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Payroll and Benefits Guide Greece

Last updated: Mar 03, 2026

Currency
Euro (EUR)
Employer Taxes
22.29%+ 20 EUR/year
Payroll Frequency
Monthly
Employee Costs
13.87%
Capital
Athens
Date Format
dd/mm/yyyy
Fiscal Year
1 January - 31 December
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Contribution

Employer Payroll Contributions
13.33%
Pension Fund
4.30%
Healthcare (applied on salary up to  EUR 7,572.62 monthly)
0.25%
Health in Benefit (applied on salary up to  EUR 7,572.62 monthly)
3.00%
Supplementary Insurance (applied on salary up to  EUR 7,572.62 monthly)
1.41%
Unemployment (applied on salary up to  EUR 7,572.62 monthly)
20 EUR per year
EFKA summer campsite programs
22.29%+ 20 EUR/year
Total Employment Cost

 

Employee Payroll Contributions
6.67%
Pension Fund (applied on salary up to  EUR 7,572.62 monthly)
2.15%
Healthcare (applied on salary up to  EUR 7,572.62 monthly)
0.40%
Health in Benefit (applied on salary up to  EUR 7,572.62 monthly)
3.00%
Supplementary Insurance (applied on salary up to  EUR 7,572.62 monthly)
1.65%
Unemployment (applied on salary up to  EUR 7,572.62 monthly)
13.87%
Total Employee Cost
Employee Income Tax
9.00%
0 – 10,000
22.00%
10,001 – 20,0000
28.00%
20,001 – 30,000
36.00%
30,001 – 40,000
44.00%
Over 40,001

Employer taxes

Highest
Lowest

Employee taxes

Highest
Lowest

Minimum Wage

General

The minimum wage is 968 EUR per month.

MINIMUM WAGE (PER MONTH)

Highest
Lowest

Payroll

Payroll Cycle

The payroll cycle in Greece is generally monthly, and payments must be made in Greece on the same day of the month and no later than the last working day of the month.

13th & 14th Salaries

According to Greek law, all employees in the private sectors are entitled to two additional monthly salaries divided into three payments – Christmas (one full monthly salary), Easter (half a monthly salary), and Vacation Bonus (half a monthly salary) and all the above bonus payments must be paid only in cash and not be paid in kind.
The payment of the Christmas Bonus must be made by December 21st. In case the Christmas Bonus is not paid on time, the employees should apply to the relevant Labor Inspectorate. The Labor Inspectors of SEPE are responsible for the imposition of the relevant fines.

Authority Payments

Authority Payment

Paid To

Due Date

Method

EFKA

Social security local office

last working day of the following month

There is a specific ID for this payment

Tax

Local tax office

last working day of the following two months

There is a specific ID for this payment, changes for each payroll cycle

Read here about the challenges with Maritime payroll payments

Working Hours

General

The standard working week in Greece consists of 40 hours a week, typically eight hours a day for a five-day working week. The working week can be increased to 48 hours per week if agreed upon by the employer and the employee.

Overtime

The Greek system distinguishes between standard working hours, additional Overwork, and Overtime (which requires specific authorization).

  • Maximum Ordinary Hours: The standard statutory work limit is 40 hours per week. This is typically spread over five 8-hour days (or six days at 6 hours and 40 minutes/day).
  • Absolute Maximum Weekly Hours: Total working time, including all extra work, must not exceed an average of 48 hours per week over a four-month reference period (aligned with the EU Working Time Directive).
  • Daily Maximum: Total work time, including all extra work and overtime, can now reach up to 13 hours per day with employee consent, provided the mandatory 11 consecutive hours of rest are maintained.

Overtime Categories and Mandatory Pay Rates

Compensation is paid as a premium in addition to the employee’s regular hourly rate.

A. Overwork (Iperergasia)

This is work performed beyond 40 hours/week, but within the legal limit of the 45-hour work week (for a 5-day schedule) or 48-hour work week (for a 6-day schedule).

Hours Worked (Beyond 40/week) Minimum Premium Rate (Supplement) Total Pay Rate Notes
Iperergasia (Up to the $45^{\text{th}}$ or $48^{\text{th}}$ hour) +20% of the regular hourly wage. 120% This work does not count toward the annual overtime limit (150 hours).

B. Overtime (Yperoria)

This is work performed beyond the Overwork limits (i.e., beyond 45 hours/week for a 5-day schedule) or beyond the legal daily limit (e.g., beyond 9 hours/day for a 5-day schedule).

