Country Overview
Greece is a culturally rich and inviting EU member state, known for its historic heritage, stunning islands, and relaxed Mediterranean lifestyle. As both an EU and Schengen country, it offers a balance of modern amenities and traditional charm, with Athens serving as the economic, political, and cultural hub alongside vibrant centres such as Thessaloniki, Patras, and Heraklion.
Greece offers a growing labour market with strengths in Tourism, Shipping, Technology, Financial Services, and Life Sciences. English is widely understood in business and tourism settings, and a population of around 10.37 million includes approximately 758,000 expatriates. EU, EEA, and Swiss nationals enjoy full freedom of movement, while non-EU nationals (including post-Brexit UK citizens) require a long-stay National Visa (Type D) plus a residence permit to live and work in Greece.
2026 Key Legislative Updates
Law 5246/2025 cuts personal income tax brackets by 2 percentage points from January 2026 and introduces a new 39% band on €40,000–€60,000 and 44% above €60,000. Workers under 25 pay 0% tax on income up to €20,000. Minimum wage rises to €920/month from 1 April 2026. Law 5239/2025 (“Fair Work for All”) modernises working time, overtime, and digital labour records.
Contracts
Greek employment contracts define the terms of engagement — type, duration, notice, pay, and benefits. Employers must inform employees of the essential terms of employment in writing, and most employment events are reported through the ERGANI II electronic system maintained by the Ministry of Labour.
Contract Types
| Contract Type | Duration | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Open-Ended (Permanent) | Indefinite | Default contract type; ends only with notice and severance unless dismissed for serious cause |
| Fixed-Term | Specified end date | Ends on a fixed date or project completion; if repeatedly renewed without justification, may be reclassified as open-ended |
| Part-Time / Rotational | Indefinite or fixed | Must be in writing; equal pro-rata rights to full-time staff; no less favourable treatment permitted |
| Self-Employment (Freelance) | Per assignment | Individual issues invoices under a Greek VAT number (“μπλοκάκι”); manages own tax and social contributions |
14 Salaries Per Year — Statutory in Greece
Private-sector employees are entitled to 14 monthly instalments per year: 12 regular months, plus a full month’s Christmas bonus (paid by 21 December), a half-month Easter bonus, and a half-month vacation bonus. Bonuses are pro-rated for partial years and effectively raise annual pay by around 16.7%.
What Your Contract Must Include
Mandatory from Day One
- Job title and description
- Start date and contract duration (if fixed-term)
- Salary or pay rate and pay frequency (including 14-salary structure)
- Working hours and place of work
- Annual leave entitlement
- Notice period (both sides)
- Probation period (if agreed in writing)
- Reference to applicable collective labour agreement
Common Additional Clauses
- Confidentiality / NDA provisions
- Intellectual property assignment
- Non-compete and non-solicitation clauses
- Bonus and commission structure
- Multiple-employer authorisation (Law 5163/2024)
- Remote / hybrid working terms
- Disciplinary and grievance procedure reference
Working Hours & Overtime
Standard full-time hours in Greece are 40 hours per week, typically 8 hours per day across 5 days. Greek labour law distinguishes “overwork” (hours 41–45) from “overtime” (hours beyond 45). Law 5239/2025 introduces additional flexibility, including the option of a four-day working week and extended daily hours with the same employer, subject to mandatory rest periods.
| Parameter | Rule | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Standard hours | 40 hrs/week | Usually 8 hrs/day over 5 days |
| Overwork (hours 41–45) | 120% of normal pay | Up to 5 extra hours per week |
| Overtime (above 45 hrs/week) | 140% of normal pay | Rising to 160%+ for excessive overtime, night or Sunday work |
| Max daily hours (single employer) | Up to 13 hrs | Under Law 5239/2025, with statutory rest periods observed |
| Daily rest | 11 consecutive hrs | Per 24-hour period — mandatory |
| Weekly rest | 24 hrs | Per 7-day period |
| Four-day week option | Allowed | 40 hrs compressed into 4 days under Law 5239/2025 |
Law 5239/2025 — Premium Pay Exempt from Social Contributions
From 1 November 2025, premiums for overwork, overtime, night, Sunday and holiday work are exempt from social security contributions, increasing net take-home for employees working irregular hours.
