Greece is a popular destination for expats looking for a Mediterranean lifestyle. With stunning beaches, ancient historical sites, and a relaxed pace of life, it’s easy to see the appeal. One common question from foreigners considering a move to Greece is whether they can find work without speaking Greek.
Is English widely spoken in Greece?
While Greek is obviously the official language, English is fairly widely spoken, especially in the main tourist destinations. According to the EF English Proficiency Index, Greece is ranked 33rd out of 100 countries for English language skills. So while not everyone speaks English, it is common enough to get by, especially in jobs catering to tourists.
The younger generation of Greeks is more likely to speak English, having studied it in school. In the cities and on the islands, you’ll generally find more English speakers than in small villages and rural areas. Areas with lots of tourism and expat residents will also have a higher percentage of English speakers. The Greek islands with the most tourism such as Santorini, Mykonos, and Corfu tend to be the easiest places to live with just English.
Jobs in Greece for English speakers
There are a variety of jobs in Greece that are realistic options for English speakers, particularly in the main tourist destinations. Some of the top jobs in Greece for foreigners include:
- Teaching English
- Tourism and hospitality roles
- Bar and restaurant work
- Real estate and property management
- Marketing and PR
- Business and finance
- Freelance (writers, designers, virtual assistants etc)
- Yacht crew
Let’s look at a few of the most popular options in more detail:
Teaching English in Greece
Teaching English is probably the most accessible job in Greece if you only speak English. There is strong demand for native English speaking teachers. The main requirements are just being a native speaker and having a bachelor’s degree in any subject.
You can teach English in language schools, private tutoring, summer camps and volunteer programs. The most common arrangement is getting hired by a private language institute. The pay for teaching English in Greece is around €15-20 per hour. While you may start off with just part time hours, it’s possible to build up regular students and earn a decent living over time.
Tourism and hospitality
With over 30 million visitors per year, tourism is a huge industry in Greece. There are lots of openings for English speaking tourism and hospitality staff. This includes positions like:
- Hotel front desk and reception
- Tour reps and guides
- Bar, cafe and restaurant staff
- Shops and souvenir stores
- Tour operators
- Transfer drivers
These types of jobs generally don’t pay very highly – often only around €5-7 per hour for entry level roles. But they come with good perks like socializing with travelers from around the world. Tourism jobs are easy to find seasonally, but harder in the quiet winter months.
Remote work and freelancing
With the rise of remote work, Greece is attracting digital nomads from all over the world. Many professionals can now work online from anywhere. Greece provides a nice Mediterranean backdrop for the laptop lifestyle. Popular remote jobs include:
- Social media manager
- Writer
- Teacher/tutor
- Web designer
- Programmer
- Virtual assistant
- Customer service rep
Freelancing allows you to take on work from all over the world. It helps to have expertise in skills like writing, design, marketing, teaching, programming etc. Self-employment takes more effort to get established but offers freedom and flexibility.
Getting a work visa in Greece
EU citizens have the right to live and work in Greece without any special visa. For non-EU citizens, getting a work visa can be more complicated. In most cases you’ll need to have a job offer before applying for the visa. Common types of work visas for Greece include:
- Work holiday visa – For younger travelers to work short term jobs
- Work permit – For full time local employment offers
- Digital nomad visa – For remote workers
- Freelancer visa – For self-employed freelancing
- Investor visa – For opening a Greek business
Each type has its own eligibility criteria regarding age, financial means, qualifications etc. The process can take several months so it helps to apply well in advance.
Cost of living in Greece
The cost of living in Greece is generally lower than other European countries. But of course it depends on your lifestyle and location. Renting a one bedroom apartment in Athens costs around €500 per month. Eating out and groceries are reasonably priced by Western standards. Here are some average costs in Greece:
| Expense | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Rent (1 bedroom apartment) | €500 per month |
| Groceries (for 1 person) | €200 per month |
| Meal at an inexpensive restaurant | €12 |
| Cappuccino | €3.50 |
| Bottle of wine | €5 |
| Monthly utilities | €150 |
| Public transport ticket | €1.40 |
Greece has much lower taxes compared to most of Europe. The corporate tax rate is just 22% and personal income tax is between 22-45%. VAT is 24%. So your money goes further in terms of costs and taxes.
Places to work remotely in Greece
If you’re a digital nomad or remote worker, Greece has amazing places to set up your laptop. You’ll find co-working spaces popping up to meet the demand. Here are some of the best places in Greece for remote working:
Athens
As the vibrant capital of Greece, Athens has the fastest WiFi speeds and most nomad-friendly infrastructure. There are plenty of co-working spaces and quirky cafes full of laptop workers. Neighborhoods like Monastiraki and Psirri are popular with digital nomads.
Islands
Greek islands like Crete, Rhodes, Corfu, and Santorini attract remote workers seeking an idyllic lifestyle. You’ll find co-working spaces with seaside views and tavernas full of laptops. The slower pace island life increases productivity for many.
Thessaloniki
Greece’s second largest city has a youthful vibrant vibe and lower costs than Athens. Coworking spaces are opening up to cater to location independent entrepreneurs. Cafes like Loft84 and Urban House provide spaces to work and connect.
Conclusion
While not everyone speaks English, it’s possible to get by in Greece if you focus on the right jobs and locations. Tourism-related and teaching jobs are the most beginner-friendly options. Bigger cities and islands have more English speakers and digital nomad infrastructure. With its relaxed lifestyle and low costs, Greece can be an appealing place to launch a location independent career abroad.
