RIGHTS OF EMPLOYEES IN GREECE

Mar 13
2 min read

Updated: Mar 18

In Greece, the relationship between employers and employees is regulated by labor law, which is designed to protect employees’ rights, ensure fair and safe working conditions, and uphold established occupational safety standards.

Employment Contract

Under the applicable legislation in Greece, an employee has the right to receive a written employment contract or a written notice specifying the essential terms of the employment relationship. The contract, or written notice, must include:

Full details of the employer and the employee;
Type of employment contract (fixed-term or indefinite);
Working hours and duration;
Amount of remuneration.

In the absence of a written contract, the employee’s rights remain in effect; however, enforcing them in court may be more difficult.

Minimum Wage and Additional Payments

For 2026, the minimum monthly wage for full-time employment is €880 (before taxes). For part-time employees, the wage is calculated proportionally to the full-time rate.

The legislation also provides for additional pay for:

Overtime work;
Night shifts (from 22:00 to 06:00);
Work on Sundays and public holidays.

Social Insurance

All employees must be registered with the e-ΕΦΚΑ, system, which entitles them to:

Pension benefits;
Medical and pharmaceutical care;
Insurance payments in cases of temporary incapacity, accidents, and unemployment.

Working without proper registration is illegal and subject to administrative penalties. An employee has the right to report a violation to the Greek Labour Inspectorate (SEPE).

Leave

Employees are entitled to annual paid leave, which amounts to:

Approximately 20 working days for a five-day workweek during the first year of employment;
Increasing with length of service.

The legislation also provides for special types of leave:

Maternity leave;
Parental leave;
Marriage leave;
Bereavement leave for the death of a close relative.

Leave must be granted in full and cannot be replaced by monetary compensation.

Working Hours and Overtime

The standard working time is 40 hours per week for full-time employment. Overtime work:

Must be agreed upon by both parties;
Must be recorded in the “Εργάνη” system;
Is compensated with the statutory overtime premium.

Equal Rights and Protection Against Discrimination

The law prohibits any discrimination based on gender, age, religion, nationality, or political beliefs. Any cases of sexual harassment are subject to strict legal liability.

Dismissal and Compensation

Employees with more than one year of service are entitled to:

Prior notice to the employer;
Financial compensation calculated based on their length of service.

Unjustified or discriminatory dismissal may be challenged in court.

Awareness of their labor rights enables employees to effectively assert their interests, monitor compliance with labor legislation, and seek qualified legal assistance when necessary. Consulting an experienced labor law attorney provides reliable legal protection, minimizes the risk of legal violations, and ensures that all employee rights are upheld.

Follow us on social media:

Instagram • Facebook