in Greece willing to sponsor a permit” or “jobs for Americans in Greece.” That would be the equivalent of finding an ad for “American jobs for EU citizens only” in the USA or “non-Indian applicants only” in India.

Also be aware that the Greek or overseas branch may not be named the same thing. For example, Alpha Copy S.A. is the Greek version of Nokia.

American and other non-EU/EU companies are not as prominent in Greece, in comparison to other EU countries, China or India. Even Greek companies have moved to countries where there is less bureaucracy, lower taxes, reduced corruption, cheaper labor, enforcement of fair business laws and a growing market. See, “Who really steals jobs from Greeks?“

3. Teach English

Many language schools advertise for “qualified and experienced” ESL/TEFL teachers and they mean it, often classifying CVs with no certifications and/or experience as “a waste of time and paper.”

By law, non-Greek citizens must pass an exam proving they have proficiency in the Greek language and knowledge of Greek history to acquire an ELT certificate to teach English (although the EU may change this), however TEFL teachers do not. There are also quotas in place that state a frontistirio can only hire one foreigner for every five Greek citizens, and even stricter quotas for non-EU citizens such as Australians, Americans and Canadians.

If you have a master’s degree and some teaching experience, an employer may look past not having certification, though this is not guaranteed.

Recruitment for Fall starts as early as May. Ads that advertise for British accents or UK citizens is a sign that the school is unwilling to sponsor a new residence/work permit for a non-EU citizen. There are schools that prefer American accents, however this is sometimes followed by “current authorization to work in Greece.” Not always, but sometimes.

Smaller schools or schools in remote areas and on the islands may be willing to take someone inexperienced, uncertified and/or without residence/work permits, even as late as September. It depends on the quality of other candidates that applied and the school’s level of need.

4. Tutor businessmen or students of English

Popular books on the subject of tutoring English students recommend placing ads, but I and many others found this to be a bad idea in Greece. Most people who answer are either men/boys trying to meet foreign girls, or students that aren’t serious about their studies, and you usually don’t find out until after all the units on your prepaid phone are gone.

The majority of people living here also have a different standard of courtesy, often not showing up for appointments without first canceling or canceling at the last moment without respect for your time or money, which could have been otherwise saved or spent on someone else.

Many people who offer tutoring have been doing it for years and/or are teachers at an established school, which is a more solid way to make contacts and help you determine if you’d like to take students as clients based on exposure and familiarity.

5. Work as an English-speaking nanny or au pair

If you love children and don’t mind cooking, cleaning and babysitting, this option may be for you.

Some positions ask that you live full-time in the family’s home, some don’t; some request that you be bilingual, while many say native English is just fine; some would like you to accompany them on holiday, but provide only spartan accommodations. Most ask that you work 6 days a week, and all ask for references.

Depending on the position and family, it may be possible to secure a residence/work permit, IKA and a decent salary. Others ask that you are already authorized to work in the EU.

6. Be an overseas representative for an American or other non-EU parent company back home

If you have been working for a company back home for a number of years, and have fluency in Greek and knowledge about the working culture of the country, you may prove to be the top candidate when a vacancy arises and then transferred. You would then enter the country with a work visa, which would then lead to a permit.

Having a local representative and paying local wages is more common than employing a traveling rep with an American salary since companies are keen to cut costs. It’s also just good business sense. Your salary will be scaled to a local standard, but at least you’ll be legally employed in Greece.

The other option that may not require knowledge of Greek or local working culture is to be stationed in a country nearby, such as Turkey or Italy, and be temporarily or permanently assigned to Greece. This option often (but not always) requires you have authorization to work in an EU country.

7. Do freelance work or be a consultant

Being a legal freelance worker or consultant — as a translator, IT worker, Internet businessman, writer/reporter, photographer, DJ, animal care, health care provider, trainer, graphic designer, repairman, etc. — requires that you get an AFM tax number (which ironically requires a residence/work permit for non-EU citizens), sign up and pay for TEBE (a health carrier for independent workers) out of your own pocket, register with a professional association and pay annual fees, purchase an official ink stamp that you need for all professional and taxation purposes, and purchase a tax register and receipt books that will be punched by the eforia. See, “How to start a new business in Greece” for full details about opening a self-employed status.

After that, you have the choice of paying an accountant to keep your books for a monthly fee (anywhere between 50-200 euros) or learn how to maintain your own tax register, issue receipts, pay FPA and file quarterly tax forms that are required even if you earn nothing. I found that doing it myself was a more reliable and less costly way to maintain control over my money, however I know many people with trustworthy, efficient accountants and lawyers that handle their affairs.

Getting vendors to pay you for your services can be a challenge, sometimes requiring you to call or visit the office several times over many months. Sometimes you never get paid, and bringing a lawsuit is a lengthy (several years) and costly ordeal that most do not pursue, and vendors who choose not to pay know this.