Probation Period
Greek law caps probation at 6 months and requires it to be agreed in writing at the outset of the contract.
| Parameter | Standard practice | Legal notes |
|---|---|---|
| Maximum duration | 6 months | Must be expressly agreed in writing (Law 4808/2021) |
| Termination during probation | No notice or severance | Provided dismissal is not for a discriminatory reason |
| Severance threshold | No severance under 12 months service | Indefinite contracts only |
| Day-one statutory rights | Full from day one | Minimum wage, anti-discrimination, health and safety, social insurance coverage |
Immigration & Work Visas
As an EU and Schengen member state, Greece operates a dual immigration system. EU/EEA/Swiss nationals enjoy freedom of movement. Non-EU nationals (including UK citizens post-Brexit) require a long-stay National Visa (Type D) plus a residence permit for stays beyond 90 days.
Two-Stage Process for Non-EU Nationals
First, apply for a National Visa (Type D) at a Greek consulate in your country of residence. Then, within 30 days of arrival, apply for a Residence Permit (Άδεια Διαμονής) at the local Migration Office. The visa permits entry; the residence permit authorises long-term work and residence.
Main Work Visa Categories
| Visa Route | Min. Salary / Income | Sponsor? | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Employment Visa (Type D) | No fixed minimum | Greek employer required | 1–2 years; renewable |
| EU Blue Card | ~€33,000–€36,000/yr | Greek employer required | Up to 2 years; renewable |
| Self-Employment / Entrepreneur | Proof of sufficient funds | No | 1–2 years; renewable |
| Digital Nomad Visa | €3,500/month minimum | No (remote employer abroad) | 12 months; renewable |
| Intra-Company Transfer (ICT) | Per group policy | Greek branch required | Up to 3 years |
| Financially Independent Person | ~€2,000/month minimum | No | 2 years; renewable |
Documentation Required
| Document | Notes |
|---|---|
| Valid passport | With at least 3 months validity beyond visa expiry |
| Employment contract or proof of purpose | From Greek employer, host company, or evidence of remote contract |
| Proof of sufficient funds | Bank statements; threshold depends on visa category |
| Health insurance | Covering full period of stay |
| Clean criminal record certificate | From country of residence; legalised / apostilled |
| Medical certificate | Confirming absence of communicable diseases (e.g. tuberculosis) |
Leave Entitlements
Greek statutory leave is generous and tenure-based. Most professional employers offer enhanced parental benefits above the statutory floor.
Annual Leave
| Length of service | 5-day week | 6-day week |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 20 working days | 24 working days |
| Year 2 | 21 working days | 25 working days |
| Year 3 to 9 | 22 working days | 26 working days |
| 10+ years (or 12 yrs total work) | 25 working days | 30 working days |
Parental Leave
| Leave type | Duration | Pay | From |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maternity | 17 weeks (119 days) | Near full salary (employer + EFKA) | Day one |
| Special Maternity Protection (post-natal) | Up to 6 months | Minimum wage (€920/month from April 2026), paid by DYPA | After maternity leave |
| Paternity | 14 working days | Paid by employer | Day one (around childbirth) |
| Parental Leave (per parent) | Up to 4 months | Mostly unpaid; 2 months at part-salary via DYPA | Until child reaches age 8 |
Sick Leave
| Length of service | Maximum paid sick leave |
|---|---|
| Up to 4 years | 1 month per year |
| 4 to 10 years | 3 months per year |
| 10 to 15 years | 4 months per year |
| Over 15 years | 6 months per year |
Public Holidays 2026
Greece observes 12 nationwide public holidays in 2026, several of which follow the Orthodox calendar.
| Date | Day | Holiday |
|---|---|---|
| 1 January | Thursday | New Year’s Day |
| 6 January | Tuesday | Epiphany (Theofania) |
| 23 February | Monday | Clean Monday (start of Orthodox Lent) |
| 25 March | Wednesday | Greek Independence Day & Annunciation |
| 10 April | Friday | Orthodox Good Friday |
| 13 April | Monday | Orthodox Easter Monday |
| 1 May | Friday | Labour Day |
| 1 June | Monday | Pentecost Monday (Holy Spirit Day) |
| 15 August | Saturday | Assumption of the Virgin Mary |
| 28 October | Wednesday | Ochi Day (“No” Day) |
| 25 December | Friday | Christmas Day |
| 26 December | Saturday | Synaxis of the Theotokos (Boxing Day) |
Notice Periods
Notice for employer-initiated termination is set by statute based on length of service. If proper notice is given, the employer pays only half of the statutory severance; if dismissal is immediate, full severance is owed.
