Job Opportunities in Greece
There are numerous perks to working overseas, including the opportunity to expand your horizons and see the world. If you're looking for job in a location that offers a warm climate and sandy beaches, you may want to investigate job opportunities in Greece.
Researching Job Opportunities in Greece
Before you begin your Greece job search, consider whether you're looking for a permanent position or a short-term position. Greece has a vibrant tourism industry that lends itself to numerous short-term or seasonal gigs during the summer months. If you're more interested in a long-term position, you may want to look into US companies that have offices in Greece. Some of these are hospitality jobs, but you can also find government and technology positions. For a comprehensive listing or companies that are willing to work with Americans, access the List of Members provided by the American-Hellenistic Chamber of Commerce.
Hospitality/Tourism Job Opportunities
Short-term Internships and Job Opportunities
Jobs with United States Companies or Organizations
General Job Forums and Boards
The Downside: the Process
For an American to pick up his things and move to Greece for an extended period of time, there's a complicated process involved. The first thing you'll need is a visa. The visa requires you to have a sponsor who will apply for you at the Ministry of Labor. Generally speaking, your sponsor will be the individual or company hiring you for a job. After your visa is approved, you'll have an employment contract worked out with the Ministry of Labor that states how long you can stay. If all application processes go smoothly and you find your sponsor, you should be able to receive your visa in just five to seven days.
If you plan on working in Greece for a short-term internship lasting less than 90 days, you won't need to worry about receiving a work or business visa. For United States citizens, work visas apply only to individuals planning to live and work in Greece for longer than 90 days.
What You Need
According to this Greek Travel Guide, to get your work permit, you'll need the following things:
- Visa application
- Valid passport
- United States resident card
- Passport-sized photo of yourself
- Proof that you have sufficient funds for your stay
- Fee to cover the work permit
- An employment contract with the company for which you will be working if the Greek Ministry of Labor grants you the work permit
After you've received your visa and worked in Greece for a certain period of time, you may be able to apply to have your visa extended.
Making the Move
Whenever applying for jobs overseas, you want to remain as cautious as possible. Check with the Greek Embassy to ensure that the company hiring you is a legitimate employer. Don't be afraid to take your time and mull over the possibilities. Even if you think you'd like to live in Greece long-term, it may be worth your while to "test the waters" and start with a short-term seasonal or internship position.
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