If you’re planning to live in Greece as a foreigner, one of the most important questions is: Can I work with my residence permit?
The answer depends entirely on your permit type. Some permits automatically allow work, others prohibit it, and some fall into a grey area.
In this guide, we explain which Greek residence permits allow work, what rules apply to remote workers and entrepreneurs, and how to stay compliant with Greek labor and tax laws.
📋 Work Rights by Permit Type
Let’s break down the main types of residence permits in Greece and whether they allow employment:
| Permit Type | Can You Work in Greece? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Digital Nomad Visa | ❌ (in Greece) ✅ (remotely) | No Greek clients/employers |
| FIP (Passive Income) | ❌ | Strictly no employment |
| Golden Visa | ❌ | Not linked to labor market |
| Family Reunification | ✅ | Same rights as sponsor |
| Work/Employment Permit | ✅ | Requires Greek employer or contract |
| Spouse of Greek/EU Citizen | ✅ | Full work rights |
| Student Visa | ✅ (limited) | Part-time work only |
| Entrepreneur Visa | ✅ | Subject to approval and business plan |
🧠 Important: Working without the proper permit is illegal and can result in fines, deportation, or permit cancellation.
🧑💻 Digital Nomad Visa: Work Remotely (But Not Locally)
The Greek Digital Nomad Visa is designed for remote workers with income from non-Greek sources.
✅ You can work remotely for foreign employers or clients
❌ You cannot provide services to Greek clients or companies
❌ You cannot be employed locally in Greece
This rule ensures you’re not competing in the local job market. If you plan to switch to local work, you’ll need to change your permit type.
💼 Need to switch from nomad to employment permit? Borderless Lawyers handles permit conversions.
🧓 FIP (Financially Independent Person) Permit: No Work Allowed
FIP visa holders must prove passive income of at least €2,000/month and are explicitly barred from working in Greece.
❌ No Greek employment
❌ No remote work (technically not permitted)
✅ May receive foreign passive income (pensions, rent, dividends)
Some authorities overlook remote income if declared abroad, but officially, FIP permits are for retirees and non-working individuals.
🏠 Golden Visa: Residency Without Work Rights
The Golden Visa is based on property investment, not labor participation.
❌ You cannot work in Greece with a Golden Visa
✅ You can rent out your property
✅ You can live and travel in the EU
❌ You cannot convert this permit into an employment visa directly
However, your family members may apply for separate work-authorized permits.
👨👩👧 Family Reunification: Same Rights as the Sponsor
If you’re joining a spouse or parent who legally works in Greece:
✅ You inherit the same work rights
✅ You can work for a Greek employer, register as self-employed, or freelance (with AMKA + AFM)
Make sure your sponsor’s permit allows work — if not, yours won’t either.
👔 Employment-Based Permit: Full Work Rights
To apply for a Greek employment residence permit, you must:
-
Have a Greek employer
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Sign a work contract
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Receive a minimum salary as required by law
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Be sponsored through the labor migration quota system
✅ You’ll receive full work rights
✅ Includes AMKA and EFKA (social security)
✅ Can bring family members (after a period)
This is the most direct route to legally working in Greece.
💍 Spouse of a Greek or EU Citizen: Full Work Rights
Married to a Greek or other EU citizen?
✅ You can legally work in Greece
✅ You can register for public insurance
✅ You can start a business or freelance
This category offers maximum flexibility and a fast track to citizenship after 3 years (if you have children together).
🎓 Student Visa: Limited Work Rights
If you’re studying in Greece:
✅ You can work part-time (usually up to 20 hours/week)
❌ You cannot work full-time or after graduation without a permit switch
After your studies, you can apply to change your status to employment-based or residence.
🏢 Entrepreneur Permit: Run a Greek Business
If you’re planning to start a business in Greece:
✅ You can apply for a permit as a self-employed person or company founder
✅ Business must be approved by local authorities and meet capital/income thresholds
✅ You’ll need an AMKA, AFM, and file business taxes annually
This is best suited for tech startups, hospitality businesses, or remote service providers relocating operations.
🧾 Tax & Insurance Compliance for Foreign Workers
If you are legally working in Greece, you must:
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Get an AFM (tax number)
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Register for AMKA and EFKA (insurance fund)
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File annual Greek tax returns (even if income is from abroad)
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Pay social security contributions (if employed/self-employed)
✅ Borderless Lawyers helps clients register, file taxes, and stay compliant year after year.
⚠️ Working Illegally in Greece: The Risks
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Fines of €1,000+
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Loss of residence permit
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Ban on re-entry to the Schengen Zone
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Employer penalties
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Difficulty applying for citizenship later
Never accept off-the-books work or start a business without legal authorization.
🔄 Can You Change Permit Types to Gain Work Rights?
Yes — in many cases, we help clients convert their residence permit to one that includes employment rights:
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Digital Nomad → Work Permit
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Student → Employment
-
Golden Visa → Work (via family or marriage)
-
FIP → Work (must reapply entirely)
We manage the full conversion process, including legal filings, translations, and Greek authority approval.
💼 How Borderless Lawyers Can Help
We support foreigners who want to work legally in Greece, including:
✅ Employment permit applications
✅ Business incorporation and self-employment setup
✅ Permit conversion and renewal
✅ AFM, AMKA, and EFKA registration
✅ Tax and insurance compliance
We handle the legal side — so you can focus on your job or business.
❓ FAQ – Working in Greece as a Foreigner
Q: Can I work in Greece as a digital nomad?
A: Only for non-Greek employers or clients. No Greek economic activity allowed.
Q: What if I work illegally?
A: You risk losing your permit and being fined or deported.
Q: Can I start a business in Greece on a Golden Visa?
A: No — you must apply for a separate entrepreneur permit to legally run a business.
🏛️ Want to Work in Greece? Do It the Legal Way.
Working legally in Greece requires the right permit, documents, and registrations. Don’t leave your career to chance.
👉 Book a consultation with Borderless Lawyers and let our legal team help you work, earn, and thrive in Greece — without legal risk.