| Length of service | Employer notice (statutory) | Employee notice |
|---|---|---|
| 0 – 12 months | None | None (statutory) |
| 1 – 2 years | 1 month | Per contract (typically 1 month) |
| 2 – 5 years | 2 months | Per contract |
| 5 – 10 years | 3 months | Per contract |
| Over 10 years | 4 months (max) | Per contract |
Termination & Severance
Greek law mandates severance for termination of indefinite contracts after 1 year of service. Severance applies only to employer-initiated dismissals (not resignations) and is calculated by length of service.
| Length of service | Severance (no notice given) |
|---|---|
| 1 – 4 years | 2 months’ wages |
| 4 – 6 years | 3 months’ wages |
| 6 – 8 years | 4 months’ wages |
| 8 – 10 years | 5 months’ wages |
| 10 – 12 years | 6–7 months’ wages |
| 12 – 15 years | 8–10 months’ wages |
| 15 – 16 years | 11 months’ wages |
| 16+ years | 12 months’ wages (maximum) |
Written Notice Required — ERGANI II Reporting
Verbal dismissals have no legal effect in Greece. All terminations must be in writing and filed electronically with the labour authority via ERGANI II. Any accrued unused vacation must be paid out at termination.
Income Tax
The Greek tax year is the calendar year. Employees are taxed via PAYE through monthly payroll withholding. Annual returns are filed via the Taxisnet portal of the Independent Authority for Public Revenue (AADE). Tax residency is established after 183+ days in Greece in a calendar year.
Income Tax Bands 2026
| Band | Annual Income | Rate 2026 | Rate 2025 |
|---|---|---|---|
| First bracket | €0 – €10,000 | 9% | 9% |
| Second bracket | €10,001 – €20,000 | 20% | 22% |
| Third bracket | €20,001 – €30,000 | 26% | 28% |
| Fourth bracket | €30,001 – €40,000 | 34% | 36% |
| Fifth bracket (new) | €40,001 – €60,000 | 39% | 44% |
| Top bracket | Above €60,000 | 44% | 44% |
Age-Based Tax Relief — Under-25s and 26–30
From January 2026, taxpayers up to age 25 pay 0% on income up to €20,000. Taxpayers aged 26–30 pay 0% on the first €10,000 and 9% on the next €10,000. Tax credit of €777 applies for taxpayers without dependants; higher credits apply for families with children.
Expat Tax Regimes
| Regime | Benefit | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Article 5C – New Resident Workers (“Brain Gain”) | 50% income exemption for employment / self-employment | 7 years |
| Article 5B – Foreign Pensioners | Flat 7% tax on all foreign income | Up to 15 years |
| Non-Dom Lump Sum (HNWI) | Flat €100,000/year tax on global income | Up to 15 years; €500k Greek investment required |
VAT (ΦΠΑ)
| Rate | % | Applies to |
|---|---|---|
| Standard | 24% | Most goods and services |
| Reduced | 13% | Food, water, hospitality services, certain medical products |
| Super-Reduced | 6% | Books, newspapers, pharmaceuticals, theatre tickets |
| Island Reduction | 17% / 9% / 4% | North Aegean, Evros, Dodecanese islands <20,000 inhabitants (from 1 Jan 2026) |
| Registration threshold | €10,000 | Annual turnover above which VAT registration is mandatory for sole traders |
Benefits
Greek statutory benefits are comprehensive, and the 14-salary structure significantly boosts annual compensation. Competitive employers add private health insurance and meal vouchers to attract and retain professional talent.
Mandatory Statutory Benefits
| Benefit | Rate / Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Christmas Bonus | 1 month’s salary | Paid by 21 December |
| Easter Bonus | ½ month’s salary | Paid before Orthodox Easter |
| Vacation Bonus | ½ month’s salary | Paid before summer leave |
| Public Pension | ~€384/month basic + earnings-related | Funded through EFKA contributions; retirement age 67 |
| Public Healthcare | Universal coverage | Via EOPYY; access through AMKA |
| Maternity Pay | Near full salary, 17 weeks | Plus up to 6 months special maternity protection at minimum wage |
| Unemployment Benefit (DYPA) | ~€564.80/month | Up to 12 months; subject to contribution history |
| Annual Leave | 20–25 working days | Tenure-based; rises to 25 days at 10+ years |
Market-Standard Supplemental Benefits
| Benefit | Prevalence | Typical provision |
|---|---|---|
| Private Medical Insurance | Common in professional roles | NN Hellas, Eurolife, Generali, Allianz |
| Meal Vouchers | Increasingly common | ~€5 per working day, tax-efficient |
| Life Assurance | Common in corporate roles | 2–4× annual salary cover |
| Seniority Allowance (“triennia”) | Per collective agreement | 10% per 3 years of service, up to 30% |
| Performance Bonuses | Common in sales / corporate | Contractual or discretionary |
| Remote / Hybrid Working | Common post-2021 | 2–3 days hybrid is increasingly standard |
Pension System
The Greek public pension has two components — a national basic pension plus a contributory earnings-related pension — both administered through e-EFKA. Greece’s social security agreements (with EU countries and many others) allow expats to totalise contributions across systems.