Overtime Condition Minimum Premium Rate (Supplement) Total Pay Rate Notes
Legal Overtime (Up to 150 hours/year) +40% of the regular hourly wage. 140% This is the minimum rate for legally declared overtime up to the annual cap.
Illegal Overtime (Exceeding annual limit) +120% of the regular hourly wage. 220% Applies to hours worked without complying with legal formalities or exceeding the annual cap (150 hours/year).
Special Authorization +60% of the regular hourly wage. 160% Applies to overtime allowed by special permit beyond the usual limits in urgent cases.

C. Other Premiums (Sundays and Night Work)

These premiums are separate from and may be cumulative with Overwork/Overtime premiums.

Day/Condition Minimum Compensation Rate (Supplement) Total Pay Rate Notes
Sunday or Public Holiday Work +75% of the regular hourly wage. 175% Applies to all work on a Sunday or official public holiday.
Night Work (10:00 PM to 6:00 AM) +25% of the regular hourly wage. 125% This premium is due for work performed during night hours.
Sixth Day Work +40% of the regular hourly wage. 140% Applies to the additional day of work in companies that operate continuously for 24 hours/day over five, six, or seven days per week.

Annual Overtime Cap and Flexibility

  • Annual Overtime Cap: The maximum duration for legal overtime (Yperoria) is 150 hours per year.

  • Worktime Arrangement System: A flexible system exists where, by agreement, an employee may work up to 10 hours per day during periods of high demand. These extra hours are then offset by paid rest days, additional paid leave, or reduced daily/weekly hours during periods of reduced work, ensuring the average 40-hour work week is maintained over the reference period. This offset system is an alternative to monetary overtime pay.

Leave

Annual Leave (vacation)

During the first calendar year of employment, in a five-day employment schedule. employees are entitled to a proportionate holiday entitlement of 20 working days for a full year, rounded up for shorter employment periods.
After completing twelve months, the entitlement increases to 21 working days.
In the third year, employees can access their full holiday entitlement at any time, with a total of 22 working days after 24 months of service.

Employees with over 12 years of service with any employer, or over 10 years with the same employer, are entitled to 25 working days. After 25 years of service, this increases to 26 working days.

PTO carryover

In Greece, statutory annual leave is meant to be taken within the year it’s earned. Limited carryover is allowed if the leave wasn’t taken due to the employer’s responsibility, typically until 31 March of the following year. Employers cannot forfeit or delete statutory leave by policy, and unused leave must be paid out on termination.

Public Holidays

Public holidays when falling on a weekend are moved to the following working day as a day off.

Date Day Holiday Notes
1 January 2026 Thursday New Year’s Day Standard holiday
6 January 2026 Tuesday Epiphany
23 February 2026 Monday Clean Monday
25 March 2026 Wednesday Greek Independence Day / Annunciation Standard holiday
10 April 2026 Friday Orthodox Good Friday
12 April 2026 Sunday Orthodox Easter Sunday
13 April 2026 Monday Orthodox Easter Monday Standard holiday
1 May 2026 Friday Labour Day / May Day Standard holiday
1 June 2026 Monday Holy Spirit Monday
15 August 2026 Saturday Dormition of the Mother of God (Assumption) Standard holiday
28 October 2026 Wednesday Ohi Day (National Day)
25 December 2026 Friday Christmas Day Standard holiday
26 December 2026 Saturday Synaxis of the Mother of God (Boxing Day) Standard holiday

Sick Days

Employees who provide a medical certificate within 48 hours are entitled to an amount of paid sick leave dependent on the number of years of completed service.

  • During the first year of employment, employees are entitled to 15 days of paid sick leave.
  • Employees who have completed between one and four years of service are entitled to one month of paid sick leave
  • Employees who have completed between four and ten years of service are entitled to three months of paid sick leave
  • Employees who have completed between ten and fifteen years of service are entitled to four months of paid sick leave
  • Employees who have completed more than fifteen years of service are entitled to six months of paid sick leave

 

Employees are entitled to receive 50% of their regular pay for the first three days of illness, paid by the employer. After this period, Social Security will cover 50% of the employee’s pay for any additional sick days, with the payment made directly to the employee. The employer, however, continues to compensate the employee with full pay for the  total duration of the illness according to their tenure. Once the employee receives 50% of his salary from the Social Security payment, they are required to notify the employer, and the corresponding amount will be deducted from their next payslip.

 

Maternity Leave

Pregnant employees are entitled to 119 calendar days of maternity leave. This includes 56 days prior to the due date, funded jointly by the employer and EFKA, and 63 days following the birth of the child, funded entirely by EFKA.. In order for an employee to receive payment from the Social Organization must have 200 insurance stamps before the 56 days begun.

The employer covers the first 25 days of absence (considered sick leave) if the employee has been with the company for over a year, or 13 days if the employee has been with the company for less than a year. Any additional days are funded by the social organization (EFKA).

