Work Visas in Greece
How to get a work permit and which routes actually exist
Employment of non-EU workers runs through an invitation system tied to labour shortages, so ordinary sponsorship is limited. The realistic routes are the digital nomad visa, self-employment, the EU Blue Card, and seasonal work in tourism and agriculture.
| Employment route | Employer sponsorship within the periodic labour needs framework source |
| Digital nomad visa | 12 months, extendable as a residence permit; income around EUR 3,500 per month |
| Tax benefit | 50% reduction on Greek-source employment income for qualifying new tax residents |
| Self-employment | Residence permit for independent economic activity, with capital requirement |
| EU Blue Card | Available for highly qualified employment |
The digital nomad visa, the country's most-used route
Greece grants a twelve-month visa, convertible into a two-year residence permit, to people working remotely for employers or clients outside Greece. The income threshold is around three and a half thousand euros a month after tax, increasing for a spouse and children, and applicants must show the employment or service relationship, insurance, and accommodation.
There is a separate and substantial tax incentive: individuals who transfer their tax residence to Greece and take up employment or self-employment here can claim a fifty percent exemption on Greek-source income for several years. The interaction between the visa and the incentive is worth modelling with an accountant before you move.
Employment sponsorship
Non-EU workers are admitted within a framework that sets out labour needs by sector and region, and employers must apply within it. Most approvals concentrate in agriculture, construction, tourism and care work rather than office roles.
For qualified professionals the EU Blue Card is the better instrument, requiring a recognised degree and a salary above a defined multiple of the national average.
Self-employment and business
A residence permit for independent economic activity requires a business plan, evidence of sufficient capital, and approval from the relevant authority. Separately, an investment in a Greek company or in fixed capital can support a residence permit.
Registering as self-employed in Greece brings social insurance contributions that are charged in fixed classes rather than purely as a percentage of income, which weighs heavily on low-earning freelancers. Model the contributions before assuming a Greek freelance business is cheap to run.
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Official sources
Checked against these pages in September 2026. Fees and processing times change without notice — confirm before you act.