Working in Athens is one of the fastest ways to start a career abroad in Europe. As the economic and international business hub of Greece, Athens offers far more job opportunities for foreigners than anywhere else in the country — especially in multilingual roles, making it one of the most popular destinations for those interested in working in Greece.
Many international companies have chosen Athens as a base for customer support, sales and tech operations, creating strong demand for candidates who speak European languages. This means you can often find a job in Athens even without previous experience, as long as you speak English plus another language.
Compared to Northern Europe, salaries are lower — but so is the cost of living. Combined with a warm climate, active social life and access to beaches, Athens has become a top destination for people looking to work abroad.
Jobs in Athens – where internationals actually work
Athens is the center of almost all international hiring in Greece. Most roles for foreigners are based here, particularly in large multinational companies and outsourcing hubs.
Some of the biggest employers hiring international candidates in Athens include:
- Foundever (Sitel Group)
- Webhelp
- Concentrix
- TP Greece (customer experience roles)
These companies run large-scale operations where employees support customers across Europe in different languages.
Most international jobs are located in business districts such as:
- Marousi (major corporate hub)
- Kallithea
- Piraeus
- central Athens
If you’re applying from abroad, Athens is by far the easiest place in Greece to get hired.
Common jobs for internationals in Athens
Athens is one of Europe’s biggest hubs for multilingual jobs, especially within customer-facing roles.
Typical roles include:
- customer support agents (email, chat, phone)
- content moderators (social media platforms)
- sales agents and account managers
- technical support specialists
- IT roles (developers, system support)
- back-office and shared service roles
Many of these jobs do not require previous experience, especially in customer support.
If you have experience in IT, sales or finance, you can access higher salaries and more long-term career paths.
Salaries in Athens – realistic expectations
Salaries in Athens are higher than in the rest of Greece, mainly due to the concentration of international companies.
Typical monthly gross salaries:
- Customer support: €1,000–€1,400
- Content moderation: €1,000–€1,300
- Sales roles: €1,200–€2,000+ (with bonus)
- IT / tech: €1,800–€3,500+
- Back-office roles: €1,100–€1,600
Most international employers also offer:
- relocation packages (flight + accommodation support)
- performance bonuses
- paid training
- private health insurance
- meal vouchers
Even with a lower salary than Northern Europe, many people manage to save money thanks to lower living costs.
Living in Athens – what daily life looks like
Athens offers a completely different lifestyle compared to Northern Europe. Life is more social, more outdoors and generally less stressful.
You can expect:
- 300+ days of sunshine per year
- cafés, restaurants and nightlife all year round
- beaches within 20–30 minutes from the city
- a large international community
Athens is a big, sometimes chaotic city — but that’s also part of its character. Compared to cities like Stockholm or Berlin, it feels more alive and spontaneous.
Housing in Athens – where to live
Housing is still relatively affordable compared to most European capitals, but prices have increased in recent years.
Typical rent:
- 1-bedroom apartment: €550–€900
- Shared apartment: €300–€600
Popular areas for internationals:
- Koukaki – central, modern, close to everything
- Pangrati – local feel, relaxed atmosphere
- Nea Smyrni – quieter, residential
- Exarchia – alternative and lively
Many companies offer temporary accommodation when you first arrive, which gives you time to find a permanent place.
Working conditions and taxes in Athens
Working conditions in international companies are generally good and follow EU standards.
- Full-time: 40 hours per week
- Paid vacation: minimum 20 days
- Social security and healthcare included
Taxes are progressive and automatically deducted from your salary.
Official tax authority:
https://www.aade.gr
Moving to Athens for work
Relocating to Athens is relatively easy, especially if you’re an EU citizen.
- EU/EEA citizens: no work permit required
- Non-EU citizens: work permit usually required
After arriving, you typically need to:
- get a Greek tax number (AFM)
- register your address
- open a local bank account
Official information:
https://migration.gov.gr
https://www.gov.gr
Many employers guide you through the entire relocation process.
Getting around Athens
Athens has a solid public transport system:
- metro (fast and reliable)
- buses and trams
- suburban railway
Most internationals do not need a car.
The airport is well connected, and ferries make it easy to travel to Greek islands.
Pros and cons of working in Athens
Pros
- strong job market for internationals
- many entry-level opportunities
- relocation packages available
- warm climate and outdoor lifestyle
- lower cost of living
Cons
- lower salaries than Northern Europe
- traffic and noise in the city
- bureaucracy can be slow
- some roles have limited career growth
Cities and regions in Greece with international job opportunities
Many international professionals who want to work in Greece choose locations with strong job markets, international employers and multilingual career opportunities.
FAQ – jobs in Athens
Is Athens a good place to work abroad?
Yes, especially for multilingual roles and entry-level jobs.
Do I need to speak Greek?
No. English is enough for most international jobs.
Is it easy to find a job in Athens?
Yes, particularly in customer support, sales and tech.
Is Athens expensive?
No, it is relatively affordable compared to other European capitals.
Summary – is Athens right for you?
Athens is one of the best cities in Europe if you want to start working abroad quickly. With a strong demand for international talent, a growing job market and a lifestyle that combines city life with beaches and sunshine, it offers a unique opportunity.
If you want to compare destinations, you can read more about work abroad.
Ready to take the next step? Browse jobs in Greece and discover current opportunities.