Finding a job in Greece is not easy, but there are opportunities, and many people find jobs in various fields, especially in the tourism and hospitality sector. Determination, consistency and good preparation are key elements for success.
For more information on how to find a job in Greece, please check our video.
When you can work
To get the right to work,
- If you are an asylum seeker, you must complete sixty (60) days after Registration, provided that a decision regarding your asylum application has not been issued yet. From that moment, you maintain the right to work only if you remain a full registration card holder. If you get a job, you must inform the Asylum Service immediately. Otherwise, you may be deprived of cash assistance or other benefits.
- If you are granted refugee status, you have the right to work as an employee or a freelancer or open up a business, having the same rights and obligations as any Greek citizen. If you get a job, you must inform the Asylum Service immediately. Otherwise, you may be deprived of cash assistance or other benefits.
- If you are a Ukrainian national and have obtained Temporary Protection status, you can work in Greece. Note that the AMKA (Social Security Number) and AFM (Tax number) are written on the card.
Find more on how you can prove that you can work in Greece here.
Please note that once you get an AFM, you must submit a tax declaration every year between April and the end of June. Find more here.
What is the legal working age in Greece?
If you are 15 years or older and have the consent of your parents, the persons who exercise your parental care, or your legal guardian, you have the right to work in Greece legally. Without consent, Greek courts may decide to grant you permission to work upon your request.
There are specific regulations in place, designed to protect you as a minor. Employment for children under 15 years is strictly prohibited, with the exception of work on artistic or commercial activities such as in advertisement, theatre or cinema, and even then, it is only possible under specific conditions. These regulations ensure that minors, in general, are not exposed to dangerous, heavy or unhealthy working tasks, or do works that are harmful to their mental health.
Time Limits for Work
- Minors aged 15-16, as well as minors attending secondary schools, high schools, and any type of technical or vocational school, public or private, recognized by the State, are allowed to work up to 6 hours a day and 30 hours a week.
- Minors aged 17-18 are allowed to work up to 8 hours a day and 40 hours a week.
A minimum daily rest period of 12 hours and two days of rest per week, one of which is Sunday, is mandatory. When the daily working time exceeds 4.5 hours, a break of at least 30 consecutive minutes is provided.
The daytime work of minors attending secondary or high schools of any type or technical vocational schools, public or private, recognized by the State shall begin or end at least two hours after the end or before the beginning of classes, respectively.
Overtime work by minors is prohibited.
ID numbers you need
Like everyone in Greece, you must get several ID numbers before you can start working.
You will need the AMKA (Social Security Number) or the Temporary Social Security Number (PAAYPA) and AFM (Tax number).
Find out how:
Getting a Social Security Number (ΠΑΑΥΠΑ or AMKA)
Getting a National Insurance number (IKA)
Getting paid
Before you can get paid for work in Greece, you must get a bank account Find out how:
Your rights
Learn more about your rights:
Proving you can work in Greece
Find and apply for a job in Greece
Finding a job is a process, and to be successful, you need to take it step by step.
- Step 1: identify your skills and interests and decide what jobs you will target. It is always better to have specific sectors in mind because you will be more focused, more qualified, and have better chances of finding a job.
- Step 2: write a strong Curriculum Vitae (CV), where you will include your work experience, your education and skills.
- Step 3: write a Cover Letter that suits the type of job you are pursuing
- Step 4: Start your Job Search
- Step 5: Prepare for an Interview
- Step 6: Get informed about the Work Culture in Greece in general and your job in particular.
- Step 7: Get informed about your Rights
How can I check if my employer has officially declared my contract?
Ergani is the digital platform of the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs for employees. This platform registers all basic actions concerning employee-employer relations, including recruitment, departures, and employment contracts.
Through Ergani, you can check if your employer has registered your contract, verify whether the terms of the working contract have been declared as agreed, see the details of each employment relationship, view the employers you have worked for, and access all the declarations (forms) submitted by employers. To access Ergani, you will need your Taxisnet username and password.
How can I check if my employer pays my social insurance?
You can check how much social insurance your employer pays through Ergani, the digital platform of the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs for employees, by using your Taxisnet username and password.
If you find out that your employer is paying for fewer days than they should, you can file a complaint with your local EFKA office. The website provides information only in Greek. To help you navigate, check this guide that outlines all the necessary steps.
Find more info: About National Insurance Stamps (Ensima) in Greece
What is the Labour Inspectorate (SEPE)?
The Hellenic Labour Inspectorate (SEPE) is an independent administrative authority responsible for ensuring the application of labor legislation. It inspects labor rights and the safety and health of workers.
You can contact the Hellenic Labour Inspectorate to report any violations of labor law provisions (e.g., working conditions, working time limits, payments or other benefits, equal treatment in employment, etc.) or to request information regarding labor provisions. For more information on the responsibilities of the Labour Inspectorate, please check here.
Please note that you can file a complaint anonymously. You can call 1555, register your complaint online, or visit the competent office of Labour Inspection. Here you can find all the ways of submitting a complaint. If you are not insured at all or if you are not fully insured, you can submit a report via e-EFKA online.