It’s important to note that these days are part of the employee’s accumulated sick leave. If the employee has already used their allotted sick leave earlier in the year, they will not receive additional pay from the employer. However, EFKA will step in to cover the payment, ensuring the employee receives their full entitlement.

The payment from EFKA for maternity leave is capped. It is calculated based on the average daily earnings the employee has received over a defined period before maternity leave, usually during the previous year (the 12-month period before the leave).The payment per day is typically much lower than the employee’s full salary, as it is based on a set daily maximum determined by social security regulations, rather than the employee’s full salary.

Paternity Leave

Every working father is entitled to 14 working days of paid paternity leave funded fully by the employer, which must be taken upon the birth of the child. This leave may either:  a) be granted two days before the expected date of delivery, in which case the remaining 12 days are granted in whole or in part within 30 days from the date of birth or b) granted after the date of birth. Paternity leave is compulsorily granted by the employer and does not depend on previous employment or seniority or on the employee’s marital or family status. In case of adoption or fostering of a child up to eight years of age, paternity leave is granted from the time the child joins the family

Parental Leave

Parental leave is available to any parent having completed one year of service, equal to four months (continuously or intermittently, as agreed with the employer) until the child reaches eight years old. Payable by EFKA up to 2 months.
Childcare leave is available for 30 months after birth or adoption, entitling an employee to a reduction in the daily working hours by one hour (paid) or 18 months of a reduction of two hours in the daily working hours during the first 12 months. This reduces to one less working hour in the remaining six months or 3.5 months of paid leave taken in one period.

Other Leave

Depending on the collective agreement/employment contract terms, an employee may be allowed additional leave types on approval between the employer and employee for the following:

  • Marriage Leave: Employees are entitled to up to five paid days when getting married
  • Bereavement Leave: Employees are entitled to paid leave of two days due to the death of a member of the immediate family
  • Caretaker Leave: Each employee who completed six months of employment with the employer is entitled to five days unpaid leave per year to take care of a relative or other person living in the same home with the employee
  • School Leave: For every child up to 18 years of age who attends school, both parents (full-time or part-time employees) may be absent from work (without any deductions from their salaries and upon their employers’ permission) for some hours or a full day and up to four working days per year
  • Leave in case of sickness of dependent family members: Employees are entitled to a maximum of six days’ unpaid leave per year (used continuously or intermittently) if a child or other dependent member of their family is sick The days are increased to eight if the employee has two children and 14 if the employee has three or more children.
  • Election Leave: This leave is granted to employees who are on a five-day weekly work regime. National Election Day is a day off for employees with the right to vote in another city which is 200-400 kilometers away. If their voting city is over 400km away, a two-day leave is granted. For employees who need to travel to and from an island with no road access, the number of permitted days will be examined on a case-by-case basis, depending on the distance and the special conditions of travel. However, leave cannot exceed three days.
    .
Vacation Days
Public Holidays
Highest
Lowest

PAID MATERNITY LEAVE (DAYS)

Highest
Lowest

Termination

Termination Process

The termination process varies according to the employment agreement and collective agreement in place and based on the type of contract and reason for termination. To terminate an employee on an indefinite contract, an employer must provide a written notice of termination, and the employee must have been registered with the Unified Social Security Fund (EFKA).

Salary payment interval / date Final payment on termination Bank account payment requirement
Salaries must be paid at the end of the relevant pay period (day-week-month). In practice for monthly salaried workers, payment is typically monthly, on or by the last working day of the month. Upon termination the employer must pay all outstanding wages, accrued leave and any entitlements/severance as required. Payment must be made to the employee’s bank account (or other payment account designated by the employee) according to guidance: employers “are obliged to deposit their workers’ salaries solely into the beneficiaries’ payment accounts”.

Notice Period

Collective agreements may contain provisions on notice periods if the notice periods in the collective agreement differ from the statutory periods of notice. In that case, the employer and the employee must observe the periods of notice laid down in the collective agreement.
The amount of notice is dependent on the length of service and reason for termination. If the contract is terminated by the employer, the notice period is as follows:

  • Employment duration of less than 12 months: No notice required.
  • Employment duration from 1 year to 2 years: A notice of 1 month is required.
  • Employment duration from 2 full years to 5 years: A notice of 2 months is required.
  • Employment duration from 5 full years to 10 years: A notice of 3 months is required.
  • Employment duration of more than 10 full years: A notice of 4 months is required.

Severance Pay

The amount of severance is based on the length of the employee’s service. After completing one year’s service, workers will be entitled to severancev as follows:

1-4 years of employment = 2 gross salaries
4-6 years of employment = 3 gross salaries,
6-8 years of employment = 4 gross salaries.
No severance is required when the worker resigns.

