Working in Greece in 2026: your labour rights made simple

Thinking about working in Greece in 2026?
Between the sunshine, the lifestyle, and the growing demand for multilingual talent, it’s easy to see why so many people choose Athens, Thessaloniki or Crete as their new work home.

But before you sign your contract, it’s good to know what’s behind the job ad:
What are your rights as an employee in Greece?
How many holidays will you get?
Is remote work protected?
Here’s what you need to know.

 What kind of contract will you sign?

Most international jobseekers in Greece are hired with:

• A fixed-term contract (σύμβαση ορισμένου χρόνου)

• Or an open-ended contract (σύμβαση αορίστου χρόνου)

Your contract should clearly say:

• Your job title and responsibilities

• Your salary (gross/monthly)

• Your working hours and shift pattern

• The start date and, if applicable, the end date

• The probation period (usually 1 to 3 months)

🟡 Important: your employer must register you with the ERGANI system (the national employment database). That’s how your job becomes official and how your social security is tracked.

 Salary and minimum wage in 2026

As of 2025, the gross minimum wage in Greece is €830/month, and the government has announced plans to raise it again in 2026.

For multilingual roles (especially with German, Dutch or Nordic languages), the salaries are usually higher — often €1,000 to €1,400 gross/month, depending on experience, shift type and bonuses.

💡 In Greece, salaries are paid in 14 instalments:

• 12 regular monthly payments

• • 1 Christmas bonus

• • ½ Easter bonus

• • ½ Holiday bonus

So when you read a salary like “€1,200/month,” ask:

• “Is this in 12 or 14 payments?”

• “Does it include the bonuses?”

• “What extra benefits are included?” (e.g., meal vouchers, relocation support, health insurance)

 Working hours, shifts and flexibility

By law, full-time work in Greece means:

• 40 hours per week (usually 8 hours/day, Monday to Friday)

But many jobs in customer support, tech or tourism include:

• Shift work

• Evenings, weekends or night shifts

You’ll usually get a detailed shift calendar, and overtime must be paid or compensated with time off.

Ask before you start:

• “What does my weekly schedule look like?”

• “How are night shifts and weekends paid?”

• “Is there an on-call or standby system?”

Holiday days and public holidays

If you work full-time in Greece, you’re entitled to:

• 20–26 days of paid holiday per year (depending on years worked)

• 12 public holidays, including national and religious days

Some companies also offer:

• Extra days for long service or birthdays

• Private health insurance

• Mental health days or wellness leave

Before you sign:

• Check how holidays are booked (flexible or fixed)

• Ask if unused days can be carried over

• Confirm your public holidays if you work in shifts

 Sick leave: what happens if you get ill?

In Greece, if you're sick:

• You need a doctor’s note from day 1

• Your employer covers part of your pay during the first few days

• After that, EFKA (the social insurance fund) takes over — usually 50%–70% of your wage

The process can involve paperwork, so ask your HR team:

• “What do I need to do if I’m sick?”

• “Is there extra company support or private coverage?”

Parental leave and family policies

Parental leave in Greece is evolving and includes:

• 119 days of maternity leave (part before and part after birth)

• 14 days of paternity leave

• Up to 6 months parental leave, partly covered by OAED (employment fund)

Some companies offer flexible return-to-work options, part-time or remote possibilities after leave — check what’s available in your offer.

 Remote work and digital rights

Greece introduced new remote work laws recently. If your job is remote or hybrid, the company must:

• Provide a written agreement

• Cover part of your home office costs

• Respect your right to disconnect after working hours

You also have:

• Privacy protection (no webcam monitoring unless you agree)

• The right to flexible breaks during remote work

If you’re applying for a remote position, ask:

• “Do you reimburse internet and electricity?”

• “Is there a fixed home office schedule?”

• “How do you protect employee privacy?”

 What’s changing in 2026?

Greece has made several updates to labour laws in recent years, and more changes are being discussed.

Topics on the table include:

• Wage increases to match inflation

• Stronger protections for remote workers and freelancers

• More focus on work-life balance and mental health

• Simplifying social security registration for international workers

So even if things feel a bit bureaucratic at first, the direction is positive — and international candidates are increasingly welcomed in the Greek job market.