It’s a fact: when most people think about working in Greece, tourism tends to dominate the conversation. It’s nothing to be surprised by, either. According to
Statista, travel and tourism’s total contribution to GDP in Greece was above 19 percent in 2023, the third-highest among European Union countries after Portugal and Croatia.
It's true that the sector plays a big role in the economy, but the country has quietly undergone a transformation in recent years. New investments, digital infrastructure upgrades, and European Union funding have all contributed to the rise of sectors that offer real career opportunities for both locals and expats.
If you're looking to live and work in Greece, it's worth looking beyond the obvious. While hospitality jobs are plentiful, there are growing prospects in industries that are more stable, better paid, and often more aligned with international experience and qualifications.
Here are three sectors that are currently thriving in Greece — industries you may not have considered, but that are hiring now:
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1. Technology and Startups
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2. Logistics and Supply Chain
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3. Renewable Energy and Green Infrastructure
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Why These Sectors Matter for Expats
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How to Get Hired in These Growing Industries
1. Technology and Startups
Greece's tech sector is expanding at a steady pace. What was once a limited scene centered around a few companies in Athens has evolved into a broader ecosystem that includes Thessaloniki and even more rural areas where remote work is becoming viable.
Fuelled by government initiatives, EU support, and a wave of returning Greek professionals who gained experience abroad, the startup space in Greece has found its footing. From fintech to green tech and software-as-a-service (SaaS), a growing number of Greek startups are attracting international investment and competing globally.
Athens, in particular, has drawn attention as an emerging digital hub. Companies like
Workable,
Viva, and
Blueground started locally and now operate on a global scale. International tech firms are also opening offices in Greece, drawn by the lower operating costs and highly educated workforce.
For expats, this means there are growing opportunities in roles that require international know-how or fluency in English. Positions such as software developers, UI/UX designers, product managers, and digital marketers are increasingly available. The culture in these companies tends to lean modern and remote-friendly, with hybrid working models becoming more common.
Even for those without technical backgrounds, there’s demand in customer support, sales, project coordination, and content writing — especially for English-speaking markets.
2. Logistics and Supply Chain
Another industry on the rise is logistics. Thanks to its strategic location, Greece has long been a gateway between Europe, Asia, and Africa. Major infrastructure improvements and foreign investments — especially in the port of Piraeus — have elevated the country’s role in global trade.
Piraeus, among the busiest ports in Europe, has seen significant development, driven by Chinese investment and EU funding. The result is a growing need for professionals in logistics, transportation management, supply chain optimization, and warehousing.
E-commerce has also played a key role in this growth. As Greek businesses expand their online presence, the demand for efficient shipping, order fulfillment, and inventory control has grown with it. This opens up opportunities not only in Athens but also in nearby logistics hubs and regional centers.
Roles available range from operations managers and procurement officers to customs compliance specialists and analysts. For expats, especially those with prior experience in logistics or international trade, this industry offers practical pathways into the Greek job market. Many companies are looking for employees who can navigate international supply chain systems, speak multiple languages, and handle cross-border regulations.
Even entry- and mid-level professionals with a background in business administration, project coordination, or IT systems may find that logistics in Greece offers a stable and forward-looking career track.
3. Renewable Energy and Green Infrastructure
Maybe the most unexpected entry in this list, one of the most promising sectors in Greece today is renewable energy. The country
has committed to ambitious sustainability targets, aiming to significantly reduce its carbon footprint by 2030. This shift has opened the door for large-scale investments in wind, solar, and green infrastructure projects.
With plenty of EU funding and partnerships with multinational companies, Greece has launched projects that span from solar farms in central Greece to offshore wind developments. This growth is creating jobs not just in construction and installation, but in planning, data analysis, environmental consulting, and engineering.
As the industry grows, so does the need for talent. Engineers, project managers, sustainability consultants, and technicians are in high demand. Many of these roles require or strongly prefer candidates with experience in international standards and regulatory environments, something many expats bring to the table.
Companies working on these projects often operate in English, especially those collaborating with EU partners or headquartered abroad. That means language is less of a barrier than it might be in other parts of the job market.
Green energy is also tied closely to Greece’s longer-term economic development plan. For expats who want to contribute to meaningful change while building a career, this sector offers both purpose and opportunity.
How to Get Hired in These Growing Industries
Beyond just representing economic growth for the country, the industries mentioned above offer real potential for foreigners living in Greece.
In contrast to fields that require fluency in Greek or deep familiarity with local bureaucracy, tech, logistics, and green energy tend to have more international work cultures. English is often the primary working language, and companies are generally more open to hiring based on skills and experience rather than personal connections or local certifications.
These sectors also value a global perspective. If you’ve worked in other EU countries or have experience with cross-border regulations, international client relations, or distributed teams, you’re likely to be seen as an asset.
Above all, they provide long-term career options. Whether you’re relocating temporarily or considering a longer stay, working in one of these sectors can help you build a sustainable life in Greece without being tied to seasonal tourism cycles.
Why These Sectors Matter for Expats
Breaking into a new industry in a different country can feel daunting, but there are steps you can take to improve your chances. Whether you're targeting tech, logistics, or green energy, here are a few smart moves to help you stand out:
1. Tailor your CV for the Greek market
While many companies in these sectors operate in English, hiring managers still expect a clear, well-structured CV. Include a brief summary at the top, focus on measurable achievements, and adapt your experience to match the job description. If you’re applying to Greek companies, it might help to include a photo and your date of birth, as these are still common locally.
2. Highlight International Experience
Emphasize any experience working with multicultural teams, cross-border regulations, EU projects, or remote collaboration. These are particularly valuable in international-facing roles within all three sectors.
3. Use LinkedIn Strategically
Many hiring managers in Greece actively recruit through LinkedIn. Keep your profile updated, list your current location or intent to move, and make it clear you’re open to work. Joining local industry groups and engaging with company pages can also help increase visibility.
4. Start with international or hybrid companies
These employers are more likely to offer English-speaking roles, remote options, and relocation support. Check job boards like
Jobs in Greece, but also look at the careers pages of larger companies in these sectors.
5. Get familiar with local labor norms
Knowing how contracts work, what kind of paperwork is required, and whether your profession needs accreditation can prevent delays. Research work permit or visa requirements if you’re moving from outside the EU.
6. Network where it counts
Online forums, expat groups, and professional events in Athens or Thessaloniki can be great places to meet people already working in your target industry. A referral or insider tip can go a long way in the Greek job market.
It’s Your Turn Now!
Greece’s economy is evolving, and that means more diverse job opportunities for those willing to look beyond tourism. From fast-growing startups to global logistics operations and renewable energy projects, the landscape is broader than many expect.
Or, better yet, submit your CV and start looking for your ideal job today!