Probation Period

It is possible to have a probation period of up to 6 months, during which time a worker can be dismissed without notice or severance.

Setting Up a Business

Setting up a legal entity

A public limited company (SA) may be established by one or more persons, or become a single-member public

limited company when all shares are concentrated in the hands of a single shareholder.

The founding members of a public limited company may be legal or natural persons.

Registration as an Employer.

All employers must register with the IKA Registry of Employers.

Additionally, completion and filing of the Employer Census Statement Application and a Declaration of Change of

Employer Information to their local IKA office.

New Employee Registration

The law and collective labour agreements usually set the minimum terms which need to be observed by employers, including in relation to minimum wages, redundancy entitlements, leave, health and safety provisions etc.

All workers to be covered by Greek insurance plans must request a Greek social security number (AMKA) and must present a copy of registration to employers. (Employers can assist employees should they not have one)

Immigration

VISA

Non-EU employees must acquire a Type D visa before arriving in Greece, allowing employees to stay in Greece for over 90 days to work. Once an employee has arrived in Greece, they must apply for a residence/work permit within 30 days at the local municipal office or police station. Work permits typically last one year, and any work permit renewal must be done at least 60 days before its expiration.
Business visitors to Greece typically use a local version of the Schengen C Visa unless they are visa-exempt. The Schengen Area limits stay to 90 days in 180 days. Business visits must generally be limited to a few days; Greek authorities determine the exact duration of stay on a case-by-case basis.
The main work authorization categories are the Installation of Equipment Visa, suitable for short-term installation, testing, and maintenance of supplied items by technical staff under a service agreement; the Work and Residence Permit for Senior Employees, suitable for long-term work and residence under a local employment contract; the EU Blue Card, suitable for highly skilled local hires; and the EU Intra-Company Transferee (ICT) Permit, suitable for intra-company transfers of managers, specialists or trainees from outside the European Union.

Remote Work

Employers are obliged by law to reimburse homebased workers, in addition to the regular salary amount, as follows:

Item 1 – The minimum monthly reimbursement for the use of the home for employment purposes is 13 Euros net.
Item 2 – The minimum reimbursement for communication is 10 Euros net (not applicable where Employers are paying for the worker’s phone/internet directly).
Item 3 – The minimum reimbursement for the maintenance of equipment is 5 Euros net (not applicable if the equipment used by the worker has been provided by the Employer).

Where a worker has spent less than 22 days of the month at home (including as a result of sickness, annual leave, or strikes) the home allowance will be prorated by 1/22 per workday at home.

VAT

General

The standard rate of VAT in Greece is 24%.

Stay up to date on payroll & employment law changes

Version History

April 8, 2024
Minimum wage updated
February 19, 2024
Social contributions rates and caps are updated for 2024
March 12, 2023
Paternity leave has been updated.
November 27, 2022
13th salary has been updated.
April 18, 2022
Payroll contributions and personal income tax rates have been updated.
October 10, 2021
Minimum wage rose to 758.33 EUR per month based on 14 month year.
More

Questions & Answers

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Sam
Sam
5 years ago

Are people who work a six day week entitled to more paid time off than people who work a five day week?

Alex Margolin
Alex Margolin
5 years ago
Reply to  Sam

Yes, people who work a six day week are entitled to more PTO. They get 24-31 days, depending on the length of their service at the company. People who work a five day week are entitled to 20-26 days.

Elaine
Elaine
5 years ago

When calculating bonuses, is it mandatory that the additional payments (Easter, Vacation, Xmas) should be included in base pay or should it be calculated on base pay only. Thanks

Erez Greenberg
Erez Greenberg
5 years ago
Reply to  Elaine

Hi Elaine, Bonuses and allowances should be itemized separately from the basic salary on a payslip. This allows for the complete and accurate reflection of the remuneration granted to the employee and provides visibility for an employer, employee, or necessary authority.

Elaine
Elaine
5 years ago
Reply to  Erez Greenberg

Thanks Erez, so when calculating what bonus payout is, should I be basing this off the employees annual salary including the easter, vacation and xmas bonus or base pay only? Thanks

Erez Greenberg
Erez Greenberg
5 years ago
Reply to  Elaine

Hi Elaine, mandatory bonuses are calculated using a formula that uses the employee’s basic monthly salary and time worked. For instance, the calculation for Christmas is done between May 1-Dec 31, and Easter is done between Jan 1-Apr 30. For non-mandatory bonuses that are fully optional, the employer can choose what to calculate it off.

