Nigerians can benefit from 360,000 openings for skilled workers in Greece to address its urgent labour shortage and fill critical roles across key sectors such as tourism, agriculture, healthcare, engineering, and technology.

Despite the government’s efforts to attract foreign talent, only around 90,000 foreign nationals have entered the country so far, well below the required threshold.

As demand for talent intensifies, Nigerian job seekers are encouraged to explore opportunities in Greece while considering the EU Blue Card, provided they secure long-term contracts with Greek employers for highly-skilled roles, particularly in healthcare, engineering, and technology.

The country continues to be an attractive destination for foreign workers, due to streamlined visa procedures, a growing job market, and bilateral agreements with countries such as India.

The tourism sector, contributing around 10 percent of Greece’s GDP, remains the most pressing area for international recruitment, with hotels, restaurants, and resorts struggling to meet staffing needs. This persistent gap is placing strain on the economy, which depends heavily on both skilled and unskilled foreign labour.

Similarly, the agricultural sector urgently requires seasonal workers for harvesting and farm operations. Food processing industries, such as olive oil mills and cheese production facilities, are also expected to take on thousands of additional workers in the coming months.

These seasonal jobs in hospitality, tourism, construction, agriculture, and elderly care remain in high demand and may be particularly suitable for Nigerians already residing in Greece.

To address these workforce challenges, Greek authorities have introduced structured employment categories to simplify the recruitment of foreign nationals.

Dependent employment currently represents approximately 47 percent of job openings, and requires employer sponsorship, job offer and contract, visa application and residency permit. Highly-skilled positions make up only about 2 percent of available opportunities, and involves the same requirement.

How foreign nationals can apply

For those looking to work in Greece, the first step is to explore job portals and recruitment agencies that specialise in placing foreign applicants. Platforms such as OAED, EURES, and private sites like Kariera.gr and JobsinGreece.net provide valuable resources for finding employment opportunities across various sectors.

Once a job offer has been secured from a Greek employer, the employer typically handles the initial work permit application. Following this, workers must apply for a long-stay Type D visa through the Greek embassy in their home country.

The application process requires essential documents, including a valid passport, proof of accommodation, medical insurance, and a police clearance certificate.

Upon arriving in Greece, new employees must register with local authorities to obtain a residence permit, ensuring they meet all legal requirements for employment.

Ngozi Ekugo is a Senior Labour Market Analyst and Correspondent, specializing in the research and analysis of workplace dynamics, labour market trends, immigration reports, employment law and legal cases in general. Her editorial work provides valuable insights for business owners, HR professionals, and the global workforce. She has garnered experience in the private sector in Lagos and has also had a brief stint at Goldman Sachs in the United Kingdom. An alumna of Queens College, Lagos, Ngozi studied English at the University of Lagos, holds a Master’s degree in Management from the University of Hertfordshire and is an Associate Member of CIPM and Member of CMI, UK. (BusinessDay)