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 Paid Leave Entitlements in Greece
As an HR professional managing a global workforce, it's crucial to understand local leave policies. In Greece, paid annual leave is a statutory right for all employees, with the number of days determined by years of service and weekly working schedule. This system rewards loyalty and long-term employment.
| Years of Service | Workdays Per Week | Annual Leave Days |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 5 | 20 |
| 1 | 6 | 24 |
| 2 | 5 | 21 (after work anniversary) |
| 2 | 6 | 25 (after work anniversary) |
| 3-9 | 5 | 22 |
| 3-9 | 6 | 26 |
| 10 (or 12 years total employment) | 5 | 25 |
| 10 (or 12 years total employment) | 6 | 30 |
| 25 years total employment | 5 | 26 |
| 25 years total employment | 6 | 31 |
Accrual of Leave Days
Leave entitlement accrues progressively throughout the year. For instance, an employee on a five-day workweek accumulates approximately 1.67 days per month in their first year. This system ensures fairness, allowing employees to take leave after just one month of service. From the third year onwards, the full annual entitlement is granted at the start of the calendar year, simplifying administration for companies like SailGlobal that manage international payroll.
- First Calendar Year
- 5-day week: 1.67 days/month
- 6-day week: 2 days/month
- Second Calendar Year
- 5-day week: 1.75 days/month
- 6-day week: 2.08 days/month
- Third Year and Beyond
- Full annual leave granted on January 1st
Navigating Public Holidays in Greece
Beyond annual leave, Greece observes ten national public holidays. These are non-working days for most employees and are essential for cultural and religious observance. For multinational companies, recognizing these dates is key to planning and respecting local traditions.
- New Year's Day
- Epiphany
- Annunciation
- Labour Day
- Orthodox Easter Sunday
- Orthodox Easter Monday
- Assumption of Mary
- Ochi Day (National Day)
- Christmas Day
- Synaxis of the Mother of God
Effectively managing these entitlements requires robust HR systems. SailGlobal's expertise in international employment law can help ensure compliance and streamline leave management for your team in Greece.
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