Working in hospitality in Greece
What you actually need to work in a Greek hotel, restaurant or bar, especially for the summer season. Greece has two requirements many foreign workers do not expect: a health certificate for food work, and a police work permit for some venues. Every legal point links to the official source.
Sources last checked 2026-09-30. Rules change, so confirm with the linked official page before you rely on it.
Can you work there?
EU and EEA citizens
Required by lawYou can work in Greece without a work permit, under EU free movement rules.
Non-EU citizens
Required by lawYou need a residence permit for employment. For most hospitality jobs this follows an employer's approved request to hire you, and applications go through the Ministry of Migration and Asylum.
Hotel receptionist in Greece
We found no licence or mandatory certificate for hotel receptionists in Greece. English and other European languages are the main thing seasonal hotels look for.
Stand out with a verifiable skills certificate
- Front Desk & Reception Free course, certificate €7.99 after you pass
- Hospitality English Free course, certificate €7.99 after you pass
This is a skills certificate, not a government licence. It does not replace any legal requirement above.
Waiter / waitress in Greece
Food workers in Greece need a health certificate from a doctor, and your employer must make sure you are trained in food hygiene.
Health certificate (pistopoiitiko ygeias)
Required by lawWorkers in food businesses need a health certificate issued by a doctor, which replaced the old health booklet in 2012. Ask your employer or a public health doctor which examinations are currently required before you start.
Food hygiene training
Your employer must provideEU law requires your employer to make sure you are supervised and trained in food hygiene for your tasks.
Stand out with a verifiable skills certificate
- Bar & Restaurant Service Free course, certificate €7.99 after you pass
- Hospitality English Free course, certificate €7.99 after you pass
This is a skills certificate, not a government licence. It does not replace any legal requirement above.
Bartender in Greece
As well as the health certificate, staff in some venues, including those selling alcohol and nightlife venues, need a work permit from the Hellenic Police.
Police work permit for certain venues
Required by lawAdults who want to work in certain types of venue listed in Presidential Decree 180/1979, including venues selling alcoholic drinks and entertainment venues, apply for a work permit from the Hellenic Police. The application is online through gov.gr and needs Greek online credentials.
Health certificate (pistopoiitiko ygeias)
Required by lawAs for waiters: a doctor-issued health certificate for food work.
Stand out with a verifiable skills certificate
- Bar & Restaurant Service Free course, certificate €7.99 after you pass
- Hospitality English Free course, certificate €7.99 after you pass
This is a skills certificate, not a government licence. It does not replace any legal requirement above.
Housekeeping / room attendant in Greece
We found no licence for housekeeping staff in Greece. If your job includes handling food, ask your employer whether you need the health certificate.
Stand out with a verifiable skills certificate
- Housekeeping Standards Free course, certificate €7.99 after you pass
- Hospitality English Free course, certificate €7.99 after you pass
This is a skills certificate, not a government licence. It does not replace any legal requirement above.
Your CV for Greece
Europass is accepted everywhere
Common practiceThe EU's free Europass CV is a safe format for Greek employers, and English is fine for most seasonal tourism jobs.
Apply early for the season
Common practiceSummer hiring on the islands happens months ahead. A certificate with a verification link helps a hotel shortlist you from abroad without an interview in person.