Aris K.
Aris K.
5 years ago

Hi, is it possible to give payment instead of notice?

Emily Kuhnert
Emily Kuhnert
5 years ago
Reply to  Aris K.

Hi Aris, you can pay your employee in lieu of notice, however, there must be mutual agreement between the employee and employer.

Fernanda
Fernanda
4 years ago

Hello! If working five days a week but one of the days is Saturday having a day off on Sunday and another rotative day off in the week, the employer has to pay extra for Saturday, or just normal wage? Thanks

Emily Kuhnert
Emily Kuhnert
4 years ago
Reply to  Fernanda

Hi Fernanda, thank you for your question. This is correct, in addition to an alternative day off, the employer would have to pay an additional 30% on top of the regular salary rate. Please note, however, that if there is a collective bargaining agreement in place, the percentage of additional pay for work on Saturday may differ slightly.

Luca
Luca
4 years ago

I am not Greek employee, after the termination of my employment could I have the right to ask back some taxes that the company paid for me ?

Erez Greenberg
Erez Greenberg
4 years ago
Reply to  Luca

Hi Luca, I don’t have all the details regarding your employment, but generally, employees cannot ask for money back.

Diana
Diana
4 years ago

Dear all!
I would like to know, which one are the most common benefits that companies offer the employees (others than benefits by law)
Thank you so much
Kind regards
Diana

Emily Kuhnert
Emily Kuhnert
4 years ago
Reply to  Diana

Hi Diana, thank you for your question. The most common benefits are private health insurance, housing allowance, or car allowance.

Ajay
Ajay
3 years ago
Reply to  Emily Kuhnert

on such allowances Is there any tax liability exist on part of Employee?

Emily Kuhnert
Emily Kuhnert
3 years ago
Reply to  Ajay

Yes, benefits are taxed unless agreed otherwise with the employer that the benefit can be grossed up.

Estera Tabor
Estera Tabor
4 years ago

Hello!
If I worked legally in a hotel in Greece which is open only for summer, is there any legal way to force employer to pay the salary? I’ve worked shortly in hotel like that. Unfortunately conditions of work weren’t good and I resigned after 6 weeks (worked in August and September). Unfortunately I still didn’t get payed for August even though upon leaving I was assured that my payment will be done till the end of September. Now we are in the middle of October and still nothing. During my work there I was told by other employees that this hotel is often late with payments. Some of them didn’t even got the last part of their money for last year. Many was getting very nervous cause they didn’t get any payments from 3 months.
So my question is: How can I “force” my recent employer to pay me for my 6 weeks of work? I really can’t wait a year to get paid.
Thank you.

Emily Kuhnert
Emily Kuhnert
4 years ago
Reply to  Estera Tabor

Hi Estera, unfortunately this is out of the scope of what we offer. I advise that you speak with a labor lawyer.

Anders
Anders
4 years ago

Hi,
About that extra December salary. It’s it still payable if I stop working before December 1st?

Emily Kuhnert
Emily Kuhnert
4 years ago
Reply to  Anders

Hi Anders, thank you for your question. Generally yes, however the amount you receive would be prorated.

Jonadab
Jonadab
4 years ago
Reply to  Emily Kuhnert

Please I am a mechanic technician living in Cyprus but I always dream of relocating to greece.am seeking for a help

Emily Kuhnert
Emily Kuhnert
4 years ago
Reply to  Jonadab

Hi Jonadab, if you hold EU citizenship, this is a fairly straightforward process. You would need to apply for the Greek Schengen Visa. You can find all the requirements of what you need to fill out and submit on the government website https://e-visa.mfa.gr/ElvisPortal. If you are not an EU citizen, the process is a bit more complicated, and due to current COVID-19 restrictions, this might not be possible at the moment. I suggest that you reach out to an immigration lawyer to further assist you.

Mike
Mike
4 years ago

I work at a restaurant but they didn’t give me any bonus in summer.does any law about this Matter?

Emily Kuhnert
Emily Kuhnert
4 years ago
Reply to  Mike

Hi, you are entitled to a 13th salary, I suggest that you speak with your employer.

Anna Corfey
Anna Corfey
4 years ago

Are Greek employees allowed to carry over their holiday time into the next year?

Emily Kuhnert
Emily Kuhnert
4 years ago
Reply to  Anna Corfey

Hi Anna, the employer is not required to allow their employees to carry over paid leave. In general, paid leave must be used by December 31st of each year. Any unused leave is paid out.

Anna Corfey
Anna Corfey
4 years ago
Reply to  Emily Kuhnert

Can an employer state that they are allowed to rollover “x” number of days into the following year without having to pay them out?

