Hiring foreign workers in Greece involves a great deal of red tape.
Nevertheless, it often proves to be the ideal remedy for addressing your labor shortage.
In fact, a large number of Greek companies struggle to find local talent to fill their vacancies.
According to a survey from the Greek Exporters Association (SEVE) reported by Anadolu Agency, over 90% of 118 surveyed companies expressed concern about Greece’s severe labor shortage.
If you, too, are considering international hiring for your Greek company, read on.
In this article, we guide you through the process, ensuring you successfully tap into the international talent pool while staying compliant with immigration laws.
How to Hire Foreign Workers in Greece
The very first step you must take when hiring foreign workers in Greece is to find a suitable candidate for your vacancy.
While the recruitment process can be time-consuming, you have the option to streamline it by leveraging platforms such as VideoWorkers.
For example, VideoWorkers grants you access to a large, top-notch talent pool of both skilled and unskilled workers.
Plus, each candidate profile comes with a short, engaging video wherein they showcase their skills.
This unique feature not only cuts the recruitment time in half but also ensures you find the best possible match for your company.
After finding the right candidate, you must take appropriate steps to invite them to the country.
Once the competent authorities grant you approval for hiring foreign workers in Greece, they can apply for a work visa and permit.
Let’s break down each of the steps involved in the hiring process.
Step 1: Obtain Approval to Hire Foreign Workers in Greece
The procedure of inviting a foreign national to Greece for work purposes is called “metaklisi”.
This procedure requires you to comply with law 4251/2014 (GG A’ 80) – Immigration and Social Integration Code and other provisions.
Law 4251/2014 is the fundamental legislation governing the entry and employment of non-EU nationals in Greece.
Article 11 (chapter D) of this law stipulates that a decision is made every two years by the Ministers for the Interior, Foreign Affairs, Development & Competitiveness, Shipping & the Aegean, Labor, Social Security & Welfare.
This decision serves to determine the maximum number of job positions available to non-EU nationals in each region and specialty.
Before issuing this decision, the opinions of the Economic and Social Committee, the Manpower Employment Organization (OAED), and the country’s regions are taken into consideration. This ensures a correct assessment of the existing labor needs in Greece.
The assessment of the labor needs depends on a wide array of factors. Some of these factors include consultation with employers, availability of Greek nationals and EU citizens, and the national economy.
Based on the allowed number of non-EU workers, you can submit an application to the Decentralized Administration located in your place of residence.
Do note that you must submit the application by the 30th of June of every year.
If the allotted foreign employee quota has not been filled, the Decentralized Administration will grant you approval for employing foreign workers.
Please be aware that this is a lengthy process.
Sometimes, it may take more than one year for the competent authorities to approve your request.
Once authorities grant approval, your future employee can apply for a work visa and permit.
Step 2: Your Future Employee Applies for a Greece Work Visa & Permit
Once authorities grant you approval to hire foreign workers in Greece, your future employee must apply for a work visa.
To do so, they must file an application at the competent Greek diplomatic mission located in their home country.
After obtaining a visa and entering Greece, they have 30 days to apply for a work permit.
According to Article 15 (chapter D) of law 4251/2014, non-EU nationals with a Greek work visa must also get a residence permit. But to make the process easier, the current rules have merged work permits and residence permits into a single permit.
This means your foreign employees need just one permit (along with a visa) to legally work in Greece.
To guide workers through the process of applying for a Greece work visa and permit, we’ve put together a helpful handbook.
This guide includes a checklist of the supporting documents and explains the steps and legal requirements in detail.
To access the full guide, click on the following link: Work Visa For Greece: Requirements, Processing Time & Fees.
Hiring Foreign Workers in Greece: Final Considerations
Navigating the process of hiring foreign workers in Greece requires a strategic approach and a commitment to compliance with the country’s regulations.
As a gateway to a diverse and talented global workforce, Greece offers unique opportunities for businesses looking to expand their horizons.
By thoroughly understanding the legal and practical aspects, you can harness the potential of international talent.
This will enable you to foster innovation and contribute to the growth and success of your company in this dynamic and culturally rich country.
Ready to find top candidates for your Greek company? Discover the perfect talent match with VideoWorkers, the world’s only recruitment platform offering a premium candidate database complete with skill-showcasing short videos. Get started with VideoWorkers today and take your hiring efforts to the next level.