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Multilingual specialists are increasingly choosing Greece for remote work

In recent years, more and more digital nomads are choosing Greece as a place to work and live. Beaches, olive groves, and an accessible environment are quickly turning from a tourist's dream into an everyday reality for hundreds of specialists from different countries. What is the secret of this appeal, and what pitfalls await multilingual professionals on the path to a new way of life?

Why Greece is becoming a magnet for remote specialists

The wave of interest in Greece among international specialists increased after the COVID-19 pandemic. According to the Nomad List platform, the number of remote workers in the country has almost doubled since 2021. A mild climate, a variety of cities and islands, as well as the image of a Mediterranean oasis, create an aura of a "working paradise" around the country.

The Greek Ministry of Tourism reports: in 2023, more than 10,000 visas for remote specialists were issued. Greece quickly adapted to the requirements of digital nomads: "Here it is really easier to find work-life balance than in many other EU countries."

The expansion of infrastructure, the launch of special programs, and the interest in the country from transnational companies contribute to the formation of a new ecosystem for remote workers.

Infrastructure and living conditions: what to expect on site

A key factor has been the improvement in internet service quality. According to an Ookla report for 2023, the average internet speed in Athens reaches 120 Mbps, on large islands — 60-80 Mbps, which is sufficient for online work and video calls. In small villages, interruptions are possible, so experts advise checking the connection in advance through review sites and local forums.

Internet accessibility is essential for digital nomads also because they are not ready to part with their familiar online environment. This is not just about social networks or forums, but also about entertainment that requires faster and more stable internet — meaning online games. Very often, the ability to play depends on the connection speed, especially if the game is demanding.

If we are talking about online casino games, then not only speed but also stability is important, since for most gambling activities, loss of connection means losing the game. This applies not only to slot games but also to such popular activities as Crazy Time Game with wheel of fortune mechanics or crash games like Aviator.

The increased demand for high-speed internet from digital nomads has led to the development of internet infrastructure, primarily the laying of fiber-optic networks. Also, Greece has increased mobile coverage and expanded internet access in rural areas. The simplification of the visa process has also contributed to the country’s growing popularity.

The appearance of the digital nomad visa made it easier for non-EU citizens to legally stay for a long term. The official website of the Greek Ministry of Migration (migration.gov.gr) confirms: to apply, you need verified remote income ($3,500 per month), insurance, and a place of residence.

Housing remains more affordable than in Italy or Spain. In Athens, the average rent for a one-bedroom apartment is $500-700 per month, on popular islands — $800-1,200. Groceries are 15-20% cheaper than in Germany, transport starts at $30 per month, and health insurance — $50-90.

A tax incentive was introduced in 2021: new residents are exempt from 50% of income tax for 7 years (according to the Greek Tax Service). All this raises the question: how in demand are multilingual specialists here?

Demand for multilingual professionals

Over the past two years, the job market for multilingual specialists has grown by 35% (according to LinkedIn Greece).

In-demand professions:

technical support (support engineer, IT-helpdesk)
customer service (customer care, account manager)
IT and web development
e-commerce (sales, marketing, content management)

A study by the Greek agency Kariera.gr confirms: international companies (for example, Teleperformance, Pfizer, Accenture) are actively opening offices and remote vacancies. Teleperformance HR director Ellisa Papas states: “Multilingual specialists easily find work in support and sales if they speak English, German, French, Spanish, or Italian.”

A vivid example is the experience of A. (name changed): after moving from Vilnius, he got a remote support trainer position in German, earning $1,700 and enjoying a flexible schedule.

Greek startups are also present on the market, needing employees for expansion into foreign markets. The most in-demand languages: English, German, French, Italian, Scandinavian, and Eastern European.

Greek lifestyle: advantages for remote workers

The Mediterranean climate pleases with mild winters, more than 300 sunny days per year, and opportunities for leisure. After work, many remote workers go to explore ancient ruins, swim, or participate in cycling tours.

In Athens, Thessaloniki, Heraklion, and Crete, coworking spaces and digital specialist clubs are actively developing (for example, Stone Soup in Athens, Workhub in Rhodes).

Locals are known for their hospitality, so the process of cultural integration goes smoothly. Expats note: “Here we are seen as part of the community, not just as tourists,” shares a member of the Expat Life Greece group.

A moderate pace of life and attention to personal time allow you to restore balance between work and rest.

Problems and pitfalls: what is important to consider

Administrative procedures can be confusing at times. To obtain a residence permit or digital nomad visa, you need to collect a package of documents, submit an application online, and book an interview at the migration office. According to expats, the gov.gr and migration.gov.gr services make the process easier, but some stages may take several weeks.

Opening a bank account requires a personal visit and proof of address, and banking services are not always efficient.

Outside major cities, the internet can be unstable; it is useful to test in advance using mobile SIM cards or portable routers.

The Greek language is rarely needed for business communication, but knowing it in everyday life helps you adapt faster. Introductory courses are free at major universities, and mobile apps like Duolingo are a convenient start.

Life hacks:

always prepare scans of your documents
check the landlord by reviews
use the Digital Nomads Greece forums to share experience
get comprehensive insurance

“At first, there were difficulties with paperwork, but the support of local lawyers resolved most of the issues,” notes a member of the Moving to Greece group.

Practical tips for moving and successful integration

Stages of moving:

prepare electronic copies of your passport, proof of income, police clearance certificate
look for housing through international services Spotahome, HousingAnywhere
check internet connection ratings by reviews on forums
get insurance in English through European companies
join local expat chat groups in Telegram, Facebook

To integrate into the professional environment, it is useful to attend coworking events, participate in business breakfasts, and use LinkedIn to find contacts.

Compared to Portugal or Spain, it is easier to find an English-speaking environment in Greece, the cost of living is lower, but bureaucracy may take more time.

Time for new decisions

Would you like to swap your habitual city for the warm Mediterranean and find out what it’s like to live and work with a sea view?

Greece opens up new horizons for those who value freedom, growth, and the ability to enjoy each day. Perhaps here you will find your formula for balancing work and a happy life.

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