The invitation of third country (non-EU) labour to Greece
Is hiring foreign workers and employees to Greece feasible?
More and more businesses are investing and operating in the agricultural, construction and tourism sectors, which are the main pillars of the Greek economy. This has sharply increased the demand for labour, which cannot, however, be met exclusively by local staff. In order to meet this need for workers, the legislator has further strengthened the procedure for inviting workers from third countries to Greece, increasing the number of posts for seasonal workers as well as for workers employed on a contingent basis.
Which specialties of foreign labour force are allowed to be invited to Greece for the year 2025?
According to a decision of the Greek government, the total number of available posts announced amounts to 89,290, distributed as follows: 41,670 for dependent work and 45,620 for seasonal work, with a further distinction by speciality. In fact, for the first time the legislator establishes a maximum number of posts uniformly for the whole territory (unlike in the past when a specific number of workers per region was foreseen.)
These arrangements cover employers (natural or legal persons) who wish to employ third-country nationals. In order to enter the country legally and have the right to work, a specific procedure must be followed.
What is the procedure for the recruitment of foreign labour in Greece?
Initially, the employers, through their attorney, should submit a request before the competent Decentralized Administration
The employer must meet certain conditions and submit the relevant supporting documents. Indicatively:
- The employer will have to prove that it has a minimum gross annual income of at least EUR 22,000 per employee if the employer is a natural person and EUR 60,000 per employee if the employer is a legal person. For this purpose, he will have to provide a statement of account.
- Employment contract signed by the employer, detailing the terms and conditions of employment
- In particular, in the case of the agricultural sector, a certificate from the competent services of the Ministry of Rural Development and Food for the “Transfer of third-country nationals” is also required regarding the corresponding area of arable land or livestock per worker
- Documents showing that the worker is provided with accommodation suitable for accommodation
- And personal documents of the foreign worker
How is the relevant permission given for the transfer of a foreign worker to Greece?
The relevant Decentralized Administration examines the documents and if the file is complete, the application is forwarded to the competent authority so that the worker can obtain a national entry visa (VISA D). The worker must provide the required documents specified for the granting of a national entry visa and sign the employment contract himself/herself. If the conditions are met, the national entry visa (VISA D) is issued.
Once the employee receives the national visa and enters Greece, he/she can proceed with the recruitment process with new documents to be submitted. The process is quite structured and promt, while the relevant services in Greece received clear instructions to prioritize cases involving the invitation of foreign workers to the country, given their importance to the development of the Greek economy.”
The possibility of inviting foreign workers to Greece for seasonal work:
Greece offers the possibility of inviting workers to cover the seasonal needs of Greek companies. The demand is particularly high for those operating in tourism, agriculture and industry in the production of seasonal goods. The procedure is similar to those mentioned above, while especially for the agricultural sector, the relevant notification of the employer (natural person or company) to the Greek authorities in relation to its actual needs is required.
Nexus Law Firm has extensive experience in handling such cases in Greece. Clients in various parts of our country have successfully managed to meet their labour needs with workers from third countries in various sectors. In addition, we have helped foreign companies that offer third country workers to Greek companies to start doing business in Greece.