Domestic workers, farm workers and nurses have the same independent status, but usually have IKA and salaries paid amongst several employers.

Be aware that your residence/work permit can still be denied or revoked if it is determined that you do not have sufficient documentation that qualifies you to perform this type of work. Translations of documents, official recognition of university degrees and other evidence of experience in your field are all considered by authorities. However, nothing less than the possession of IKA ensima in your field is often regarded as the only official proof of your work experience, and denial or revocation of your permit can happen at any time.

8. Start your own business, such as a store that sells American or other non-EU goods

This option never used to be easy, but it’s less easy these days with the new legislation in place.

Non-EU citizens must have already been living in Greece with a residence/work permit for 1 year and have a formal business plan drawn up in Greek that this business “contributes to the development of the Greek economy”; a deposit 60,000 euros cash is required for individuals with a physical business, and 300,000 euros for investors planning to employ workers, as evidence of solvency and the ability to meet expenses and unexpected costs. If your plan is approved by the ministry, business can commence. See, “How to start a new business in Greece” for full details of start-up.

In speaking to non-EU entrepreneurs who started ethnic food or specialty food stores, there is a lot of red tape and a small profit margin unless one declares sales a certain way. I myself uttered a sigh of relief when I closed my business, knowing I wouldn’t need to again deal with FPA, changing laws and a mountain of paperwork just to stay afloat, never mind prosper.

I do not know a non-EU citizen who has opted to open a business under the new rules, and therefore cannot relay information on the subject regarding waiting time and successful case studies. Greek and EU citizens are not subject to the new rules, and usually do much better.

9. Tourism

Hotels, hostels and tour operators often look for seasonal workers to compensate for the influx of tourists during high season.

Be aware that larger hotels in big cities, such as Athens and Thessaloniki, keep a year-round staff so vacancies are rare. And the bigger the chain, the more likely you’ll be asked for a Bachelor’s in Tourism or Hotel Management and previous work experience. Hostels tend to have a revolving door of staff, and therefore have more vacancies in off season (November - March) and demand fewer qualifications. Privately owned hotels are usually staffed by family members and friends of the family, which is true for both the islands and mainland. If you’re wondering why a hotel in Greece states that it will not give residence/work permits (work visas) to an American or other non-EU citizens, see “Summer jobs in Greece FAQ.”

Tour operators recruit both locals and willing nationals in which the operator originates (e.g., A Swedish national was recruited in Stockholm to spend the season on Crete as a hospitality hostess/tour leader serving fellow Swedes visiting the island). The more unique your language skills and proficient your knowledge of certain areas of Greece, the better your chances of being successful. English is in low demand since many local Greeks can fill this void.

Ads usually appear as early as March for the upcoming summer season and filled quickly, though there are a few unfilled positions as late as May or June.

Can I find a job in Greece?

Absolutely. I and several of my friends exercised many of the options above with some success, encountering different challenges along the way.

The demand in Greece is for unskilled, uneducated workers who will accept low paying positions with little or no chance of advancement. If you are not picky and willing to accept anything for a chance to work and stay here, it may be quite easy to find a job. There are also employers in Greece who count on the desperation of non-EU citizens who can’t speak Greek and prey on them, which is the reason many job ads run continuously in the Athens News.

The few people I know who work at American or other non-EU (or even EU) companies speak more Greek and serve a predominantly Greek clientele, with little or no touch with the homeland. Why? An American or other non-EU company with a branch in Greece is trying to capture and manage the local Greek market. It’s logical.

Most of us had better success learning some Greek and establishing ourselves at Greek companies with an American, European and/or worldwide clientele, where native English speakers are necessary and often used to give the impression of being an international corporation, even if the company is homegrown Greek.

To see some examples of real life people working in the capital, see “Examples of jobs and salaries in Athens.”

The importance of speaking Greek

A lot of native English speakers assume that speaking English is enough to secure a legal and professional job in a foreign country, and I would say this is true in some countries with a predominantly English-speaking population. Greece is not one of those countries. And let’s face it, learning the local language will make life easier and open a lot more job opportunities, especially when asking a potential employer to sponsor your residence/work permit.

Without learning Greek, your field of job opportunities is severely narrowed and often eliminate any chance you have of finding someone to sponsor your work visa without connections. In addition, your career may never reach a professional realm, will at some point top out or need to catch a lucky break.

I do know people who speak no Greek and hold good well-paid positions, but it’s because they are well connected or related to or doing “favors” for someone who is.

There are also EU and non-EU native English speakers working in moderately paid positions demanding little or no Greek. These jobs have no turnover and haven’t been advertised in years, namely because these people know they won’t find the same working conditions elsewhere for the same money and don’t have the means to learn Greek (money, time, family obligations, etc.).

