Moving to Greece for work: what to arrange before and after arrival
Leandra
◦
6 minutes reading time
Thinking about moving to Greece for work? Or maybe you already have a job offer and want to know what comes next? Whether you’re still exploring your options, looking into remote jobs in Greece, or preparing to move to cities like Athens or Thessaloniki, it’s normal to have questions. What do you need to arrange before you go? What happens once you arrive? And how much is already taken care of for you? Here’s the honest answer: it depends on the job. Some roles include things like temporary accommodation or relocation support, while others expect you to organise more yourself.
Before we dive into the details, here’s a quick overview of what to expect:
- Before you go: check what’s included in your contract, prepare your documents and save money for your first weeks.
- After you arrive: get your tax number, open a bank account and look for long-term housing.
- What’s included? Some jobs cover things like flights, housing or support, while others expect you to arrange more yourself.
In this guide, you’ll get a clear and realistic overview of what to expect when you move abroad to Greece, whether you’re still exploring or already getting ready to go.
Is moving to Greece for work difficult?
It can feel like a lot before you leave. There are different steps, unknowns, and things to arrange. But once you understand what’s included in your job and what you need to do yourself, the process becomes much clearer and more manageable.
“Before I moved, I thought everything would be complicated. In reality, once I arrived, I just took it step by step.”
That’s often how it goes. Not perfect, but definitely doable.
What to arrange before moving to Greece
Whether you’re still exploring, considering a remote job, or already have an offer in Athens or Thessaloniki, these are things you’ll always need to prepare for.
Your job contract and expectations
Before you move, take time to really go through your contract. Look beyond the job title and salary. Check working hours, bonus structures, probation periods, and what kind of support is included. A lot of these things are already discussed during your hiring process. Still, it’s important to know exactly what’s covered and what isn’t, so you can plan your first weeks properly. If something is unclear, ask questions before you leave. It’s much easier to clarify things upfront than once you’re already in Greece.
Your flight
Good news: your flight to Greece is always included. You don’t need to worry about booking or paying for it yourself. That means one less thing to arrange before your move.
Health insurance
Your health insurance is also arranged for you, so you’re covered from the start. This means one less administrative task when you arrive and peace of mind from day one.
Important documents for working in Greece
Make sure your passport or ID is valid and bring both digital and printed copies of important documents. Depending on your situation, you might also need documents like a birth certificate or proof of address later on. Having everything organised in advance saves time once you arrive.
Your budget for the first weeks
Even when working abroad in Greece, your first salary is usually paid after a few weeks or at the end of your first working month. That means you’ll need to cover your own expenses at the start. Think about groceries, public transport, SIM card, deposits for housing, and social activities. So it’s good to prepare a realistic budget before you move.
What to arrange after arriving in Greece
Once you arrive, there are a few key steps that make your stay official and allow you to fully settle into your new life.
Apply for your Greek tax number (AFM)
To legally work in Greece, you need a tax number (AFM). This is essential for receiving your salary and signing certain contracts. The good news is that your employer takes care of this for you, so you don’t have to navigate the process alone. In most cases, you’ll just need to provide the right documents and your employer handles the rest.
Open a bank account in Greece
Many employers require a Greek bank account for salary payments. Opening an account usually requires your ID, tax number, and sometimes proof of address. Expect to visit a bank branch and go through the process yourself.
Short-term accommodation and finding a long-term home
If you work in Athens or Thessaloniki, you receive accommodation for the first four weeks. This makes your arrival much smoother and gives you time to explore different neighbourhoods before committing to something long-term.
For remote roles, accommodation isn’t automatically included unless you choose to live and work from Athens or Thessaloniki. If you’re not based in these cities, it’s smart to book a short stay yourself so you have time to look for a place once you arrive.
In Athens, areas like Koukaki or Exarchia are popular among expats. Thessaloniki offers a slightly calmer vibe, with a strong local culture and lower rent prices. Exploring neighbourhoods in person helps you understand what fits your lifestyle and budget.
Your first weeks in Greece: what it actually feels like
The first weeks of living and working in Greece are a mix of practical steps and new experiences. You’re setting things up, but at the same time, you’re already building your new routine. You go to work, meet colleagues, and slowly start to feel more comfortable in your environment. After work, life feels different. You sit outside more, explore the city, and often make spontaneous plans. That balance between structure and freedom is what many people enjoy most about living life in Greece.
As many people experience when moving abroad, it’s often the small moments, like exploring new places after work or making last-minute plans, that leave the biggest impression
Want to know what you can earn, what your workday looks like, and how much free time you actually have? Check out our blog about living and working in Greece.
Checklist: moving to Greece for work
Before moving
- Check your contract, salary, and start date
- Confirm what’s included (flight, health insurance, accommodation, support)
- Prepare your documents (passport/ID, copies, etc.)
- Save money for your first weeks
- Arrange temporary housing if you won’t be in Athens or Thessaloniki
After arriving
- Provide documents so your employer can arrange your tax number (AFM)
- Open a Greek bank account
- Look for long-term accommodation
- Join Greek language lessons and team events
- Settle into your new routine and explore your new city
Ready to start working in Greece?
If you’re thinking about moving to Greece for work, the most important step is choosing the right job for you. Some roles offer more support, others give you more independence. Neither is better, it just depends on what you prefer and how much you want to arrange yourself.
Take your time to explore our vacancies in Greece, check what’s included, and prepare step by step. And remember: you don’t need to have everything figured out before you go. You figure it out along the way 🧡