Greece in the Spotlight: Uncover a Fresh Frontier for Global Outsourcing

Introduction

Greece is emerging as a promising BPO destination in Southern Europe. With a range of compelling advantages, this unique Mediterranean country is becoming an increasingly attractive choice for global brands seeking impactful localisation for nearshoring or offshoring operations. Companies ready to establish or expand their presence on the old continent can benefit from Greece’s pro-business environment, modern legal framework, skilled multilingual workforce, competitive labour costs, and robust digital infrastructure. Additionally, the country’s strategic location in the Balkan Peninsula offers easy access to both Western and Eastern European markets, with proximity to the Middle East and Africa, further solidifying Greece’s appeal as an important outsourcing hub.

Greece has gained significant traction in BPO, particularly in sectors such as customer experience and related services, IT support, accounting, and R&D. The country has capitalised on its high-quality, cost-effective solutions and growing ability to efficiently serve a regional and global clientele. As a result, its business process outsourcing sector is experiencing steady growth. According to Statista, it is expected to reach 0.75 billion EUR in 2024 and grow at an annual rate of 3.01%, reaching 0.87 billion EUR by 2029. This underscores Greece’s potential as a promising destination for expanding or optimising outsourcing strategies, driven by a culture that promotes innovation, collaboration, and competitive business conditions.

Alongside diverse economic benefits, modern infrastructure, and a strong work ethic, Greece boasts a vibrant culture, historic landmarks, delicious cuisine, sunny weather, and rich natural landscapes. This unique combination creates a compelling blend of professional opportunities and personal satisfaction, drawing entrepreneurs and talent who value fulfilling work-life balance. Prime cities for BPO include Athens, Thessaloniki, Patras, and Heraklion, all offering economic vitality and a wealth of attractions.

Outsourcing to Greece: Unlocking Competitive Advantage

Greece is rapidly gaining recognition as a strategic destination for business process outsourcing. Drawing international brands with its strategic location, brilliant talents, competitive solutions, favourable conditions, and a strong emphasis on digital transformation, the country is becoming a rising star in the global BPO arena. Key factors contributing to this growth include the elements below.

1. Attractive Location

At the crossroads of Europe, Asia, and Africa, Greece is a gateway for trade and connectivity among these three continents. The country’s geographical position and access to the Mediterranean, Aegean, and Ionian Seas offer a unique international trade, shipping, and logistics advantage, especially as a critical transit point for energy, goods, and tourism. Greece’s location also makes business trips convenient, typically by air from major European cities and by train or ferry from nearby islands and regional destinations. Furthermore, the country’s proximity to the Middle East and Southeast Asia enables it to bridge trade and business between Europe and rapidly growing economies, fostering strategic partnerships and expansion. Its relatively close access to North Africa, facilitated by the Mediterranean Sea and key ports like Piraeus in Athens, additionally positions Greece as a vital hub for maritime trade and connectivity.

2. Time Zone Convenience

Conveniently located in a time zone that aligns well with Western Europe, the Middle East, and North America, Greece offers an ideal setting for the right shoring solutions. This geographical advantage facilitates overlapping working hours, ensuring smooth communication and efficient operations for companies in these regions. Additionally, firms from more distant locations can capitalise on Greece’s offshoring opportunities, balancing cost-effective solutions with the ease of real-time collaboration and seamless integration into global business networks.

3. Cultural Diversity

Greece’s strategic location and close connections to diverse societies across three continents, combined with its rich history, have led to a multilingual, adaptable workforce that communicates effectively across cultural boundaries. A blend of influences supports exceptionally high-quality services, especially in customer experience, where nuanced understanding, empathy and the addressation of particular needs are cornerstones. These attributes enable smooth solution delivery and effective collaboration with a wide range of international clients, fostering adaptability and tolerance.

4. Skilled Workforce

With a population of over 10 million, Greece may not be large, but it has a robust and diverse labour market, with around 50% of the population participating in the workforce. The median age is 46.3 years, according to EURES reports. Greece benefits from a well-educated and multilingual labour force, proficient in English, German, French, and Italian. The country’s focus on higher education and vocational training ensures a steady stream of talent across sectors like customer support, IT, and finance, all essential for BPO services.