See, “The importance of speaking Greek in Greece” for more details.

Illegal work in Greece

Illegal work is a widespread reality, though less common than 10 years ago since laws have become more strict and fines were increased to discourage employers from hiring undocumented workers.

Enforcement has also been stepped up. A new law passed in December 2007 says that Greek Consulates can request proof of 50 euros/day when applying for a visa or airport authorities can ask non-EU citizens for proof before entering Greece (see, “Non-EU travelers to Greece need 50 euros a day“). Police also come around more often to cafes/bars, restaurants and English language schools (obvious places, where there will be non-EU citizens), and this results in illegal workers being fired.

Illegal work can still be found, but you sacrifice insurance (IKA ensima), bonuses (at Easter, summer and Christmas), the right to complain, fair working conditions and unemployment benefits should you be fired. You could be fired without reason at any time; and without ensima, you have no official proof of work experience in your field by Greek standards. e.g. It is not enough to state it on a CV when changing employers; your new boss will want to see ensima to prove you worked in a similar position.

More importantly, you’ll never be able to find legal work with an employer if you have become illegal.

*Note to those searching this site for “illegal work ads”: Employers do not advertise they are engaging in illegal activity unless they want to be fined and visited by police.

If you haven’t read it already, see “How Americans and other non-EU citizens can move, live and work in Greece” to get a general overview of how visas, residence/work permits and citizenship affect non-EU citizens living and working in Greece. That article is actually the starting point, not the one you’re reading now — this is the reason it’s #1 on the non-EU list.

Additional tips for your job search

Please be aware that jobs are not categorized or advertised as Jobs for Americans or Jobs for Non-EU Citizens or Companies in Greece that Sponsor a Work Permit. Jobs are jobs, same as in your homeland.

See “Job ads in Greece vs. other countries” to get started. To avoid confusion across nationalities, I don’t use the terms job classifieds or mikres aggelies (little notices), I just refer to them as ads.

There are also a number of links to job listings in the third column of this site. Click anything that interests you.
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This article was written for informational purposes, both for you and your friends and family back home who may not understand that Greece operates differently in comparison to your homeland or even other EU countries.

Article updated May 17, 2008

This is a true story about a Greek citizen named Kosta on his way to the United States for vacation. First stop, the American Embassy in Athens.

Condoleezza Rice and Dora Barkoyianni discussed the possibility of Greece entering the U.S. waiver program after a visit from U.S. Homeland Security at the end of 2007, but Greece failed to meet qualifications for entry to the program in the past, nothing has been approved and Greece is NOT in the program now or scheduled to be (this post is consistently updated to reflect the latest information). Therefore, it is necessary for all Greek passport holders to secure a non-immigrant visa for visits to America. Greek-American dual citizens are advised to use their U.S. passports.

Getting a visa to the United States

According to the U.S. Embassy website, this is how a Greek citizen can apply for a non-immigrant visa (tourist visa or visa for a visiting businessman).

STEP 1: Pay the Visa Application Fee (Gives account number and addresses of Piraeus Bank locations where 80 euros must be paid; fee will be increased to $131 starting January 1, 200

STEP 2: Do you need an Appointment? (No, for people aged 14-16 or 60-80 or those with a previous unexpired visa; yes, for everyone else)

STEP 3: Schedule Your Appointment (Online scheduling system)

STEP 4: Complete and Print the Application Forms (Online forms and instructions offered in both English and Greek)

STEP 5: Gather the Required Supporting Documentation (A reminder to have application, bank receipt and passport)

STEP 6: Have Your Photo Taken (Specs of 50 x 50 mm, full face, jaw shut, taken with a white background)

STEP 7: Come to your Interview

Each step has instructions in English and Greek, and there is a dedicated hotline ready to receive questions in English and Greek should you need information before going to the American Embassy in Athens or Thessaloniki (there is no American Embassy in Crete or any other city/island).

It’s all very clear and straightforward, there are no mysteries or ambiguities. It states a waiting time of up to 3 hours, but you’ll later learn why that only applies to certain people.

Follow the instructions, they’re clear dammit!

My friend Kosta pays his fee to get the receipt, has his photo taken, prints and fills out the application in English, makes an appointment, takes a pen and shows up on time. Inside the embassy, he waits his turn and has a chance to observe his fellow Greeks in action.

The first window is where all documents are submitted — this is where the chaos starts. Some have shown up with no photos, some with no applications, some with no bank receipts and some with nothing but their passports. Judging from the box of preprinted applications and pens on a large table, this is a common occurrence and embassy officials have surrendered instead of turning people away. The embassy official at the first window also serves as a photographer for those who didn’t bring photos, but she’s frustrated because no one has small change, and she’s having trouble with her subjects.

