Greece Employment Guide
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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Understanding Minimum Wage Requirements in Greece
Greece maintains a structured minimum wage system that accounts for employee experience and family circumstances. The base monthly minimum wage is set at €780, but actual compensation varies significantly based on tenure and marital status.
| Years of Experience | Minimum Wage | Family Allowance |
|---|---|---|
| Under 3 years | €830 | €858 |
| 3-6 years | €913 | €944 |
| 6-9 years | €996 | €1038 |
| Over 9 years | €1079 | €1142 |
Personal Income Tax Structure
Greece employs a progressive income tax system ranging from 9% to 44%. The actual tax liability depends on multiple factors including family composition and number of dependents.
| Annual Income | Tax Rate |
|---|---|
| Below €10,000 | 9% |
| Up to €20,000 | 22% |
| Up to €30,000 | 28% |
| Up to €40,000 | 36% |
| Above €40,000 | 44% |
Employer Social Security Contributions
Employers should budget for social security contributions averaging 22.29% of employee salary. The maximum monthly salary base for 2024 social security calculations is €7,373.53.
- Pension Fund - 13.33%
- Supplementary Pension - 3.00%
- Health Insurance - 4.30%
- Supplementary Health Insurance - 0.25%
- Unemployment Insurance Surcharge - 1.41%
- Remote Work Allowance - €28 monthly
For comprehensive employment cost analysis tailored to your specific situation, SailGlobal provides detailed cost breakdowns and compliance guidance.
Working Hours and Overtime Regulations
The standard workweek consists of 40 hours across five days, though mutual agreement can establish a 6.4-day workweek. Greece distinguishes between two overtime categories with different compensation structures.
Standard Overtime (Iperergasia)
- Applies to first 8 hours weekly for 6-day workers (1h20m daily)
- First 5 hours weekly for 5-day workers (1h daily)
- Compensated at 120% of regular hourly rate
- No prior authorization required
Extended Overtime (Iperoria)
- Covers hours beyond iperergasia limits
- Requires advance notification to authorities
- Maximum 3 hours daily (excluding iperergasia), 150 hours annually
- First 150 hours paid at 140% rate
- Excess hours require special approval at 160% rate
Important compliance note: The four-month average workweek cannot exceed 48 hours including overtime, and employment contracts cannot include blanket overtime clauses.
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