Are you a proficient English speaker with exceptional communication abilities who is eager to pursue employment in Athens, Greece? This article will provide you with all the necessary information regarding English-speaking employment opportunities in Athens, Greece.
Living in Athens, Greece
A distinctive environment that integrates mountain treks and crystal-clear seawater swimming is a feature of Athens. For those seeking to establish an international career in a vibrant European city, the Greek capital is an excellent choice, as it is replete with history and culture, and is home to some of the world’s most renowned landmarks, including the Acropolis. Athens is regarded by many as the ideal place to reside due to its proximity to the Greek Islands and all major international destinations, as well as its affordable cost of living, mild Mediterranean climate, and delectable Greek cuisine.
Working in Athens
The modern and employee-friendly approach of Greece’s work culture is widely recognized. Many opportunities exist in companies across various industries that are expanding into new markets and seeking international expertise, making Athens an exceptional work location for English-speaking job seekers. Nevertheless, the city has a strong tradition of innovation, and in recent years, significant investments have been made to foster the expansion of the tech startup scene, which has been experiencing significant growth. In reality, 54% of Greek startup founders have successfully established their businesses within the past three years.
Is Athens Greece English-friendly?
While Greek is the official language of Greece and Athens, English is also extensively spoken, so you should not encounter any difficulty while visiting the city. English is a language that is extensively spoken in Greece, particularly in the most tourist-friendly areas of the city.
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Criteria for Getting a Job in Athens, Greece
All candidates must possess a European passport or a residence and work permit in Greece to be eligible for employment.
European
A birth certificate that includes the familial names of the father and mother is required for European candidates. The certificate does not need to be in English; it may be in the respective candidate’s native language. With the assistance of the employing company, they can obtain their tax and social security numbers (AFM & AMKA) using this document.
Non-European
Randstad Greece is currently unable to assist non-European candidates because our clients do not provide visa support. If they are already in Greece, they must possess an active employment and residence permit.
Wages and Tax
You will receive 14 wages annually while employed in Greece. The minimum wage for employment relocation varies between 1000 and 1600 euros, depending on the language. Language positions in Greece are among the most lucrative occupations. Furthermore, it is important to consider that the monthly cost of health insurance and tax is approximately 300 euros.
Benefits of English-Speaking Jobs in Athens Greece
- Increasing Demand for English-Speaking Professionals: The labor market in Athens is expanding, with a variety of job opportunities available in sectors such as finance, IT, customer service, and tourism.
- Cultural Diversity: International employees are frequently attracted to English-speaking positions, which provide a multicultural work environment and the opportunity to interact with individuals from diverse backgrounds.
- No Requirement for Greek Fluency: It is simpler for foreigners to adjust to the language in many English-speaking positions, particularly in the tourism sector and multinational companies, as fluency in Greek is not required.
- Experience in a European Capital: Working in Athens offers the opportunity to gain insight into the European job market, which could be beneficial for future employment opportunities within the EU.
- reduced Cost of Living: Athens has a reduced cost of living in comparison to other European capitals, which enables workers to maintain a high standard of living while earning an international salary.
- Cultural and Historical Richness: The ability to reside and work in Athens provides employees with the opportunity to immerse themselves in the rich history, culture, and stunning Mediterranean landscapes of Greece, thereby enriching their working overseas experience.
- Networking Opportunities: Athens is a hub for international businesses, providing opportunities to establish professional networks and receive exposure to global companies.
Cost of Living in Greece
Living Expenses in Greece
The cost of living in Greece is generally lower than in many other Western European countries; however, it can still fluctuate depending on individual lifestyle and location. The cost of living is generally higher in main cities such as Thessaloniki and Athens than in more rural areas. The following are some estimated monthly expenditures for a variety of expenses in Greece:
- Rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center ranges from €400 to €600.
