Calling on all Aussies or Western expats who have lived and worked in Greece in the Construction Industry. Was hoping someone could give me some insight into the lifestyle of living as an Expat in Greece. I currently have a close friend with a young family looking to move over near Athens to work on a Large Civil Infrastructure Project. He has a wife and 2 children at schooling age- would like to know what schools you could recommended and if so, why does this school stand out? Because he does not have any links to the UK he has to apply for a Greek working Permit and we have been told this complicates things. -What is involved in the process? -How long does it take? -What prevents you from obtaining this? Any information on the Lifestyles for an expat over there and useful tips for a family are welcomed.
Greece - 1 Answers
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Tell your friend I would only do this if I were getting buckets of money (a crazy amount). The children will have the choice of a couple of private schools which teach in English in the centre of Athens - which may not be convenient for them if they are situated outside Athens (tell us where exactly and we can tell you the distance). Also the schools are incredibly expensive and there are few places so they would have to apply - maybe the company they will be working for will be able to help. Also will accommodation be supplied as renting is also expensive in the Athens area. We had some friends here from Australia last week and they said Greece is really expensive compared to Australia (your friend should keep this in mind.) We own a construction company and believe me it's a very difficult job here - ok, the construction company he will be working for will not be totally Greek (like ours) so situations may be better. I was friends with the British that were involved with the building of the Preveza/Aktio tunnel back in 1998 and I remember the managing director (English) tearing his hair out with the Greek system and the slowness (he had previously been working in Japan - so Greece was a real eye opener) I remember trying to get a residence and work permit in 1990 before EU members were able to live here without papers. It was horrendous - I was in tears they sent me to 5 different offices in and around Kifissia / Marousi - no one spoke English - I ended up throwing a pen at the person behind the desk - all because I wanted to become legal and pay my taxes!!! I ended up staying here illegally! I am 100% positive that the situation has now improved 1000% from then!!!! (PS I now pay all my taxes) I have no idea what applies to Australians getting permits - however it does seem strange to me that the company is not sponsoring him - isn't that the norm? Lifestyle is what you make it and also depends on where you live and what you are used to. In my observations most Australians seem to have a better standard of lifestyle than Greeks. For a Brit the lifestyle will improve a lot in Greece - but for Australians I'm not so sure. Does your friend have any links to Greece? I believe it would be a good idea to do this if 1, Great salary 2. Accommodation provided 3. Private health insurance 4. Schooling fees paid 5. Sponsored for work/ residence permit or if I were alone (which he's not) and wanted an experience.
