Bringing non-EU employees to work in Greece can be a strategic step for companies expanding their operations or seeking specialized talent. The process, known as employment invitation (metaklisi), allows businesses to hire skilled or seasonal workers from abroad under specific conditions.
At Apopsis Law, we guide employers through every stage of the process, from preparing the application to securing the employee’s residence and work permit, ensuring compliance and efficiency.
Who Can Be Invited to Work in Greece
Greek companies, business owners, and investors can invite non-EU nationals to work in Greece for a fixed or long-term period.
This applies to:
• Skilled professionals and technicians
• Company executives and specialists
• Seasonal or temporary workers (e.g., in tourism, agriculture, construction)
• Workers providing services under specific projects or contracts
The key requirement is that the employment offer is genuine, and the position cannot easily be filled by a local or EU worker.
Step-by-Step Process
Employer’s Responsibilities
The employer must first submit an invitation request to the competent migration authority in Greece.
This includes:
• Details of the position, duration, and employment terms
• A declaration confirming that the employee will be legally employed under Greek labor standards
• Proof of the company’s legal operation and financial capacity
• Payment of the applicable administrative fee
Once the request is approved, the employee can proceed to the next stage abroad.
Employee’s Responsibilities
The employee applies for a long-term work visa (Type D) at the Greek consulate in their home country.
After receiving the visa, they may travel to Greece and apply for a residence and work permit, which is initially valid for one year and can be renewed according to the employment contract.
After Arrival in Greece
Upon arrival, the employee must:
• Sign the employment contract
• Be registered with the national social insurance system (e-EFKA)
• Receive a Greek tax number (AFM) and social security number
Our firm assists in coordinating all these formalities to ensure a smooth and compliant start of employment.
Employer Compliance
Employers must:
• Maintain valid employment contracts and payroll records
• Ensure equal working conditions with Greek employees
• Keep employees insured and registered with the competent authorities
• Non-compliance can result in administrative fines or withdrawal of the employee’s residence permit, hence the importance of proper legal management from the beginning.
How Our Firm Assists
Our legal team provides end-to-end support throughout the entire process of hiring foreign staff in Greece.
We handle:
• Document preparation and translation
• Communication with Greek and consular authorities
• Employment contract drafting
• Submission of applications for work and residence permits
We ensure that every step of the process is transparent, lawful, and aligned with your business needs.
Why Choose Greece for Employment Investment ?
Greece offers a growing market, attractive investment opportunities, and access to skilled international professionals. With proper legal guidance, businesses can expand their workforce safely and efficiently while complying with all employment and immigration requirements.
If your company plans to bring non-EU employees to Greece, our office can provide personalized legal support to manage every stage of the process smoothly and effectively.