Greece Requires Over 300,000 Foreign Workers to Sustain Its Economy
Key Takeaways
- Greece urgently requires over 300,000 foreign workers to address labor shortages.
- Workers are needed across various sectors, including tourism, IT, and skilled trades.
- Greece has simplified EU Blue Card rules to attract more highly qualified professionals.
Like other EU countries, Greece faces severe labor shortages and needs to recruit a significant number of foreign workers to sustain its economy.
Estimates suggest Greece currently requires more than 300,000 foreign workers, spanning both skilled and unskilled occupations. The tourism sector, in particular, demands roles ranging from chefs to dishwashers, while other sectors seek IT experts, electricians, welders, and plumbers, among others.
However, lengthy procedures to hire foreign workers—often taking six to nine months—create barriers, especially for businesses needing seasonal staff. Despite this, platforms like WorkInGreece report high interest from businesses and potential workers from countries such as India, Bangladesh, Egypt, Moldova, and Vietnam.
Greece Eases EU Blue Card Rules to Attract Skilled Workers
To draw more highly skilled professionals, Greece simplified its EU Blue Card application process in June. Foreigners entering the country under visa-free or short-stay visa regimes are now eligible to apply, whereas previously only those with long-term national visas could do so.
Additionally, pre-screening requirements are now optional, allowing applicants to decide whether to undergo this process. While not mandatory, pre-screening is recommended to avoid delays or rejections during the application process.