- ● Groceries: €150 to €250
- ● Dining out: €10 to €25 per lunch
- ● Public transportation: €27 for a one-month ticket to the bus, metro, or tram
- ● Utilities (electricity, heating, ventilation, water, and garbage): €80–€120
English Speaking Jobs in Athens, Greece
As an English speaker in Greece, you can find opportunities in various sectors. Here are some jobs you can keep in mind:
1. English Language Teacher
Numerous private educational organizations in Greece offer instruction in languages from around the globe, making it a popular choice for foreigners to teach their native language. There is a significant demand for English instructors in Greece. As a result, they may discover opportunities by providing private tutoring services or enrolling in private language institutions.
In reality, numerous language schools favor employing individuals who possess internationally recognized teaching qualifications, such as TEFL or CELTA, or who are native English speakers. Consequently, foreigners have the opportunity to participate in this linguistic voyage and impart their native languages through instruction. Regrettably, teaching positions in Greece are generally not regarded as highly compensated in comparison to other professions. €7 to €10 is the average hourly wage for a teacher in a language school, while €10 to €20 is the average hourly wage for a private tutor, depending on their level of experience.
The following sources are available for your reference in your search for an English teaching position:
- British Council Greece
- GoStudent
- Idietera
- TeacherFinder
- Siountri School – World of Languages
- Real Education
2. Tourism and Hospitality Industry
Greece is an optimal tourist destination. In reality, it draws travelers from all over the globe, resulting in a significant increase in the demand for English-speaking professionals in the hospitality sector. Hotels, resorts, and restaurants are eager to hire staff who are proficient in English to meet the requirements of their international clientele.
Jobs such as seasoned hotel managers, chefs, waiters, tour guides, travel agents, or cabin personnel are available. For those who are interested in entering this dynamic industry, there are numerous opportunities. If you are passionate about providing exceptional customer service, the hospitality industry serves as an entry point into the dynamic labor market of Greece.
Salaries in Greece’s tourism sector are subject to substantial fluctuations. The type of establishment (luxury hotel, small inn, etc.), the location, the level of experience, and the job function are among the numerous factors. The following are some preliminary estimates of the typical salaries of various positions within the Greek tourism industry:
● Seasoned hotel managers: €1,500 to €3,500 per month
● Chefs: €1,200 to €2,000 per month
● Waiters: €700 to €1,200 per month, in addition to gratuities determined by the customers.
● Tour Guides: €30 to €70 per tour
● Cabin Crew: €1000 to €1,600 per month
The following are some of the most prominent hotel chains and job search websites that are currently seeking seasonal workers:
3. Customer Support
Unlocking a position in customer support necessitates mastering the art of communication, both in writing and spoken form. The secret ingredient to distinguish oneself from the competition may be the ability to speak additional languages. Consequently, English speakers are in high demand. This is due to the enthusiastic reception they receive in the dynamic teams of multinational companies’ call centers and customer service positions. Embrace the challenge and refine your language abilities. Whether you possess a tech-savvy flare or a fervor for hospitality, Greece extends an invitation to you to contribute to the field of customer service.
Entry-level customer support representatives in Greece may receive an average annual salary of €12,000 to €20,000.
4. Digital Marketing and Content Creation
Your abilities in graphic design, content creation, or digital marketing provide access to a plethora of opportunities in the rapidly evolving digital landscape. Companies in Greece and international enterprises are in search of innovative individuals to develop captivating English content for their online presence. There are numerous opportunities in this profession if you have a talent for social media or enjoy writing stories. Embrace the digital realm and unleash your creativity as you develop significant online experiences and create captivating campaigns. Additionally, you can leverage your proficiency in English to establish a presence in the contemporary marketing and communication landscape.
In Greece, the average annual salary for positions in graphic design, content creation, and digital marketing is approximately €12,000 to €25,000.
