Becoming a bodyguard: what the job really involves
A bodyguard plans and protects one person’s movements; it is not muscle and it is not policing. In Greece, protecting persons is a service of private security companies under Law 2518/1997, so you need the personal work licence, category A or B, like any security officer. The law prohibits security staff, as a rule, from carrying weapons. The job takes observation, planning, physical fitness and total discretion, and the usual route runs through guarding first. OVIT hires through its Careers page.
Updated: 4 min readSources: 1
What does a bodyguard actually do?
Prevents: studies routes and venues, organises movements, stays close to the person and moves them away from danger if needed. Most hours go on planning and watching, not confrontation.
- It is: risk assessment, route and venue reconnaissance, coordination with hotels and organisers, presence beside the person, getting out of danger.
- It is not: a show of strength, police powers, or just driving.
- Day to day: a lot of waiting, a lot of preparation, schedules that change at the last minute.
How a client organises close protection (threat assessment, team roles, venue coordination) is covered in close protection and VIP security. This guide looks at the job from your side.
What licence do you need to become a bodyguard?
The personal security work licence, category A or B, under Law 2518/1997. It is valid for five years and renewable.
Greek Law 2518/1997 lists the protection of natural persons among the services of private security companies (art. 1 §1(b)), and states that these activities do not affect the competences of the state authorities (art. 1 §4). Staff need a work licence, category A or B (art. 3 §1), which is personal, valid for five years and renewable (art. 3 §6).
The licence conditions and accepted training titles are covered in how to become a security guard in Greece.
Do bodyguards carry weapons in Greece?
Law 2518/1997 prohibits, as a rule, security-company staff from carrying or possessing weapons (art. 5 §1). The law’s exceptions concern specific cases of guarding premises and transporting cash.
Article 5 §2 allows, where special security reasons exist, a carry permit for staff guarding public buildings, banks, museums, buildings needing special protection, utilities or other high-value installations, and for staff transporting cash and valuables.
The full legal framework for armed staff is outside this guide. If you are offered an armed post, ask for the legal basis and the permits in writing.
What skills and fitness does a bodyguard need?
Observation, planning, composure, good communication, and fitness that holds up through long hours standing, moving and under pressure.
- Observation: you notice what does not fit in a place before it becomes a problem.
- Planning: routes, alternatives, arrival and departure points, timings.
- Composure: you decide quickly without raising the tension.
- Communication: with the client, the team, hotel and venue staff; foreign languages help.
- Fitness: long hours on your feet, fast moves, irregular hours. First aid is valuable knowledge.
Why is discretion a bodyguard’s main qualification?
Because you know the person’s schedule, routes, contacts and habits. If they leak, the protection collapses.
- Nothing on social media: no photo, no location, no “working with … today”.
- Nothing to friends: the client’s schedule is not a topic of conversation.
- Low profile: dress and move so you do not draw attention.
- After the job: discretion does not end when the assignment does.
How do you move from guarding into close protection?
Usually through years in guarding posts that call for judgement and discretion (hotels, events, offices) and a steady record that makes you trusted for more sensitive assignments.
- Get your work licence and start in a guarding post; see how to become a security guard in Greece.
- Ask for posts with public contact and responsibility: reception, hotels, events.
- Build a record: reliability, clean reports, no leaks.
- Tell your employer you are interested in close protection and ask what experience they look for.
For every progression route, see security career path. OVIT hires through its Careers page: include your licence, your experience and your interest in close protection.
At a glance
- A bodyguard prevents and plans; it is not a show of strength or police power.
- Protecting persons is a security-company service (Law 2518/1997, art. 1 §1(b)).
- You need a personal category A or B work licence, valid five years and renewable (art. 3).
- The law prohibits, as a rule, security staff from carrying weapons (art. 5 §1).
- The route usually runs through guarding, with discretion and a reliable record; apply to OVIT through the Careers page.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a licence to work as a bodyguard?
Yes. Protecting persons is a private security company service (Law 2518/1997, art. 1 §1(b)), and staff need a personal work licence, category A or B (art. 3).
Can a bodyguard carry a gun in Greece?
Law 2518/1997 prohibits, as a rule, security staff from carrying or possessing weapons (art. 5 §1); the exceptions in §2 concern guarding specific premises and transporting cash. The full framework is outside this guide.
How do you start out as a bodyguard?
With a security work licence and experience in guarding posts that call for judgement and discretion, such as hotels and events, before close protection assignments.
Sources
Every legal or pay point in this guide was checked against the official sources below.
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