Greece Employment Guide

Greece, located in southeastern Europe on the Balkan Peninsula, borders the Aegean and Mediterranean Seas and has a population of around 10.5 million. Key industries include tourism, shipping, agriculture, and services. Greek labor laws provide strong employee protections, covering minimum wage, working hours, paid leave, and social security contributions. Employment contracts are mandatory, with probation periods typically ranging from 2 to 12 months. Employers must comply with termination procedures and ensure proper tax and social insurance contributions. Both fixed-term and indefinite contracts are common, and international companies must adhere to local labor regulations.

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Currency

EUR

Capital

Athens

Official language

Greek

Salary Cycle

Monthly

Our Employment Guide in Greece

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Essential Elements of Greek Employment Contracts

When establishing employment relationships in Greece, contracts must be drafted in Greek, though bilingual versions are permissible. All agreements require written documentation with signatures from both employer and employee to ensure legal validity.

Comprehensive contracts should clearly specify these fundamental components:

Full legal names of both parties
Official commencement date of employment
Duration and type of employment arrangement
Detailed job description and responsibilities
Conditions and procedures for contract termination

Understanding Probationary Period Regulations

While probation periods aren't mandatory under Greek law, when implemented they must adhere to specific parameters. The minimum probation period is 30 days, extending to a maximum of 6 months. For fixed-term contracts, probation cannot exceed one-quarter of the total contract duration, with the 6-month ceiling remaining applicable.

Practical Implementation Considerations

International companies like SailGlobal have successfully navigated these requirements by creating standardized bilingual templates that satisfy both Greek legal standards and internal corporate policies. Proper documentation not only ensures compliance but also establishes clear expectations for both employers and employees.

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