Working in Greece
For transparency, AI has been used during the generation of this content, with every care taken to verify its accuracy.
Average Salary
The average gross monthly salary in Greece is around €1,342, according to data from the ERGANI system. This remains relatively low compared to many other EU countries, but salaries vary widely depending on sector and level of seniority. For example, within the engineering field, salaries are higher than the national average, with mechanical engineers typically earning €1,850 per month. Energy engineers make on average €2,080 monthly, with more experienced professionals able to reach up to €3,180.
General information
Currency
Euro (€)
Official language
Greek
Conversational languages
Macedonian Albanian Turkish
Time zone
Winter period: Eastern European Time (UTC+02:00) Summer period: Eastern European Summer Time (UTC+03:00)
Common types of Employment or Contracting
Work arrangements in Greece are divided into different types of employment and contracting, each with distinct characteristics.
Common types of employment
Common types of contracting
Already secured a job overseas?
If you have secured an assignment but are unsure of where to start with setting up as a Freelancer or B2B contractor, please feel free to reach out to our International team for assistance.
Living in Greece
Greece offers a relaxed Mediterranean lifestyle with a strong emphasis on family, community, and outdoor living. Major cities like Athens and Thessaloniki are more multicultural and vibrant but have higher costs, while smaller towns and rural areas offer a slower pace and lower living expenses.
- A weekly grocery shop for a small family might average around €50 - €70
- Rent for a two-bedroom apartment is typically around €600 a month in smaller towns, or €770 - €800 a month in Athens
- Private full-day childcare often costs in the ballpark of €280 - €400 a month per child
- A litre of petrol typically costs €1.70 - €1.80, whilst a litre of diesel costs around €1.50 - €1.60
Vehicles in Greece drive on the right-hand side of the road. For residents with a valid licence from an EU/EEA/Swiss country, their driving licence is generally valid in Greece without needing conversion. Non-EU residents may need to check whether their licence can be used or must be exchanged or converted under Greek law.
Weather in Greece
Greece has a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. In summer, temperatures typically reach 30 – 40°C. Winters are mild along the coast and southern regions, with highs around 10–15°C, but inland and northern areas can be colder, with occasional snow in the mountains. The islands and southern coasts are warmer and drier year-round, while northern and western regions are cooler and receive more rainfall.
Language and integration support
Greece offers a range of language and integration support – free or low-cost Greek language courses are available through municipal integration centres, adult education programmes, and NGOs, often combined with cultural orientation. Children may access extracurricular programmes to aid school integration.
For any translation needs - especially those required for work permit or visa applications - our dedicated Languages team is ready to support you. They provide accurate, timely translations and can guide you through the process to ensure all necessary documents meet the required standards.
Our services in Greece
Across the globe, we support energy and engineering companies with the international recruitment and global mobilisation solutions they need to extend their capability and grow their businesses.
Find out about our international services
Global mobility
NRL Recruitment simplifies international employee relocation with seamless global mobility services. From visa assistance to cultural onboarding, we ensure your staff transitions smoothly across borders, minimising disruption and maximising productivity.
Payroll solutions
Managing payroll across multiple countries can be complex, but our payroll solutions make it simple. We handle accurate, compliant compensation for your global workforce, ensuring employees are paid correctly and on time, every time.
Global employer of record
With our global employer of record services, you can legally employ staff overseas without establishing local entities. We manage compliance, contracts, and HR administration, giving you the freedom to expand globally with confidence and ease.
International recruitment
Finding the right talent worldwide is effortless with our international recruitment solutions. We connect your business with top-tier professionals, managing the end-to-end hiring process so you can focus on growth and strategic priorities.