“Please sir, stop smiling. This is not a portrait, this is your visa. You need to close your mouth and look serious,” she says. He smiles again, this time wider with all of his teeth showing and head tilted. Kosta starts laughing and slaps his forehead.

“Oxi, oxi, sir! Sas parakalo, koita,” she says, as she points at her face and looks straight ahead with lips closed. The man repeats the same toothy smile and head tilt. The woman gives up and asks him to sit down to keep the line moving. He mumbles something in Greek about Americans and has a seat.

She waits on the next person, and this man has his passport, photos and application, but no receipt from the bank. “Did you pay your money, sir?” she asks.

“Yes, yes, here you go,” he says as he slaps 80 euros on the counter. “I’m sorry sir, but you need to pay this to Piraeus Bank and get a receipt, then bring it back here,” she tells him.

“Why you can’t take my money?” he asks. “Sir, I’m sorry, but we are not a bank, we are an embassy. Paying your money at the bank is the first step in getting a visa, even before you make an appointment, so you need to go to Piraeus Bank just down the street, get the receipt and come back,” she says. She gives him a slip of paper with the account number and addresses. He swears a bit in Greek about the embassy, takes his passport and goes to the bank.

At the second window, a different embassy official is trying to finish taking the fingerprint of a gentleman’s right index finger. She holds up her right finger as an example, motions to the machine and tells him to place his right index finger on the pad. He places his left index finger on the pad. “Oxi, oxi. Sir, deksi xeri,” she says, hoping that speaking Greek will clear the apparent misunderstanding, while holding up her right finger. He again places his left finger on the pad.

“Oxi, oxi. Kyrie, to deksi xeri, sas parakalo!” she says. He again places his left finger on the pad.

“Kyrie, to deksi xeri, sas parakalo!” she says again. He places his left finger on the pad. The Venetian blind behind the glass window comes down with a quick swish, and the gentleman looks around for a minute, as if puzzled by the window’s sudden closure. He sits down. Some people come over and explain to him what happened and why. “Ack, ti ekana,” he says.

Now it’s Kosta’s turn. He’s at the window, the embassy official checks his documents and asks him to sit down. In a few minutes, a woman takes his fingerprint at the second window, asks him to sit down, then calls his name to enter a security door where he’s interviewed at a window, approved, given a protocol number so he can pick up his passport the next afternoon, and he leaves. From the time his name was first called, the process took less than 15 minutes.

The irony is if a Greek or a foreigner goes to a public office in Greece, there is no clarity, no instructions or forms in foreign languages, no assistance and no courtesy, except in rare cases. People would just be turned away, sometimes even if the documents are spot on, sometimes given incorrect information due to incompetence or just for sport.

But the visa process was crystal clear and in Greek AND assistance was provided at every turn, so why was it so difficult for people to navigate to the point they complained?!? Is it conditioning — clouding what is clear, creating drama and difficulty where none exists, thinking a system is hard when it’s easy, complaining just because? Was it truly difficult or was it “Greeked?”

Kalo Taxidi my friends!

Are you a Greek citizen looking for a visa?

Greece has not entered the U.S. waiver program and failed in the past to meet program requirements, choosing to impose stricter policies for American diplomats instead of fixing what was actually wrong; there are terrorism issues and Greek citizens are frequent violators of visas, which ruins it for everyone.

Therefore, Greek passport holders need to go to the U.S. Embassy website in their homeland, follow the instructions carefully and fill out any forms in advance of making your appointment. This post is always updated to reflect the latest information.

If you are in Athens, visit U.S. Embassy in Athens - Visa Section and select from the left menu whether you’re interested in a non-immigrant visa (visiting) or an immigrant visa (staying in the USA). Please be aware that the visa department has moved to a new location.

Greek citizens who are married to U.S. citizens, but not U.S. citizens and U.S. passport holders themselves still need a visa. The citizenship of your spouse is only relevant if you’re apply for an immigrant visa (permanent stay in the USA).

Visa interview questions

Questions vary according to the person and interviewer, and usually revolve around the answers you gave on your visa application. Be honest.

Reasons for denial

People are usually denied a visa because there is something inconsistent in their present or past, or there is evidence of a potential risk (i.e., Insufficient ties to the homeland that guarantee returning, past violation of a visa, being a third country resident, recent marriage to a U.S. citizen).

A previous denial is not necessarily grounds to a repeat denial.

Related posts

“Greek passport“
“Greece to enter the visa waiver program in 2008?“
“Greek citizens permitted to visit FYROM with Greek ID“

Article updated January 13, 2008
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Photo is from “American Indian sign language” at the buffalo.edu site