Thinking about relocating to Greece or Romania? This comprehensive Greece vs Romania comparison covers everything expats and international workers need to know: average salaries, tax rates, work-life balance, annual leave policies, maternity and paternity leave, and cost of living considerations. Whether you're a software developer, engineer, or professional comparing international options, this guide will help you make an informed decision.
Average Salary Difference
-80.2%
Romania pays more
Greece
€22,000
avg. salary
Romania
RON 111,000
avg. salary
Greece vs Romania Salary Comparison
Average salary, median salary, minimum wage and top earners
Average Salary
€22,000RON 111,000Median Salary
€18,000RON 94,000Minimum Wage
€12,880RON 50,250Top 10%
€40,000RON 200,000Work-Life Balance: Greece vs Romania
Annual leave, working hours, maternity & paternity leave comparison
Visual Comparison
Work Week
40 hours
40 hours standard, 48 hours maximum including overtime
Annual Leave
20 working days minimum (25 after 10 years)
20 working days minimum
Public Holidays
14 days
16 days
Sick Leave
Up to 6 months at 50% via social security (EFKA)
Medical leave commonly paid at 75-100% depending on diagnosis, usually up to 183 days/year
Maternity Leave
17 weeks at full pay
126 calendar days maternity leave
Paternity Leave
14 days paid
10 working days, plus 5 with childcare course
Greece vs Romania for Expats: Pros & Cons
Advantages and challenges for international workers in each country
Greece
Why Work in Greece
Low Cost of Living
One of the most affordable countries in the eurozone, especially outside Athens
Mediterranean Lifestyle
Excellent climate, food, culture, and a relaxed quality of life year-round
Tax Incentives
Special regimes for foreign workers: 50% tax exemption for new residents, digital nomad programs
Growing Tech Scene
Athens is becoming a notable startup hub with increasing venture capital investment
EU Membership
Full eurozone member with freedom of movement for EU citizens
Challenges of Living in Greece
Lower Salaries
Wages are below the EU average, though cost of living partially compensates
High Social Security
Combined employee + employer contributions exceed 36% of gross salary
Bureaucracy
Administrative processes can be slow and complex, especially for non-Greek speakers
Limited Industries
Job market is concentrated in tourism, shipping, and services; fewer opportunities in manufacturing
Romania
Why Work in Romania
Strong Tech Hubs
Bucharest, Cluj-Napoca, Timisoara, and Iasi have deep software, outsourcing, and engineering labour markets.
EU Labour Market Access
EU and EEA citizens can work without a work permit, and non-EU employees use established work authorisation routes.
Lower Cost Base
Housing and services are generally cheaper than in Western European capitals, especially outside Bucharest and Cluj.
Flat Income Tax
A 10% salary income tax makes the tax structure easier to understand than many progressive systems.
Growing International Employers
Multinationals in IT, finance, automotive, telecom, and shared services continue to hire English-speaking professionals.
Challenges of Living in Romania
High Employee Contributions
CAS and CASS together take 35% of gross salary before income tax is applied.
Regional Salary Gaps
Bucharest and Cluj pay much more than many counties, so national averages can overstate typical local pay.
Bureaucracy
Immigration, residence, public services, and paperwork can still require patience and local-language support.
Infrastructure Differences
Transport, healthcare access, and public services vary significantly by city and region.
Inflation Pressure
Recent wage growth has often lagged inflation, reducing real purchasing power for many workers.
