Greece Seeks Foreign Workers: Top 17 Occupations to Boost Your Work Visa Chances

Greece is experiencing significant labor shortages in 17 key occupations, as highlighted by the 2023 EURES report on labor market shortages and surpluses.

Industries particularly affected include food and hospitality, construction, cleaning, and skilled crafts. This shortage means that foreigners with experience in these roles may have a higher chance of obtaining employment and a Greek work visa.

According to the latest EURES report, Greece is struggling with a shortage of workers in the following roles:

1. Kitchen helpers

2. Building construction laborers

3. Cleaners and helpers in offices, hotels, and other establishments

4. Domestic cleaners and helpers

5. Electrical and electronic equipment assemblers

6. Mechanical machinery assemblers

7. Motor vehicle mechanics and repairers

8. Air conditioning and refrigeration mechanics

9. Plumbers and pipe fitters

10. Protective services workers not elsewhere classified

11. Bartenders

12. Waiters

13. Hotel receptionists

14. Contact center information clerks

15. Chefs

16. Nursing professionals

17. Supply, distribution, and related managers

Conversely, the report also identified ten occupations facing a surplus of workers in Greece. Some of these surplus occupations include healthcare assistants, salespersons, receptionists, office clerks, psychologists, philosophers, historians, and political scientists. This implies that securing an employment offer in these roles might be more challenging due to high competition.

The Hellenic Foundation for European and Foreign Policy (ELIAMEP) recently confirmed Greece's labor shortages, particularly highlighting construction and hospitality as the sectors facing "the greatest shortages." In its report "Looking for seasonal workers: Greece’s search for migrant labour," ELIAMEP emphasized Greece's need for seasonal workers, especially from Asian and North African countries. The Greek authorities have signed several agreements with third countries to recruit foreign workers, focusing on seasonal and temporary work, predominantly in skilled rather than high-skilled labor.

Additionally, Greece's agricultural sector is facing a severe shortage of 180,000 workers. Exporters have urged authorities to ease entry requirements for hiring foreign land workers, citing significant losses to farmers and the Greek economy. In response, Greece recently signed an agreement with Egypt to hire 5,000 Egyptian seasonal workers in the agricultural sector by 2024.

By fLEXI tEAM