5. Multilingual Environment

In Greece, multilingualism is increasingly prioritised, driven by European integration, migration, and evolving ties with Balkan countries. The emphasis on foreign language education has become more pronounced recently, with state schools promoting learning major EU languages like English, German, French, and Italian. Today, Greece is outshining the European Union. In 2022, 34.9% of primary school pupils in Greece were learning two or more languages, ranking the country third in the EU. In terms of English capability, Greece is ranked 12th out of 113 countries in the EF English Proficiency Index (EF EPI). This all reflects a significant push towards fostering multilingual skills, contributing to the nation’s workforce’s adaptability and global communication capabilities.

6. Smart Investment

Greece provides competitive nearshore and offshore outsourcing solutions, making it an attractive option for international businesses seeking to reduce operational costs. Compared to other European countries, Greece benefits from a lower cost of living and operational expenses, similar to locations in Eastern Europe. Greece’s average annual gross compensation of approximately 37,800 EUR is notably lower than other Western European countries. For example, Germany’s average salary is around 70,400 EUR, Italy’s is about 56,600 EUR, and France’s is nearly 63,500 EUR. On the other hand, living costs in Greece are also affordable compared to many EU localisations or the US. According to Numbeo, the average monthly cost for a Greek family of four is approximately 2,841 EUR, excluding rent. In comparison, the average monthly costs in Germany (3,391 EUR), Italy (3,039 EUR), and France (3,365 EUR) are higher. Additionally, Athens boasts one of the most reasonably priced office markets in the EU, according to Statista

Greece’s infrastructure has significantly developed over recent years, providing a strong foundation for economic growth and mobility. The country benefits from a robust transport network, including modern highways, railways, and well-maintained airports, facilitating easy travel and trade. Greece has also made considerable progress in expanding its broadband networks and improving internet access. The government’s strategic investments in digital transformation, particularly through the “Greece 2.0” plan, have contributed to the growth of the digital economy, enhanced e-governance, and increased tech-driven brand awareness. These efforts pave the way for greater connectivity, facilitating business operations and fostering innovation.

8. Favourable Business Landscape

Greece offers a supportive environment for establishing BPO service centres, bolstered by government reforms and incentives to promote growth and attract investment. These include tax advantages, streamlined licensing, financial support, and grants for digital evolution. Infrastructure advancements enhance accessibility for business process outsourcing operations, facilitating remote collaboration and disruption mitigation. Educational initiatives focus on upskilling the workforce, particularly in IT and business services, ensuring a strong talent pool. A modern legal framework ensures clarity, stability, and transparency, aligning with international standards. Strict adherence to EU data protection standards guarantees robust data security and compliance.

9. Dynamic Economy

Greece’s improving economy, robust banking system, and strong growth potential make it an appealing destination for BPO investments. Membership in international economic organisations such as the IMF, EU, WTO, OECD, and BSEC enhances its trade and investment advantages. Opportunities lie in leveraging EU-driven digitalisation, green initiatives, and structural reforms to boost productivity and business resilience, though high inflation requires careful strategic planning.
Despite being among the EU countries most affected by the COVID-19 crisis, Greece has shown a swift recovery. According to the World Bank, Greece’s GDP reached 238.21 billion US dollars in 2023, representing 0.23% of the global economy. Furthermore, Statista projects steady growth, with GDP expected to reach 304.44 billion US dollars by 2029—a 20.46% increase over 2024, marking nine consecutive years of expansion.

10. Rich History and Natural Beauty

Greece has an exciting history and unique natural beauty, offering experiences for diverse interests and budgets. Its ancient cities blend rich history and tradition with modern life, featuring iconic landmarks surrounded by archaeological sites. Picturesque islands and villages charm visitors with vibrant Mediterranean architecture and stunning beaches. Majestic mountains, like Mount Olympus and lush forests, invite exploration. Crystal-clear waters, colourful marine life, and vibrant coral reefs provide unforgettable snorkelling and scuba diving experiences for water sports enthusiasts. Greece is also renowned for its cuisine, with traditional dishes like moussaka, souvlaki, and fresh seafood, along with locally sourced olives and feta cheese, offering a taste of the country’s rich culinary heritage.

