Working in Greece

Working in Greece: jobs abroad for German and Dutch speakers, salary & life

Want to work where other people go on holiday? Then working in Greece might be exactly your next step. Picture this: you finish your workday, grab a coffee for 2 €, and 10 minutes later you're sitting by the sea. Many international companies handle customer service, sales, or content moderation for the German- and Dutch-speaking markets from Greece. The best part: you don't need a visa, you don't need to speak Greek, and many jobs even come with relocation support. In this guide you'll find everything you need to know, from salary and cost of living to getting started on the ground. 🇬🇷

Money comes and goes, but memories stay." – Tim and Tess, Thessaloniki

Do I need a work permit to work in Greece?

As an EU citizen, you can work in Greece without a visa or work permit. Thanks to freedom of movement within the EU, you can get started right away. To start working, you'll typically need:

• AFM (Greek tax number)

• AMKA (social security number)
  

Many employers help you apply for these documents, so getting started abroad is much easier.

What jobs are available in Greece?

Many international companies are based in Greece and serve customers across Europe, which is why there are plenty of vacancies for German and Dutch speakers.

Typical roles:

• Customer Service

• Content Moderation
  

In practice, you'll often work on projects for well-known brands such as Netflix, Mercedes, Microsoft, bol, or Dyson. Note: you're not hired directly by the brand itself, but by an international service provider that handles customer service or sales on their behalf.

Do I need to speak Greek?

No. German or Dutch will be your main working language, with English used within the team where needed. You don't need Greek for the job or for daily life, though a few basic words like "kalimera" always help.

On top of that, you'll often get:

• A paid flight

• Temporary accommodation for the first few weeks

• A free Greek course

How do I find a job in Greece?

The easiest way is through the job platform Yobbers. Here's how it works:

1. Choose a job

2. Apply online

3. Have an introductory call with a Yobbers recruiter

4. Have an interview directly with the employer

5. Receive an offer and move to Greece
   

Many employers support you with:

• Flight costs

• Airport pickup

• Temporary accommodation for the first few weeks

• Help finding housing

• Documents
  

So you don't have to arrange everything yourself.

Moving to Greece: steps & documents

Relocating is easier than many people think. Here's how you get started:

1. Secure a job

2. Travel to Greece

3. Apply for your AFM (your employer usually arranges this for you)

4. Apply for your AMKA (also arranged by the company)

5. Open a bank account
   

Good to know: for the AFM and AMKA you usually just need to fill out and sign an authorization form; your employer takes care of the rest.

You'll need these documents:

• A certificate of good conduct (police clearance certificate)

• A copy of your passport or ID card

• A birth certificate
  

Good to know: a bank account from your home country is accepted by many employers at the start. In the medium term, it's worth opening a Greek account or a free EU account, such as N26 or Revolut.

Finding housing in Greece

Many jobs through Yobbers include temporary accommodation for the first few weeks, so you can arrive stress-free and look for your own place once you're settled.

If you're searching independently, useful platforms include:

• Spitogatos (one of Greece's main property portals)

• Uniplaces (use code UP20YOBBERS26 for a discount)

• Spotahome (use code YOBBERS20 for a discount)

• HousingAnywhere (through this link with 20% discount)
  

There you will find:

• Furnished apartments

• Rooms in shared flats

• Long-term rentals
  

Tip: also look beyond the busiest neighborhoods. In Athens, areas like Koukaki or Exarchia are popular with internationals and are often quieter and cheaper than the very center, while still being well connected by metro.

Popular places to work in Greece

• Athens – The capital is the biggest job hub. Most international companies are based here.

• Thessaloniki – A bit more relaxed, cheaper, and with a growing number of vacancies.

• Crete – Perfect if you want to combine work with island life.

Salary and cost of living in Greece

Salaries in Greece are lower than in many other Western European countries, but the cost of living is significantly lower too. Tax and social security deductions are also typically lower, usually around 20%.

• Through Yobbers, salaries for German and Dutch speakers in these roles typically range from €1,200 to €1,800 gross per month plus bonuses, depending on the role, employer, and language

• For comparison: the legal minimum wage in Greece in 2026 is €1,027 gross per month.
  

On top of that, you get:

• 1 extra salary at Christmas

• ½ salary at Easter

• ½ salary in the summer

• In total: 14 salaries a year
  

Cost of living (examples):

• Studio in Athens: €400–€700

• Room in a shared apartment: roughly €350–€500 (depending on city and location)

• Remote work (e.g. on an island): often cheaper rent than in Athens, depending on the season

• Coffee: €2–€3

• Lunch at a local taverna: €8–€12

• Groceries: on average €150–€220 per month

I didn't become richer on paper, but I definitely did in experiences. And I still smile when I think about it." – Tim and Tess

Work culture in Greece

Work culture is often more relaxed than in many Western European countries, but teamwork matters a lot.

What to expect:

• International teams

• Modern offices

• Fixed working hours, often in shifts
  

Good to know: you'll typically work 5 days a week, 8 hours a day. If you work evenings, nights, or weekends, many jobs come with extra pay for that.

Things to do in Greece

Have you started creating your Greece bucket list yet? Here are some of our favourites:

• Explore the beautiful islands: from the stunning beaches of Mykonos to the historic charm of Santorini, each island has its unique character waiting to be discovered.

• Visit the Acropolis in Athens: no trip to Greece is complete without a visit to the iconic Acropolis, where you can marvel at ancient architecture and soak in panoramic views of the city.

• Relax in a taverna: immerse yourself in the Greek way of life by enjoying a meal in a local taverna. Savor traditional dishes like moussaka and souvlaki, all while soaking up the lively atmosphere.

• Hike the Samaria Gorge in Crete: for the adventurous, this stunning hike takes you through one of Europe’s longest gorges, showcasing breathtaking landscapes and rich flora and fauna.

• Experience Greek festivals: join in the celebrations at local festivals, where you can enjoy traditional music, dance, and food. The lively atmosphere is contagious and offers a true taste of Greek culture.

• Visit Meteora Monasteries: these UNESCO World Heritage Sites are perched on towering rock formations and offer a unique glimpse into Greece’s religious history along with stunning views.

• Enjoy a sunset in Oia: experience the breathtaking sunsets of Oia in Santorini, where the sun dips below the horizon, painting the sky in vibrant colours, an unforgettable moment!

• Stroll along the Athens Riviera: relax by the beautiful beaches and take in the stunning coastal views. Don’t miss the picturesque Lake Vouliagmeni, known for its thermal waters and serene surroundings.

Your first words

• Καλημέρα (Kalimera) - Good morning

• Τι κάνεις; (Ti kanis?) - How are you?

• Πού είναι η πλησιέστερη παραλία; (Pou einai i plisieresti paralia?) - Where is the nearest beach?

• Ευχαριστώ (Efharisto) - Thank you

• στην υγειά σας! (Stin ija sas!) - Cheers!

• Θες να χορέψουμε; (Thes na chorepsume?) - Do you want to dance?