Greece is breaking tourism records. From Santorini sunsets to Mykonos parties and Cretan resorts, the demand is unprecedented. But the hotels are empty of staff. The local Greek workforce has shrunk due to brain drain and demographics. Young Greeks often prefer office jobs or moving to Northern Europe.
The result? In 2023, there were over 50,000 unfilled vacancies in Greek tourism. Hotels operated at reduced capacity, restaurants closed sections, and service quality dipped.
To save the industry, the Greek government has liberalized Third-Country National (TCN) recruitment. Hotels can now legally import seasonal staff from Egypt, Bangladesh, India, Philippines, and Vietnam.
At DU Global, we connect Greek hoteliers with trained international staff. This guide explains the invitation process.
The New Legal Framework
Greece has expanded the “Seasonal Work” quotas.
- Duration: Up to 9 months per year.
- Status: The worker is tied to the employer. They cannot switch jobs. They must return home at the end of the season (but can return next year).
- Bilateral Agreements: Greece has signed specific deals with Egypt (5,000 workers) and Bangladesh (4,000 workers) to fast-track these flows.
Who Can You Hire?
- Egypt & Bangladesh: Excellent for agriculture and general labor, but increasingly trained for Kitchen (Commis Chefs) and Housekeeping.
- Philippines: The gold standard for Service (Waiters, Chambermaids, Spa). High English proficiency.
- India: Chefs. Greek cuisine is king, but international buffets need Curry, Asian, and Continental variety.
The “Metagklisi” Process (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: The Vacancy Request The Employer applies to the Decentralized Administration (Apokentromeni Dioikisi) in their region (e.g., Crete, Cyclades) by September/October for the next summer. You must prove the vacancy exists.
Step 2: Approval The authorities check the quotas. Once approved, the employer pays the tax fee.
Step 3: Consular Interview The worker in the source country (e.g., Cairo or Delhi) visits the Greek Consulate. They present the contract signed by the employer.
- DU Global Role: We prepare the worker for this interview. We ensure they understand the contract terms and return intent.
Step 4: Visa Type D (National Visa) The worker receives a Type D visa for seasonal work.
Step 5: Arrival & AADE Upon arrival, the employer registers the worker with the Tax Authority (AADE) and Social Security (EFKA).
Employer Obligations: Housing is Key
In Greek islands (Mykonos, Santorini), rent is astronomical. A waiter cannot afford €1,000 rent.
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