Emily Kuhnert
Emily Kuhnert
4 years ago
Reply to  Anna Corfey

Hi Anna, it is possible, however, this would need to be outlined in the employment contract.

Carmen
Carmen
4 years ago

Hello! Can employers in Greece pay for home office equipment? And can this paid in the payroll without taxes, or does the employee need to purchase the equipment and claim the invoice?

Erez Greenberg
Erez Greenberg
4 years ago
Reply to  Carmen

Hi Carmen, The Greek government has passed new legislation relating to employees who work from home, effective as of December 2021. Home-based workers should be compensated with the following payments:

Item 1 – The minimum monthly reimbursement for the use of the home for employment purposes is 13 Euros net.
Item 2 – The minimum reimbursement for communication is 10 Euros net.
Item 3 – The minimum reimbursement for the maintenance of equipment is 5 Euros net.

Additional Information:
Item 2 is not applicable if you are already paying for the worker’s phone/internet directly.
Item 3 is not applicable if the equipment used by the worker has been provided by the employer.
If a worker works for less than 22 days of the month at home (including as a result of sickness, annual leave, or strikes), the amount will be prorated by 1/22 per workday at home.
The reimbursement associated with the above must not replace/deduct from the regular salary of the employee.

George
George
4 years ago
Reply to  Erez Greenberg

Ηello Erez 🙂 So , the above mentioned reimbursements must be given to all the employees working from home in Greece? I mean is it something that has to do with COVID19 or it should be paid no matter what? Thank you! 🙂

Erez Greenberg
Erez Greenberg
4 years ago
Reply to  George

All home-based workers should be compensated with the above-mentioned reimbursements.

Nick
Nick
4 years ago

Hi guys! So, I work for a contact center company in Greece, but I represent a client in Latin America (Brazil) therefore I work night shifts due to timezone.

We only have Christmas as a paid holiday and I have to work all other bank holidays.

When there is a bank holiday in Greece I’m obliged to work (with the additional payment) as it is not a holiday in Brazil.

When there is a holiday in the Brazil, my shift starts early in the morning, so they don’t have to pay night surcharge.

According to Greek labor law, how many PAID holidays would I have the right to claim?

Company’s suggestion was to use vacation days to cover these holidays but this sounds really unfair.

Thank you in advance! 🙂

Erez Greenberg
Erez Greenberg
4 years ago
Reply to  Nick

There are typically 10 mandatory public holidays in Greece and 3 optional (though most companies give all 13 off); holidays falling on weekends are lost. If the worker is receiving the correct additional pay for working on a public holiday then technically they would not be owed additional days off to compensate. In terms of her right not to work on the public holiday, it really depends on the specifics of what was agreed in the contract and any Collective Bargaining agreement which applies.

Stephanie
Stephanie
4 years ago

Hi,
I would like to know the allowance will be treated as salary and subject to social contribution and income tax? I am referring home office allowance, mobile allowance, and car allowance.

Erez Greenberg
Erez Greenberg
4 years ago
Reply to  Stephanie

Hi, the car allowance is subject to taxes and social contributions, but the WFH and mobile allowance do not.

Stephanie
Stephanie
4 years ago
Reply to  Erez Greenberg

Hi, thank you very much of your reply.
is there the tax free ceiling of WFH and mobile allowance

LISE BEAUMIER
LISE BEAUMIER
3 years ago

When you work for 4 month and then leave (1 years) and come back to the same company for 8 month, for the vacation is it count for 12 month or only 8 month ?

Erez Greenberg
Erez Greenberg
3 years ago
Reply to  LISE BEAUMIER

The company can decide if they want to acknowledge prior service or start from fresh upon rehire.

An Chavi
An Chavi
3 years ago

I have been working in Santorini for 2 and a half months, I am a European citizen but I live in England. My question is, am I entitled to compensation or a bonus that employees receive after the end of each summer season. thanks

Erez Greenberg
Erez Greenberg
3 years ago
Reply to  An Chavi

The worker’s contract should state what their entitlements will be. Contractual terms are based on the contract of hire; really, workers living in Greece should be on a local contract and receive local benefits. Workers based in the UK should be on a UK contract based on UK benefits meaning Greece bonuses would not be paid. The worker needs to check which contract they are on.

jaki daniel
jaki daniel
3 years ago

is the summer bonus mandatory?

Erez Greenberg
Erez Greenberg
3 years ago
Reply to  jaki daniel

A mandatory cash bonus is given for Christmas, Easter, and vacation.

anna
anna
3 years ago

hellow i want to ask i work only summer season and i work from april to september do i intitle to recieve april and christmas bunos? thank you

Erez Greenberg
Erez Greenberg
3 years ago
Reply to  anna

The bonus will be prorated since you did not work the entire period from May 1 – December 31.