Tax Rates Greece vs Romania
Income tax, social security, and tax benefits comparison
Greece
- Progressive income tax with 6 brackets from 9% to 44% (Law 5246/2025)
- Social Security (EFKA): 13.87% employee + 22.04% employer
- 14 monthly payments (12 regular + Christmas, Easter & vacation bonuses)
- Tax credit of €777 (phased out above €12,000 income)
- Solidarity surcharge abolished since 2023
- Minimum wage: €920/month from April 1, 2026 (raised from €880)
Romania
- Flat 10% personal income tax on taxable salary income
- Employee CAS pension contribution is 25% of gross salary
- Employee CASS health contribution is 10% of gross salary
- Employer CAM work insurance contribution is 2.25% on top of gross pay
- Personal deduction applies only at the main job and phases out above minimum wage plus RON 2,000/month
- 2026 minimum wage relief excludes RON 300/month in Jan-Jun and RON 200/month in Jul-Dec when conditions are met
Best Cities to Work in Greece and Romania
Top destinations for tech jobs, expats and international professionals
Greece
Romania
How to Find Jobs in Greece vs Romania
Job portals, recruitment agencies, and networking platforms
Greece
Romania
Large Romanian job platform covering office, technical, sales, healthcare, and remote roles.
Recruitment Agencies
Hays, Adecco, Manpower, Randstad, and local specialists are active in IT, engineering, finance, and shared services.
Work Visa Options: Greece vs Romania
Visa types, requirements, and duration for non-EU workers
Greece Work Visas
Digital Nomad Visa
For remote workers employed by foreign companies or freelancing for foreign clients
EU Blue Card
For highly qualified workers from outside the EU
National Work Visa (Type D)
Standard work visa for non-EU nationals with a job offer
Romania Work Visas
Permanent Worker Work Permit
Standard employer-sponsored route for non-EU citizens hired under a Romanian employment contract.
Highly Qualified Worker / EU Blue Card
Route for highly qualified non-EU workers with higher-education qualifications and a qualifying salary.
Seasonal Worker Permit
For temporary seasonal employment, commonly in agriculture, hospitality, and related sectors.
Intra-Company Transfer / Posted Worker
For employees assigned to Romania by a foreign employer or group company.
Trainee Worker Permit
For non-EU workers undertaking a fixed training placement with a Romanian legal entity.
Frequently Asked Questions: Greece vs Romania
Common questions about working in these countries
What is the average salary in Greece vs Romania?
The average salary in Greece is €22,000 per year, while in Romania it is RON 111,000 per year. This represents a 80.2% difference.
Which country has better work-life balance: Greece or Romania?
Greece offers 20 working days minimum (25 after 10 years) annual leave and 14 public holidays with a 40 hours work week. Romania offers 20 working days minimum annual leave and 16 public holidays with a 40 hours standard, 48 hours maximum including overtime work week.
How does parental leave compare between Greece and Romania?
In Greece, maternity leave is 17 weeks at full pay and paternity leave is 14 days paid. In Romania, maternity leave is 126 calendar days maternity leave and paternity leave is 10 working days, plus 5 with childcare course.
Is it better to work in Greece or Romania as an expat?
Both are excellent choices for expats. Greece offers: Low Cost of Living, Mediterranean Lifestyle. Romania offers: Strong Tech Hubs, EU Labour Market Access. Consider your priorities like salary, language requirements, and lifestyle preferences.
What are the main tax differences between Greece and Romania?
Greece: Progressive income tax with 6 brackets from 9% to 44% (Law 5246/2025). Romania: Flat 10% personal income tax on taxable salary income. Both countries have different tax benefits and deductions that can significantly impact your take-home pay.
Salary statistics methodology
Salary benchmarks are compiled from official statistics, labour-market releases, and country employment datasets. This page was last reviewed for Greece 2026 data on April 27, 2026.
Primary references
Calculation notes
- Average and median salaries are gross annual estimates unless marked as net.
- Industry and experience bands are directional benchmarks, not guaranteed pay ranges.
- Figures can vary by region, company size, benefits, contract type, and bonus policy.
Salary statistics methodology
Salary benchmarks are compiled from official statistics, labour-market releases, and country employment datasets. This page was last reviewed for Romania 2026 data on April 27, 2026.
Primary references
Calculation notes
- Average and median salaries are gross annual estimates unless marked as net.
- Industry and experience bands are directional benchmarks, not guaranteed pay ranges.
- Figures can vary by region, company size, benefits, contract type, and bonus policy.
Calculate Your Take-Home Pay in Greece or Romania
Use our free salary calculators to see exactly how much you'll earn after taxes in each country.
