Greece to recruit 360,000 Nigerians and other foreign workers by 2025 amid a significant labour shortage, the government has announced.
While initiatives are underway to attract international talent, only 25% of the required workforce has been secured to date.
The highest demand for these workers is concentrated in vital sectors like tourism, agriculture, construction, manufacturing, and healthcare.
According to TravelBiz, this shortage has prompted the Greek government to accelerate recruitment efforts and sign bilateral agreements to ease the process for foreign workers. The tourism industry, which contributes about 10% to Greece’s GDP, remains the most affected sector, with urgent hiring needs for seasonal and full-time roles.
Shortfall Despite Hiring Efforts
Between 2023 and 2024, Greece approved over 180,000 job openings for foreign nationals. However, only around 90,000 individuals have entered the country under various employment permits. The available positions span both skilled and unskilled labour, from machine operators and nurses to hospitality staff and agricultural workers.
The job distribution for 2025 includes:
- Seasonal Employment: 45,670 positions (51.2%)
- Dependent Employment: 41,670 positions (46.7%)
- Highly Skilled Employment: 2,000 positions (2.1%)
In addition to the approved roles, approximately 3,000 extra positions are projected in manufacturing sectors such as food processing, cheese production, and olive oil facilities.
Sectors in Demand
Foreign workers are currently needed across several key industries:
- Tourism and Hospitality: hotel housekeeping, reception, and kitchen staff
- Agriculture: seasonal harvesting and livestock work
- Construction: general labourers and skilled tradespeople
- Healthcare: home care and nursing support
- Manufacturing: roles in olive mills, cheese factories, and food production lines
Tourism remains the top sector for international hiring due to increased travel demand and staffing gaps during peak seasons.
International Recruitment and Visa Processes
Reports inform that to fill the gap, Greece has taken multiple steps:
- Initiated bilateral partnerships with other non-EU countries
- Allowed foreign employment across seasonal, dependent, and skilled job categories
Foreign nationals interested in working in Greece can start the process by securing a job offer from a local employer.
After receiving an offer, the applicant must apply for a National Type D Visa through a Greek consulate in their home country. Required documents typically include:
- A valid passport
- Employment contract
- Proof of accommodation in Greece
- Medical insurance
- Police clearance certificate
Upon arrival in Greece, foreign workers must apply for a residence and work permit from the local authorities.
Types of Work Permits
The permits available for foreign workers vary by employment type:
EU/EEA/Swiss Citizens: No work permit required, but registration with local authorities is necessary after a certain stay period.
Seasonal Work Permit: Valid for up to six months, common in the agriculture and tourism sectors.
Dependent Employment Permit: For long-term contracts, processed by the employer.
Highly Skilled Work Permit (EU Blue Card): For professionals like engineers, doctors, and IT workers. Applicants must have relevant qualifications and meet a salary threshold.
Accessing Job Opportunities
Foreign workers can explore job opportunities through:
Official Greek employment portals such as OAED
- EU portals like EURES.
- Private job platforms including Kariera.gr, JobsinGreece.net, and Workathlon (specialising in tourism roles).
Recruitment agencies operating in Greece also support international hiring efforts, helping match foreign applicants to job openings in high-demand sectors.
With over 270,000 positions still unfilled, Greece continues to seek foreign workers to maintain its economic stability and support critical industries.