Darryl
Darryl
3 years ago

Hi, if you leave your job before the christmas bo us has been paid out like 3 months prior. Like 6 month you have worked. Do they still pay the bonues? If yes how much and when.

Erez Greenberg
Erez Greenberg
3 years ago
Reply to  Darryl

Employees who work from May to December are entitled to the full Christmas Bonus – anyone who has not worked this full period will receive a pro-rated bonus.

Conrad
Conrad
3 years ago

Hi, If an employee uses their personal car for business travel – is there some allowance/rate per kilometer to reimburse the employee that will not be taxed?

Erez Greenberg
Erez Greenberg
3 years ago
Reply to  Conrad

There are no set rates in place for mileage reimbursement.

Luca
Luca
3 years ago

Hello. I got 500 euro BONUS in my job offer for each month than plus my salary. But when i got the paycheck the bonus amount was reduced to 380 euro. Is this normal? is the bonus given in net to the employee

Erez Greenberg
Erez Greenberg
3 years ago
Reply to  Luca

Hi Luca, yes, a bonus is taxable.

Dan
Dan
3 years ago

Employee benefits taxation – if im employed by Greek company and they want to pay for me my kids school payments – they have to pay additional tax on it ? do i need to pay additional tax on it ? thank you

Erez Greenberg
Erez Greenberg
3 years ago
Reply to  Dan

Hi Dan, yes this will be a taxable Benefit in Kind.

Maria
Maria
3 years ago

Hello, if you are required to travel to start work/training and the travel is the day or two days before, are you entitled to pay, or time off for the days of travel before your contract starts???

Erez Greenberg
Erez Greenberg
3 years ago
Reply to  Maria

In Greece, the entitlement to pay or time off for days of travel before the start of a new job or training depends on the specific circumstances and any relevant labor laws and company policies.

Generally, if an employee is required to travel for work or training purposes and the travel takes place before the start of their contract, they may be entitled to pay or time off for the time spent traveling. However, this will depend on the specific terms of their employment contract and the agreement between the employee and their employer.

Jhanet
Jhanet
3 years ago

Hi, your article is very helpful for those foreigners who just started looking for a job and will start working this year 2023. Do you have an update about the benefits and salary of those working seasonal job in the hotel starting April to Oct? I would like to know the expected minimum salary of those working in the front office and their benefits. By the way im married to greek and holding resident permit, planning to find job in the hotel this summer.
Thanks in advance ❤

Enny Shmurin
Enny Shmurin
2 years ago
Reply to  Jhanet

Hello, unfortunately, we are not able to advise on this.

Naveed jatt
Naveed jatt
3 years ago

I’m recently arrived in Greece on National visa. Kindly provide me a complete information and guidance about how to get register for national tax number and social security number.

Enny Shmurin
Enny Shmurin
2 years ago
Reply to  Naveed jatt

To get a Social Security number the person must go to a KEP (Citizen Service Point) center and provide their Identity card or passport (if European citizen), Birth certificate, Residence permit (non-European nationals). For the Tax number they can apply through an online service or go in person to the Eforia tax office and provide and Identity document, valid passport, proof of address and residence permit if non-EU citizen.

Beatriz
Beatriz
3 years ago

I was paid 5 euros for 2 days of vacation. How is that calculated? 🤔

Enny Shmurin
Enny Shmurin
3 years ago
Reply to  Beatriz

Unfortunately, this question is too general, are you able to provide additional information?

Jhanet Gabriel
Jhanet Gabriel
3 years ago

Hi,

I just started my summer season job this 1st week of April . I had a week of training without payment as agreed. Last week i have signed my contract with the accountant of the hotel without explaining to me as its written in Greek. I have asked my greek husband to read and explained it to me and found out that they have declared a part time job instead of full time with 4Hrs per day total of 20days per month. The next day i went back in the account to check with her why it was stated in my contract that im only working part time and the only answer i get is she said it was a mistake and will make new one. I was asking to destroy the wrong contract but they doesn’t want to give as they said still they need to keep it. I cant understand why they have to keep the wrong contract that they have made knowing that they have to correct it?

Then my second concern is today i have signed my new contract stating that i will be working 5days/week and 40Hrs per month(but the truth is im working 28days). I do understand that here in Greece most of the hotels are working this way they are making an agreement that you have to work for 2 days off per month. Anyway my primary concern is when i have check my account in myergani.gov today what i see is the wrong contract that i signed as part time still i cant able to see the new contract with 5days a week /40hrs per month and the salary is still the one stated with the wrong contract with 500++ euros. Im expecting that they have updated it already with correct working hrs of full time job before they ask me to sign. Is it possible to print the new contract without updating and declaring it online?

