Yes, seasonal jobs are very common in Greece. The Greek economy relies heavily on tourism, agriculture, and hospitality, all of which operate mainly on a seasonal cycle. Every year thousands of foreign workers are hired to support hotels, restaurants, farms, and holiday resorts, especially from April to October.
Why Greece Has So Many Seasonal Jobs
Greece welcomes millions of visitors each year to its islands and coastal regions. This creates huge short-term labor demand because:
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Tourist season peaks in spring and summer
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Islands need extra hotel and restaurant staff
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Farms require workers for harvest periods
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Cruise and travel services expand operations
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Many businesses close or slow down in winter
As a result, employers actively recruit foreign workers for temporary contracts.
Most Popular Seasonal Job Sectors
Foreigners usually find work in three main areas:
Hospitality and Tourism
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Hotel housekeeping
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Waiter and waitress
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Reception staff
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Kitchen helpers
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Bartenders
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Resort assistants
Agriculture
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Fruit picking
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Olive harvesting
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Vineyard work
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Packing and sorting
Services and Entertainment
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Tour guides
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Beach clubs
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Delivery services
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Event staff
Who Can Work Seasonally in Greece?
EU / EEA Citizens
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Free to work without a visa
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Only need local registration
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Can change employers easily
Non-EU Citizens
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Need a seasonal work permit
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Employer must sponsor the visa
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Contract is usually 3–9 months
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Work is limited to one employer and sector
Salary and Earnings
Income depends on region and job type:
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Hospitality: typical entry wages with tips
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Agriculture: daily or monthly pay
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Accommodation often provided
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Meals included by many employers
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Overtime available in peak months
Earnings are higher on popular islands like Santorini, Mykonos, and Crete.
Language Requirements
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English is enough for most tourism jobs
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Greek is helpful but not mandatory
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Other languages are a big advantage
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Farms usually do not require language skills
This makes Greece accessible for first-time foreign workers.
Working Conditions
Seasonal workers generally receive:
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Legal employment contract
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Social insurance
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Weekly rest day
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Paid overtime (where applicable)
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Shared housing in many cases
Summer work can be busy with long hours, especially in August.
Best Time to Apply
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Hiring starts from February–March
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Season runs April to October
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Islands recruit earlier than mainland
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Agriculture follows harvest calendar
Applying early greatly improves chances.
How to Find Seasonal Jobs
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Greek job portals
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Direct hotel websites
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Recruitment agencies
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Walk-in applications in tourist areas
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Employer referrals from previous staff
A simple English CV is usually enough.
Challenges to Consider
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Summer workload is intense
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Housing can be crowded
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Contracts are temporary
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Winter jobs are limited
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Work permits take time for non-EU citizens
Proper planning is essential before arrival.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are seasonal jobs really easy to find in Greece?
Yes, especially in tourism and agriculture during summer.
Do employers provide accommodation?
Many hotels and farms provide free or low-cost housing.
Is experience required?
Not always; many entry roles accept beginners.
Can non-EU citizens work seasonally?
Yes, with an employer-sponsored seasonal permit.
Is English enough for work?
Yes for most tourist areas.
How long are contracts?
Usually 3 to 9 months.
Can seasonal work turn into permanent work?
Sometimes, if the employer has year-round operations.
Which places have most jobs?
Greek islands and major tourist cities.
Conclusion
Seasonal jobs are one of the easiest ways for foreigners to work legally in Greece. The strong tourism industry, need for farm labor, and English-friendly environment make Greece a practical destination for short-term employment in Europe.