Key BPO Hubs

Greece boasts four prominent BPO hubs: Athens, Thessaloniki, Patras, and Heraklion. These major cities offer a combination of educated individuals, multilingual capabilities, robust digital infrastructure, historic landmarks, and stunning natural beauty. They are ideal for investment, business operations, career growth, and a high quality of life.

Athens

Athens, the capital of Greece, is one of the largest urban centres in the EU and a key driver of economic growth and innovation for the country. The city stands out as a major national BPO hub, attracting regional and global organisations due to its advantages and efficiencies. Athens benefits from top institutions like the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens and the Athens University of Economics and Business, which provide skilled, multilingual talent for the service sector. It boasts modern infrastructure, well-equipped business centres, and advanced technology, all at relatively lower costs than in many Western European capitals. The city also offers excellent regional and international connectivity, with Greece’s largest airport and extensive railway and highway networks. Ultimately, rich in history, Athens blends ancient significance with modern vitality. Iconic sites such as the Acropolis and the National Archaeological Museum highlight its cultural heritage. At the same time, a vibrant social scene, diverse culinary options, and numerous leisure attractions offer an exceptional quality of life for residents and expats.

Thessaloniki

Thessaloniki is Greece’s second-largest city, situated in the northern part of the country, with direct access to the Aegean Sea. It is known for its rich history, ancient monuments, and impressive landmarks. At the same time, Thessaloniki has a modern side, with numerous universities and research institutions that foster innovation and academic excellence. This combination makes it an attractive location for global and local businesses seeking talented professionals and operational efficiencies. In addition, Thessaloniki’s strategic location and excellent connectivity—via its port, international airport, and rail links—make it a key gateway to the Balkans and wider Europe. The city is also renowned for its unique cultural life, hosting numerous festivals and events and providing a perfect leisure and relaxation spot. Ultimately, it effectively combines economic vitality with an exceptional quality of life.

Patras

Patras, Greece’s third-largest city and the capital of Western Greece, lies at the foot of Mount Panachaikon. Known as the ‘Gate to the West’, it is a crucial commercial and research powerhouse with a strong focus on technological education and innovation. The city hosts three public universities, several key research institutes and a modern Patras Science Park. Consequently, it excels in tech-driven services, becoming a viable destination for forward-thinking businesses. Well-connected to Athens, Patras offers a high quality of life, affordable living costs, and a blend of historic sites, cultural events, and natural beauty. The city’s location also makes it a key transit point to Italy and other parts of Europe, enhancing trade and travel within the European Union and beyond.

Heraklion

Heraklion is one of Greece’s major cities and the largest on the island of Crete. It is an important national BPO centre due to its strong commitment to innovation, development, and education. The city is known for its growing talent pool, supported by institutions like the University of Crete, which supports companies with well-trained, multilingual professionals. Heraklion is also a base for numerous research organisations and businesses focusing on ongoing digital transformation initiatives. Moreover, its treasures, mild climate, beautiful beaches, and nearby mountains make it a welcoming place for everyone to live.

The History of Outsourcing in Greece

Outsourcing in Greece started to grow in the early 2000s as the country aimed to diversify its business landscape, boost economic growth and attract investments. It was initially centred on traditional industries like manufacturing and textiles, but in a short time, the sector transformed. The 2008-2010 financial crisis marked a turning point, with government and private enterprises prioritising outsourcing to foster recovery. Despite economic fluctuations and regional competition, outsourcing has become a key driver of Greece’s progress. With a skilled multilingual workforce, cost advantages, technological advancements, and EU membership, Greece has solidified its position as a reliable nearshoring and offshoring destination, particularly in customer service and tech support.

Greece in a Brief

Located in Southern Europe, close to the Middle East and Africa, Greece is one of the world’s oldest civilisations and the birthplace of democracy. The Greeks have profoundly shaped Western culture by contributing to literature, art, architecture, science, and philosophy development. Renowned for its breathtaking landscapes, the country boasts rugged mountains, idyllic islands, and shimmering coastlines along the Aegean, Ionian, and Mediterranean seas. Its cultural heritage reflects a rich blend of Byzantine, Ottoman, and Venetian influences alongside its ancient Greek roots, creating a unique tapestry of traditions, architecture, and cuisine. With Athens as its dynamic capital, Greece is a popular global tourist destination and an emerging business hub, celebrated for its warm hospitality, multilingual population, and resilient spirit.