I have no problem if they declare in my contract that im working for 20days per month(real is i have to work 28days). My concern is they have not updated it into full time job with 8hrs/day and 40H per month. And the salary was not updated too.

What is your feedback about this issue?
I will really appreaciate any advise.

Warm regards,
Jhanet

Enny Shmurin
Enny Shmurin
3 years ago
Reply to  Jhanet Gabriel

Hello,

I am afraid we are not able to help you with your issue since we only answer payroll related questions. I would recommend getting in touch with a qualified employment lawyer.

Darryl
Darryl
2 years ago

How long does an employer have after the termination date to payout your last paycheck?

Mira
Mira
2 years ago

Hello, from what i know, you pay taxes on your salary based on the amount of the payslip, if the amount is bigger you pay more taxes.Is it correct to insert the bonus (offered by the company as welcome) in the general payslip, hence changing the percentage of deducted taxes because the salary amount is higher than usual?

Enny Shmurin
Enny Shmurin
2 years ago
Reply to  Mira

Correct, the bonus will be taxable along with the salary.

Liina
Liina
2 years ago

Hi,

If the employment is terminated before the 31st of December will the Christmas Bonus still be paid by the company if the work relationship lasted for around 6 months?

Enny Shmurin
Enny Shmurin
2 years ago
Reply to  Liina

The Period for Christmas Bonus is from May to December , meaning if an employee is working from May to December is entitled all the Christmas Bonus , 1 salary otherwise a proportion.

AniaMaria
AniaMaria
1 year ago

Has anything related to the Greek Summer bonus changed? I have a part time job and my employer gave me a quarter of my monthly income stating that I have not completed a full year with the company which is ridiculous to me because for Easter, they gave me the correct amount. Should I take this up with the Ministry of Labour or are they right?

Sharon Tahar
Sharon Tahar
1 year ago
Reply to  AniaMaria

According to Greek law, all private sector employees are entitled to receive two additional monthly salaries, which are divided into three payments: one full monthly salary for Christmas, half a monthly salary for Easter, and half a monthly salary as a Vacation Bonus. For part-time workers, these bonuses are typically prorated based on their working hours. However, it is advisable to consult with a local labor representative to ensure accurate information and compliance with specific regulations.

Kajica
Kajica
1 year ago

Hi! I work in tourism from may, and I worked few months last year. But this year because of pregnancy I work only 4hours per day. Soon I will have to stop with my job since I’m 8 months pregnant. I have residental card in Grecee. I don’t know if I have right childbirth allowance and maternity leave. I hope you can help.

Sharon Tahar
Sharon Tahar
1 year ago
Reply to  Kajica

Generally, employees with residence cards are eligible for maternity benefits, provided they are employed and meet the necessary conditions under Greek labor law. Employees who have worked for the same employer for at least two months, or for any employer for at least 200 days in the past two years, are eligible. For precise details and guidance, it is advisable to consult the employer, the Greek social security authority (EFKA), or a legal expert familiar with Greek labor law.

Juliette
Juliette
1 year ago

This is a great resource, thanks a lot.

George
George
1 year ago

There is a preferential tax regime (50% of salary not taxed) for Greeks living abroad who return to Greece to work. Does this apply if they move and work in Greece through an employer of benefits for a foreign company?

Rotem Kraus
Rotem Kraus
1 year ago
Reply to  George

There is specific criteria that the person will need to meet in order to be elgibile, including not having been a Greek tax resident for five of the six years before returning; they must provide services to a Greek legal entity or a permanent establishment of a foreign company in Greece; and they must declare their intention to stay in Greece for at least two years. In order to determine elgibility, this person should seek guidance from a local tax expert who can advise on their specific set up.

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Public Holidays Calendar

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Date Day Holiday Notes
1 January 2026 Thursday New Year’s Day Standard holiday
6 January 2026 Tuesday Epiphany
23 February 2026 Monday Clean Monday
25 March 2026 Wednesday Greek Independence Day / Annunciation Standard holiday
10 April 2026 Friday Orthodox Good Friday
12 April 2026 Sunday Orthodox Easter Sunday
13 April 2026 Monday Orthodox Easter Monday Standard holiday
1 May 2026 Friday Labour Day / May Day Standard holiday
1 June 2026 Monday Holy Spirit Monday
15 August 2026 Saturday Dormition of the Mother of God (Assumption) Standard holiday
28 October 2026 Wednesday Ohi Day (National Day)
25 December 2026 Friday Christmas Day Standard holiday
26 December 2026 Saturday Synaxis of the Mother of God (Boxing Day) Standard holiday