The following are a few job search websites and digital marketing agencies where you can find opportunities in this field:
- PROWEB Digital Agency
- SOUL Creative Agency
- Wizard – Digital Agency Greece
- Wedia Digital Marketing Agency
5. IT and Tech Jobs
Despite the economic difficulties that Greece has faced, the country has recently experienced a technological revolution. Electronic transactions, mobile application development, and e-commerce have begun to flourish. This led to the development of a demand for technology-related professions. Remarkably, this expanding sector extends a cordial reception to foreign nationals, providing them with equal opportunities to participate in the same manner as locals. Frequently, Greek language proficiency is not necessary.
Technical support positions have emerged as a means of career advancement in a variety of industries, including telecommunications, software development, and information technology. Therefore, technology companies and ventures throughout Greek cities and islands offer promising opportunities for English speakers. Allow your technical expertise and experience to serve as the driving force behind advancement and innovation.
The average salaries for IT and tech roles in Greece are determined by the specific role, industry, the size of the company, and the level of experience. The following are some approximate salary ranges for a variety of IT and tech positions in Greece:
● Software Developer: €15,000 to €55,000 annually
● Data Scientist: €20,000 to €60,000 annually
● Network/Systems Administrator: €15,000 to €55,000 annually
● Cybersecurity Specialist: €20,000 to €60,000 annually
Visit the following links to locate companies and job search engines that provide these positions:
6. Finance and Business
English-speaking professionals, such as yourself, are presented with a variety of thrilling prospects within multinational corporations. Fluency in English is your passport to a fulfilling career, regardless of your area of expertise, whether it be finance, sales, or business development. Seize the opportunity to engage with global visionaries and propel business expansion on a global scale. Let your proficiency in the language of commerce open doors to prestigious positions in Greece’s economic landscape.
The average salaries for positions in finance, sales, and business development can be contingent upon the company’s size, industry, role, and level of experience.
● Finance: €20,000 to €80,000 annually
- Sales range from €12,000 to €55,000 annually.
● Business Development: €15,000 to €60,000 annually
This list contains a variety of job search platforms and companies that advertise these positions:
7. International Organizations
Numerous nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) and international organizations are actively recruiting proficient individuals to assume positions in administration, research, and project management. By joining forces with these dynamic organizations, you can make a significant impact on a global scale and contribute to meaningful initiatives. Additionally, your proficiency in English serves as a conduit for the exchange of ideas among individuals from a variety of backgrounds, thereby facilitating the development of collaborative and influential projects.
Salaries for personnel of international organizations may vary from €20,000 to €50,000 annually, contingent upon the organization’s structure and the position.
The following are a few examples of international organizations in Greece:
- Greek Forum of Refugees
- Amnesty International – Greek Section
- ActionAid Hellas
- ELIX Conservation Volunteers Greece
8. English-speaking Nanny or Au Pair
The average salary for English-speaking caretakers in Greece may fluctuate depending on the nanny’s qualifications, responsibilities, and working hours. The earnings of live-in nannies may range from €600 to €1,500, while live-out nannies may earn between €600 and €1,200.
Explore job opportunities for nannies and au pairs on these childcare platforms:
Conclusion
Athens, Greece, in fact, seamlessly integrates its inviting and amicable populace, delectable cuisine, and delightful Mediterranean climate. Additionally, Greece has facilitated the exploration of its allure for global travelers by being a member of the EU and the Schengen region. Unsurprisingly, this captivating nation can entice individuals to extend their stay or even contemplate a permanent move.
Frequently Asked Questions:
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Can you speak English in Athens?
Although the official language in Greece and Athens is Greek, English is also widely spoken, so you shouldn’t experience any problems when visiting the city.
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Can I get a job in Greece as a foreigner?
International workers can apply online for the issuance of their first residence permit in the country at portal.immigration.gov.gr. The work permit they need depends on what position they have, and this can also impact how long the permit will be valid.
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Who is eligible to work in Greece?
To legally take on employment in Greece, the individual needs to apply for a national visa at their country’s consulate/embassy. After arriving in the Greek territory and before the current visa expires, they must also obtain a residence permit.
