Seasonal dishwasher jobs in Greece: an accessible first contract on the islands

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What does a dishwasher do in Greece?

The dishwasher, or kitchen porter, washes plates, glasses, pots and trays, keeps the dish area tidy and often cleans kitchen floors after service. In large hotels, dishwashers work in a team organised in rotating shifts around breakfast, lunch and dinner.

The job is often combined with kitchen assistant tasks: peeling, vegetable preparation, receiving deliveries and setting up buffets. This versatility is a way to learn how a kitchen brigade works and to move up to a commis position the following season.

Regions that hire

Large resort hotels in Crete, Rhodes, Kos, Corfu, Zakynthos and Halkidiki employ several dishwashers per restaurant. Tavernas and restaurants in the Cyclades also hire, with smaller teams and a workload concentrated in the evening hours.

Season and typical hours

The season generally runs from April or May to late October. Shifts follow meal times, with split days or rotations in all-inclusive hotels. The busiest period is July and August, when restaurants work at full capacity every day.

Some hotels hire dishwashers for the whole season, while others add extra staff only for the July and August peak. Short peak contracts can suit students, but longer contracts give more insured days and a better chance of being rehired.

An entry-level job

No qualification is required. Employers mainly look for reliability, stamina and respect for hygiene rules. A few words of English or Greek are often enough, making this one of the most accessible seasonal jobs in the country.

It is also a demanding job: long hours standing, heat, humidity and heavy loads. Good physical condition and suitable footwear are essential, especially during dinner service in large hotels, where hundreds of covers pass through in a few hours.

Who can work as a dishwasher?

EU, EEA and Swiss citizens can be hired directly with an AFM tax number and an AMKA social security number. The employer must declare the hiring in ERGANI before the first day; residence registration is required beyond three months.

Non-EU nationals

For a non-EU candidate, the tourism or catering employer files an application with the Decentralised Administration, with a €100 fee per worker and accommodation details. The national visa is then requested at a consulate, which takes several months.

The seasonal visa is normally limited to six months, and the contract is tied to the approved employer. Changing workplace mid-season without a new authorisation exposes the worker to penalties and to the loss of the right of residence.

Pay and benefits

Dishwashers are generally paid at the minimum wage or the entry level of the hotel scale: €920 gross per month since 1 April 2026, or €41.09 per day for an unskilled worker. Statutory Christmas, Easter and holiday bonuses are added pro rata to the time worked.

Housing and meals, often provided, are a considerable benefit on tourist islands. They make it possible to save most of the salary, provided the employer does not make excessive deductions from pay for accommodation.

Health and safety at work

The employer must supply protective equipment free of charge: gloves, a waterproof apron and sometimes non-slip shoes. Industrial detergents require care, and kitchen heat means drinking water regularly during summer shifts is essential to avoid exhaustion.

How to get a dishwasher job

1. Prepare a simple English CV highlighting reliability and physical work experience.
2. Search kitchen porter and dishwasher vacancies on EURES.
3. Contact resort hotels in Crete, Rhodes or Kos between January and April.
4. Check that the business exists and ask for a written offer.
5. Get gross pay, hours, rest day, housing and meals confirmed.
6. Obtain AFM and AMKA on arrival, or the national visa if you are non-EU.
7. Check the ERGANI declaration and that wages are paid into a bank account.

What to budget and bring

Mistakes and abuses to avoid

Low-skilled jobs are the most exposed to abuse, particularly undeclared work and unjustified deductions. A few simple reflexes protect seasonal workers, especially on a first contract abroad far from family and friends, where help is harder to find.

• Starting work without a written contract or an ERGANI declaration.
• Accepting twelve-hour days without overtime pay.
• Letting the employer keep your passport or ID card.
• Paying an intermediary for an unskilled job.
• Accepting unhealthy housing or a remote room with no transport.

Frequently asked questions about dishwashing in Greece

These answers cover the questions most frequently asked by dishwasher candidates, often young people leaving for a first experience abroad or seasonal workers who later want to move into cooking or another hotel department.

Can I go without speaking English?

It is possible in some kitchens, but basic English makes integration, safety instructions and paperwork much easier. Employers prefer candidates who can communicate with the brigade, even simply, especially in busy hotel kitchens with international teams.

How many hours does a dishwasher work?

The legal week is 40 hours, but six working days are common in high season. Any extra hour must be recorded and paid at plus 20 percent, then plus 40 percent beyond 45 or 48 hours.

Can I move into a kitchen job?

Yes. Many commis started as dishwashers. Showing interest in preparation, helping with mise en place and asking to learn often leads to a kitchen assistant role during the season or the following year.

Can I claim benefits after the season?

Seasonal workers insured with EFKA may claim DYPA benefits if they have enough insured days. EU citizens can also count their Greek periods of work at home using the U1 form issued after the contract ends.