Economy of Greece

Last Update November 4, 2025

The “big-five” of the Greece’s economy:

Tourism – the largest growth engine of the economy, especially in the years since the economic crisis. Whether from direct or indirect spending, tourism money makes a big impact, especially on the islands.

Shipping & maritime services – Greece controls one of the world’s largest merchant fleets. Freight earnings, shipmanagement, bunkering, and marine services bring in major foreign income. Most Greek-owned ships don’t sail under the Greek flag, though, they’re mainly registered in large open registries (for example Liberia and the Marshall Islands) plus a few EU registries

Domestic services & trade – wholesale/retail, finance, real estate, public administration, and professional services form the bulk of day-to-day GDP and employment.

Energy & refining – Greece is a regional hub for petroleum refining and fuel exports; growing roles for gas infrastructure (LNG) and renewables (wind/solar).

Agri-food & fisheries – olives/olive oil, fruit/veg, wine, cheese, seafood and aquaculture feed local demand and exports; anchors rural employment and food processing.

There has been a massive increase of foreign investment into real estate in Greece over the last several years, much of it linked to the "Golden Visa" program which is reported to have had a recent 740% increase in applications.

For more see the Moving to Greece page

MEDIA REPORTS

Eurozone economy could go from sluggish to full-blown recession if US-led trade war erupts

November 17, 2024: Story at Capital [Greek]

After "world’s longest recession" Greece came back

...Greece was all but eradicated as a functioning economy by a sovereign debt crisis in 2009-10 that led to fears of a default and of this small, southern European economy bringing down the whole eurozone...."

April 20, 2024: Story at UK The Times [English]