An increasing number of businesses are investing and operating in the agricultural, construction and tourism sectors, which form the key pillars of the Greek economy. This has led to a sharp rise in the demand for labour, which, however, cannot be met exclusively by domestic workers. In order to cover these staffing needs, the legislator has further strengthened the procedure for inviting workers from third countries to Greece (the "Metaklisi" procedure), increasing the number of positions for seasonal workers as well as for workers employed under dependent employment contracts.
Which categories of foreign workers may be invited to Greece for the year 2025?
By a relevant decision of the Greek Government, the total number of available positions announced amounts to 89,290, broken down as follows: 41,670 for dependent employment and 45,620 for seasonal employment, with a further breakdown by occupation. Notably, for the first time the legislator sets a single maximum number of positions for the entire country (unlike in the past, when a specific number of workers was provided for each region).
These provisions cover employers (natural or legal persons) who wish to employ third-country nationals. In order for such nationals to enter the country lawfully and be entitled to work, a specific procedure must be followed.
What is the procedure for inviting foreign workers to Greece?
First, employers must, through their authorised lawyer, submit an invitation application to the competent Decentralised Administration.
The employer must meet specific requirements and submit the relevant supporting documents. By way of example:
- The employer must demonstrate gross annual income of at least EUR 22,000 per employee, in the case of a natural person, and EUR 60,000 per employee, in the case of a legal person. For this purpose, a tax clearance statement must be submitted.
- An employment contract signed by the employer, setting out in detail the terms governing the employment relationship
- Specifically in the case of the agricultural sector, a Certificate from the competent services of the Ministry of Rural Development and Food for the "Invitation of third-country nationals" is additionally required, regarding the ratio of cultivated land or livestock per employee
- Documents showing that suitable accommodation is provided to the employee
- And personal documents of the foreign employee
How is the relevant permit for inviting a foreign worker to Greece granted?
The competent Decentralised Administration examines the documents and, provided the file is complete, the application is forwarded to the competent authority so that the employee may obtain a national entry visa (Visa D). The employee must submit the required supporting documents specified for the issuance of a national entry visa, and must also sign the employment contract. Provided the requirements are met, the national entry visa (Visa D) is granted.
Once the employee has obtained the national entry visa and entered Greece, the employer may proceed with the hiring procedure, for which new supporting documents must be submitted. The procedure is relatively prompt, and the competent services in Greece have received clear instructions to give priority to cases involving the invitation of foreign workers to Greece, given their importance for the growth of the Greek economy.
The possibility of inviting foreign workers to Greece for seasonal work:
Greece also offers the possibility of inviting workers to meet the seasonal needs of Greek businesses. Demand is particularly high among businesses operating in tourism, the agricultural sector and the manufacturing of seasonal goods. The procedure is similar to that described above, while specifically for the agricultural sector the employer (natural person or company) must also submit the relevant notification to the Greek authorities regarding its actual needs.
The Nexus Law Firm has extensive experience in handling corporate law matters in Greece. Clients in various parts of our country have successfully met their labour needs with workers from third countries across a range of sectors. In addition, we have assisted foreign companies that supply third-country workers to Greek businesses in starting their operations in our country as well.