| Parameter | 2026 | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| National basic pension (full) | ~€384/month | Requires 20+ years of contributions; reduced for fewer years |
| Minimum qualifying years | 15 years | For any pension entitlement |
| Standard retirement age | 67 | Or 62 with 40 years contributions |
| Total contributions to pension | ~20% | Employer + employee combined, of insurable earnings |
| Auxiliary pension fund | Included in EFKA | Mandatory supplementary tier |
| Insurable earnings cap | €7,761.94/month | Effective 1 January 2026 |
Insurances
Mandatory and recommended insurances for employers, employees, and contractors in Greece.
| Insurance | Min. Cover | Required by |
|---|---|---|
| Public Health (EOPYY) | Universal access | Mandatory via EFKA contributions and AMKA registration |
| Workplace Accident Cover | Per EFKA scheme | Funded through employer social security contributions |
| Motor Insurance | Third-party liability | Greek Road Traffic Law — mandatory for all vehicles |
Professional Indemnity Insurance — Contractors
Often contractually required by end-clients in Greece. Mandatory in practice for doctors, engineers, and architects; widely held by lawyers, accountants, and IT consultants. Typical minimum cover is €1M; financial and technology sectors often require €2M+.
Private Health Insurance
| Provider | Typical monthly cost | Type |
|---|---|---|
| NN Hellas | €60–€180 (individual) | Comprehensive |
| Eurolife FFH | €55–€170 (individual) | Comprehensive |
| Generali | €60–€175 (individual) | Comprehensive |
| Allianz | €65–€190 (individual) | International coverage available |
AF Solutions
Access Financial has operated in Greece for over 22 years, supporting end-clients, recruitment agencies, and contractors.
For End-Clients
Managing a contingent workforce can be complex. Our solutions streamline workforce management, making it simple, compliant, and cost-effective.
For Recruiters
We offer a complete suite of services, allowing you to simply, compliantly, and efficiently place your candidates internationally, with minimum fuss.
For Contractors
Focus on what you do best and let us take care of your payroll, tax compliance, social security, and immigration needs.
Free Consultation
FAQ
Find answers to our most frequently asked questions below.
What solutions do you offer in Greece?
In Greece, Access Financial provides one compliant engagement model:
Self-employment: Where an engagement genuinely meets the criteria for self-employed status, we register the contractor compliantly, manage their filing obligations throughout the contract term, and deregister them at the end of the assignment.
Is contractor misclassification a high risk under an AOR engagement?
Misclassification typically occurs when contractors are treated as employees in practice — fixed hours, integration into the team, no right of substitution, direct supervision, and so on. Prevention requires clear engagement frameworks, standardised processes, documented evidence of independence, and recurring audits. Accountability and the right technology are key to staying compliant at scale, particularly as tax authorities increasingly use data analytics and algorithmic checks to flag suspect arrangements.
At Access Financial, we help our clients minimise this risk by designing tailored classification frameworks, onboarding checklists, contractual safeguards, and recurring compliance audits.
What is your pricing model?
Our standard management fee is 5% of the contract value, with a minimum of €550. We also offer volume discounts on bulk engagements. To discuss pricing for your specific scenario, please get in touch with our team here: https://accessfinancial.com/#get-started.
Social Insurance
Social insurance contributions in Greece fund public pensions, healthcare, unemployment benefits, and welfare. They are administered by e-EFKA (the Unified Social Security Fund).
2026 Monthly Cap on Insurable Earnings
The monthly cap on insurable earnings is €7,761.94 from 1 January 2026. Earnings above this threshold are not subject to additional EFKA contributions. Social security contributions have fallen by 5.4 percentage points since 2019.
Employer Contributions
Employee Contributions
Self-Employed Contributions