Thinking of making Greece your new home? Whether you're drawn by the coastal towns, city opportunities, or a slower pace of life, Greece offers a unique landscape for expats seeking both work and personal growth. But before diving into the job market, it's worth understanding what makes the local work culture tick.
The Greek workplace has its own rhythm, shaped by history, tradition, and a Mediterranean approach to life. If you’re exploring jobs in Greece, this guide will help you navigate the ins and outs of the Greek work mentality and prepare you for a successful transition into working in Greece.
Here’s a sneak peek of what we’ll cover:
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Why Work in Greece?
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What Are the Core Traits of Greek Work Mentality?
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Communication Styles in the Greek Workplace
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Work-Life Balance and Office Expectations
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Navigating the Greek Job Market as an Expat
Why Work in Greece?
More than just a world-famous travel destination, Greece is also becoming an increasingly popular place to live and work. From roles in tourism, customer service, and education to growing opportunities in tech, logistics, and remote freelancing, there’s a wide range of jobs in Greece available for foreigners.
The cost of living is generally lower than in many Western European countries, and the quality of life — thanks to the climate, food culture, and work-life rhythm — is often a major draw. Whether you're applying for a job with a Greek company or bringing your own remote work, living in Greece allows you to pursue your career in a setting that encourages balance and community.
There are also pathways to stay legally, such as work permits, EU Blue Cards, or digital nomad visas, depending on your nationality and situation. Some of these require employer sponsorship or proof of income, while others are designed for freelancers and remote workers who wish to live in Greece independently.
The important thing to remember is that, compared to other European countries, Greece has relatively approachable entry routes for skilled workers and remote professionals, making it an attractive option for those seeking a smoother relocation process.
As always, of course, it's important to research each option carefully and ensure your documentation is up to date.
What Are the Core Traits of Greek Work Mentality?
To work in Greece successfully, it helps to understand the mindset that shapes daily professional life. And while each industry is different, some cultural traits are widely observed. These shared characteristics can influence everything from how meetings are conducted to how decisions are made.
By familiarizing yourself with these norms, you'll be better equipped to build relationships, avoid misunderstandings, and navigate the workplace with confidence.
1. Personal relationships matter
In Greece, business is built on trust — and trust is built through personal relationships. Face-to-face interactions are valued, and small talk is often the gateway to deeper connections. Colleagues often spend time getting to know one another before diving into business.
2. Flexibility over rigidity
Deadlines and schedules exist, but they may not be as strictly enforced as in some Northern European or North American workplaces. Delays are common, and last-minute changes are part of the flow. This doesn’t mean people are unprofessional. It’s just a more relaxed pace with a focus on adaptability.
3. Hierarchy is present but not stifling
Many Greek workplaces still maintain a clear hierarchy. Seniority is respected, and decisions often come from the top. However, once relationships are built, junior staff can still voice ideas — especially in modern or international workplaces.
4. Improvisation is a skill
Greeks are known for finding creative solutions when processes break down. Bureaucracy is a common frustration, but many locals pride themselves on navigating around obstacles with quick thinking and a sense of spirited determination.
Communication Styles in the Greek Workplace
Greek communication is a mix of directness and emotional warmth. You may find that people express themselves more openly, with passionate tones or animated gestures. In those cases, it might serve you well to remember that it’s usually not anger, just enthusiasm.
Informal chats — especially over coffee — are an essential part of the day. These casual exchanges often reveal more than formal meetings, so don’t underestimate their value. Expect frequent social interactions and be prepared to build rapport outside strict work topics.
Criticism, when it comes, is often delivered directly. It’s not personal, just part of an open, honest dialogue style. Likewise, being transparent about your own needs or limitations is usually appreciated.
Work-Life Balance and Office Expectations
Greece generally leans toward a more balanced approach to work. Long hours can happen, especially in competitive industries, but there’s an overall understanding that work is only one part of life.
Many employees prioritize personal time, family obligations, and social life, which are considered integral to overall well-being. This cultural mindset encourages a healthier relationship with work compared to more career-driven environments elsewhere.
