Working in Laganas, Zante: Job Opportunities for UK Citizens Post-Brexit

Laganas, located on the stunning Greek island of Zante (Zakynthos), is a vibrant tourist hotspot that offers numerous seasonal employment opportunities for international workers. This popular resort town's bustling nightlife and tourism industry create a variety of jobs each summer season. However, Brexit has changed the landscape for UK citizens seeking work in this Mediterranean paradise.

Popular Jobs in Laganas

Bar Staff

Bar work represents one of the most common employment opportunities in Laganas. Positions range from bartenders mixing cocktails to bar backs keeping operations running smoothly. Most bars require staff to work evening and night shifts, with competitive compensation often including tips and sometimes accommodation.

PR (Promotional) Work

PR staff are the energetic faces of Laganas' clubs, bars, and boat parties. Their primary responsibility is approaching tourists on the main strip to promote venues and events. This role suits outgoing individuals with excellent communication skills and typically offers nightly or weekly based pay.

Ticket Sellers

Ticket selling positions involve promoting and selling tickets to various events, boat parties, and excursions. These roles often overlap with PR work but focus specifically on securing sales for particular events rather than venue promotion.

Bottle Girls/Servers

These positions involve serving table reservations at clubs and providing bottle service to guests. Bottle servers typically earn higher tips than standard bar staff and need strong customer service skills and the ability to upsell premium products.

Dancers

Entertainment staff, including dancers, are crucial to Laganas' vibrant nightlife scene. Many clubs employ dancers for choreographed routines and to enhance the atmosphere. These roles may require previous dance experience and auditions.

Event Staff

Event staff encompass various roles including security, hosts/hostesses, photographers, and general assistants for special events, boat parties, and themed nights at clubs. These positions often offer flexible scheduling with the opportunity to work at different venues.

Management Positions

Experienced professionals can find opportunities in management roles overseeing bar operations, club management, or event coordination. These positions typically require previous experience in similar environments and offer higher compensation, including potential end-of-season bonuses.

Social Media Roles

The digital presence of Laganas venues has created demand for social media managers and content creators who can capture the excitement of events and promote venues online. These roles may be combined with other positions or exist as standalone opportunities for those with relevant skills.

Office Jobs

Administrative positions exist with larger hospitality groups, tour operators, and property management companies. These roles involve booking management, customer service, and operational support, offering more traditional working hours than front-line hospitality positions.

Working in Laganas Post-Brexit: What UK Citizens Need to Know

Current Brexit Implications

Since the UK's departure from the European Union, British citizens no longer enjoy the automatic right to work in EU countries, including Greece. This has significantly impacted the employment landscape in places like Laganas.

Work Permit Requirements

UK citizens now need appropriate work permits to legally work in Greece. This typically involves employers sponsoring work visas, which can be a complex and time-consuming process. Seasonal workers may need to apply for specific seasonal work permits, which have quotas and specific application procedures.

The EU Passport Advantage

Individuals holding EU passports, including Irish nationals, now have a distinct advantage in the Laganas job market. Irish citizens, despite being from the British Isles, maintain EU citizenship, allowing them to:

• Work in Greece without requiring special permits

• Move freely between EU countries for work purposes

• Avoid bureaucratic hurdles that UK passport holders now face

• Begin work immediately upon arrival without waiting for documentation

• Consider longer-term employment opportunities with fewer restrictions

Options for UK Citizens

Despite these challenges, UK citizens can still pursue work in Laganas through several avenues:

1. Seasonal Work Visas: Apply for specific seasonal worker programs designed for tourism industries

2. Working with UK-Based Companies: Some UK tour operators maintain operations in Zante and may facilitate work permits

3. Higher-Skilled Positions: Jobs requiring specific qualifications may have more streamlined visa processes

4. Working Holiday Programs: Young people may be eligible for working holiday arrangements, though these have limitations

Preparing for Work in Laganas

For those seriously considering employment in Laganas, advance preparation is essential:

• Begin visa applications several months before the summer season

• Research legitimate employers who can sponsor work permits

• Consider obtaining relevant qualifications (bartending certificates, language skills)

• Connect with reputable agencies specialising in overseas placement

• Budget for potential delays in securing legal work status

Conclusion

While Brexit has created new challenges for UK citizens seeking employment in Laganas, opportunities still exist for those willing to navigate the more complex regulatory environment. Irish and other EU nationals currently enjoy significant advantages in this job market, but determined UK job seekers can still find paths to working in this exciting Mediterranean destination with proper planning and preparation.

For the most current information on work requirements, it's advisable to consult the Greek embassy or consulate, as regulations may change periodically as post-Brexit policies continue to evolve.