Employer of record in Greece | Employee Benefits

Employee Benefits in Greece

Bonuses and additional payments

Employers are legally required to provide several benefits under Greek labor laws.

• Social security contributions: Employers contribute approximately 13.37% at the employee level and 21.79% at the employer level to the Electronic National Social Security Fund (EFKA), covering pensions, healthcare, unemployment, and other benefits.
• Severance pay: Employees who are dismissed after at least one year of service are entitled to severance pay, calculated based on their length of service and monthly salary.

Free public healthcare coverage is provided to all Greek residents through the National Health System (ESY), but a significant portion of the population opts for private healthcare services.

Employer social costs cover a substantial portion of employee benefits in Greece, but we can consult with you about supplemental coverage options, such as additional pension contributions or life insurance, if needed. As your employer of record in Greece, we may be able to provide optional supplementary medical insurance coverage for professionals and their dependents at a more cost-effective rate.

Annual leave

Employees in Greece are entitled to paid vacation leave after completing one year of service. The statutory entitlement is 20 working days per year for employees on a five-day workweek, increasing to 21 days in the second year, and 25 days after 10 years of service. This leave is fully paid and can be taken throughout the leave year, as agreed between employer and employee. Previous rules applying to the length of leave periods were abolished in 2025, and employees are now allowed to take shorter periods of leave.

Additional leave may be offered as part of an employment contract, though it is not required by law. Many employers offer enhanced leave policies to stay competitive and improve retention.

Unused statutory leave must be taken within the calendar year it is earned. Payment in lieu of unused leave is only permitted upon termination of employment.

Sick leave

In Greece, employees are entitled to paid sick leave, with the duration and compensation depending on their length of service. For example, employees with up to one year of service receive up to one month of paid sick leave, while those with more than five years may receive up to six months. Employers may offer more generous sick leave policies through employment contracts or collective agreements.

Parental leave

Employers must provide 17 weeks of paid maternity leave, comprising eight weeks before the expected delivery date and nine weeks after childbirth. The first month is fully paid by the employer, and from the second month, both the employer and the social insurance fund (EFKA) contribute 50%, including a child benefit.

Pregnant employees are eligible for benefits if they have been insured and have made the necessary social security contributions, with written notice required prior to the expected delivery date.