Working hours & breaks
While the “siesta culture” is less common in professional environments, it still exists in some sectors. In cities, expect a standard 9-to-5 or 10-to-6 rhythm, often with some flexibility. Remote work and hybrid models have become more common in recent years, particularly in tech.
Lunch breaks are shorter than in Southern Spain or Italy, but coffee breaks are sacred. Sharing a coffee with coworkers is part of bonding and informal communication.
Vacations & public holidays
Greece offers generous paid leave and national holidays. August is often a “slow month,” when many businesses shut down or operate at reduced capacity. Taking time off is not only accepted — it’s expected.
Dress code
Professional dress codes vary by sector. In finance, law, or hospitality, formal attire is standard. In creative fields and startups, casual or smart-casual is the norm. When in doubt, observe your team and adjust accordingly.
These cultural nuances can play a significant role in how you present yourself to potential employers. Keeping them in mind during your job search — whether you’re preparing for interviews or writing cover letters — can help you stand out as someone who’s already tuned in to the Greek workplace environment.
Navigating the Greek Job Market as an Expat
So, how do you actually find jobs in Greece as a foreigner? While the process might seem daunting at first, especially if you're unfamiliar with the local language or systems, there are many accessible avenues to explore.
With a combination of the right platforms, some basic cultural awareness, and a willingness to network, you can greatly increase your chances of landing a fulfilling role.
1. Where to Look
Popular online platforms like
Jobs in Greece,
Jobfind.gr, LinkedIn, and local job boards often list open roles. These platforms allow you to filter by language, sector, or location, which can be helpful when targeting specific opportunities.
Recruitment agencies, especially those focusing on international talent, can also provide tailored support and guide you through local hiring practices.
For seasonal work or entry-level jobs in hospitality or tourism, local Facebook groups, expat forums, and word-of-mouth referrals are surprisingly effective and often updated with immediate opportunities.
2. Language Skills
Speaking Greek isn’t always required, especially in multinational companies, tourism, or remote roles where English is commonly used. That said, learning basic Greek can significantly improve your chances and make day-to-day interactions smoother. It shows a willingness to integrate, builds goodwill with colleagues, and helps you understand workplace dynamics more clearly. Language schools, online apps, and community classes are widely available and can accelerate your learning.
Sectors That Hire Foreigners
Several industries in Greece regularly hire international candidates, providing a diverse range of entry points for expats with various skill sets.
Whether you're looking for a seasonal position or a long-term career path, these sectors offer roles that often value international experience and multilingual abilities.
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Tourism & hospitality: Hotels, tour operators, and travel agencies seek staff with foreign language skills during peak seasons.
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Customer service & call centers: International brands operating in Greece often look for native speakers of other languages, especially English, French, German, or Dutch.
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Education: English teaching jobs (especially TEFL-certified roles) and positions in international schools are common entry points.
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Technology & remote work: Developers, designers, digital marketers, and content creators can find remote roles or positions with startups and tech firms based in Athens or Thessaloniki. These sectors not only offer job openings but often have a more international work culture, which can ease your adjustment.
Many of these sectors may also feature international teams or clients, helping smooth the transition into the local workplace culture.
4. Networking is Key
In Greece, who you know often matters more than what you know. Personal recommendations carry weight, and many roles are filled through informal channels. Try to attend local events like career fairs, industry meetups, and workshops.
Joining professional expat groups, LinkedIn communities, or local chambers of commerce can open doors and introduce you to people already working in your target industry. Even casual conversations over coffee can lead to useful contacts and job tips.
It’s Your Turn Now!
Working in Greece as an expat is a rewarding journey, if you enter with curiosity, respect, and a bit of humor. You’ll encounter quirks, delays, and cultural gaps, but also kindness, community, and opportunities for personal growth.
While Greek work culture may seem more relaxed than what you’re used to, it thrives on relationships, creativity, and the human element. Embrace these values, and you’ll not only adjust — you’ll thrive!
Or, better yet, submit your CV and start looking for your ideal job today!