Understanding Termination Procedures and Notice Periods in Greece

Navigating employment termination in Greece requires careful attention to legal requirements and employee rights. As an international HR professional, I've seen how proper understanding of Greek labor laws can prevent costly legal disputes and maintain positive employer-employee relationships.

Notice Period Requirements for Greek Employees

Greek labor law establishes clear notice period requirements based on employee tenure. For indefinite-term contracts in the private sector, the following notice periods apply:

Employees with less than 12 months of service: No notice required
12 months to 2 years of service: 1 month notice
2 to 5 years of service: 2 months notice
5 to 10 years of service: 3 months notice
Over 10 years of service: 4 months notice

When providing notice, employers must submit written notification to both the employee and the Greek Manpower Employment Organization (OAED) within eight days of serving notice to the employee.

Severance Pay Calculations

Greek severance calculations follow a structured approach based on years of service. For employees with indefinite contracts, severance amounts range from 2 months' salary for 1-4 years of service up to 12 months' salary for 16+ years of service.

Employees with over 17 years of service receive additional compensation increments. For example, a worker with 25 years of service would receive their standard severance plus 9 additional months' pay. These calculations consider the employee's final monthly salary, capped at €2,000 for additional compensation purposes.

Termination Process Best Practices

Proper termination procedures involve several critical steps:

Provide written notice according to statutory requirements
Document legitimate termination reasons with supporting evidence
Calculate accurate severance payments
Settle all outstanding payments including unpaid wages and vacation compensation
Complete termination paperwork and social security notifications
Submit required reports to OAED within statutory deadlines

Companies like SailGlobal often assist international businesses in navigating these complex requirements to ensure full compliance with Greek labor regulations.

Unemployment Benefits Overview

Greece offers several unemployment benefit categories with specific eligibility criteria:

Regular Unemployment Benefits

Regular unemployment assistance requires meeting specific contribution requirements. First-time applicants must have completed either 125 workdays within 14 months before termination or 200 workdays within the preceding 24 months. Applications must be submitted within 60 days of employment termination.

Seasonal Worker Benefits

Seasonal employees in tourism, hospitality, and related industries have modified requirements. Workers must demonstrate specific seasonal employment patterns and meet minimum workday thresholds during designated seasonal periods.

Long-Term Unemployment Support

Individuals unemployed for over 12 months may qualify for extended benefits of €200 monthly for up to 12 months, subject to income thresholds and continuous registration with employment services.

Practical Considerations for International Employers

When managing terminations in Greece, consider these practical aspects:

Maintain detailed employment records and documentation
Understand sector-specific regulations that may affect your industry
Consult local legal experts for complex termination scenarios
Implement clear communication strategies during the termination process
Ensure timely compliance with all statutory reporting requirements

Professional HR services like those offered by SailGlobal can provide valuable support in managing these processes effectively while minimizing legal risks.

Greek Employment Termination: Notice Periods, Severance & Legal Requirements