Employer of Record Guide in 

Greece

Vacation Leave

Annual leave entitlement in Greece is based on years of service:

Vacation pay is calculated at 1.5× the regular daily wage to cover holiday expenses.

Sick Leave

• Paid sick leave: Up to 6 months per year (covered by social security)
• Medical certification: Required for absences over 3 consecutive days
• Chronic conditions: Extended sick leave may be available with proper medical documentation

Maternity Leave

• Duration: 17 weeks total
  • 8 weeks before birth (optional)
  • 9 weeks after birth (mandatory)
• Payment: Covered by social security at approximately 60% of average earnings
• Job protection: Position must be held during leave period

Parental Leave

• Maternity leave: 17 weeks (as above)
• Paternity leave: 14 days (2 days paid by employer, 12 days by social security)
• Parental leave: Additional unpaid leave available up to child's 6th birthday

Bereavement Leave

• Immediate family: 3-5 days paid leave
• Extended family: 1-2 days paid leave
• Specific relationships: Defined by collective agreements or company policy

Personal & Family Leave

• Family emergencies: Up to 2 days per year
• Personal matters: As defined in employment contracts or collective agreements
• Educational leave: Available for continuing education with employer approval

Summary

Termination Types

Termination With Cause:

• Serious misconduct, theft, or breach of contract
• No notice or severance required
• Must be documented and justified

Termination Without Cause:

• Requires proper notice period
• Severance pay mandatory
• Must follow procedural requirements

Notice Period Requirements

Notice periods are based on length of service and employee category:

Severance Pay

Severance compensation is calculated as:

• 40 days' salary per year of service for the first 4 years
• Additional calculations for longer service periods
• Minimum: 2 months' salary
• Maximum: 12 months' salary

Probationary Periods

• Standard period: Up to 12 months
• Skilled positions: May extend beyond 12 months with justification
• During probation: Reduced notice periods apply (1 week to 1 month)

Final Pay Requirements

Final payments must include:

• Outstanding salary
• Accrued vacation pay (at 1.5× rate)
• Severance compensation
• Any outstanding bonuses or allowances

Payment must be made within 15 days of termination.

Anti-Discrimination & Retaliation Laws

Greek employment law prohibits termination based on:

• Gender, age, race, religion, or nationality
• Pregnancy or family status
• Union membership or activities
• Filing complaints or exercising legal rights

National Public Holidays

Greece observes 12 official public holidays:

Regional Variations

Some regions may observe additional local holidays:

• Patron saint days: Specific to local municipalities
• Regional celebrations: May be recognised locally but not nationally

Holiday Pay Rules

• Working on holidays: 1.75× regular pay plus compensatory time off
• Holiday falling on weekend: Substitute day off provided
• Eligibility: All employees entitled regardless of tenure

Required Documents for Employment

Employment Contract Requirements:

• Job title and description
• Salary and benefits
• Working hours and location
• Probation period terms
• Termination clauses

Government Documentation:

• AFM (Tax Number): Required for all employees
• AMKA (Social Security Number): For social security registration
• Work permit: For non-EU nationals
• Bank account details: For salary payments

Language Requirements

• Official language: Greek
• Contract language: Must be in Greek or bilingual with certified translation
• Workplace communication: Greek proficiency generally required unless specified otherwise

Background Checks & References

• Criminal background: May be required for specific positions
• Employment verification: Standard practice
• Educational credentials: Must be verified, foreign degrees require recognition
• Professional licences: Required for regulated professions

Data Protection & Privacy

Greek employers must comply with:

• GDPR: European data protection regulations
• Greek Data Protection Law: National implementation of GDPR
• Employee consent: Required for data collection and processing
• Data retention: Specific periods for employment records

IP Assignment & Confidentiality

• Intellectual property: Must be explicitly assigned in contract
• Confidentiality clauses: Standard in most employment agreements
• Non-compete agreements: Limited enforceability, must be reasonable in scope and duration

Probation Period Setup

• Duration: Up to 12 months for most positions
• Performance evaluation: Regular assessments recommended
• Termination during probation: Reduced notice periods apply
• Benefits: Full benefits typically apply during probation

Onboarding Timeline

What the EOR Handles

Borderless AI manages:

• Employment contract preparation and compliance
• Tax number and social security registration
• Payroll setup and ongoing processing
• Compliance with Greek labour law
• Local language documentation
• Government reporting requirements

Worker Classification: Employee vs. Contractor

Greek law strictly distinguishes between employees and independent contractors:

Employees:

• Work under employer direction and control
• Receive regular salary and benefits
• Protected by labour law
• Employer handles tax withholding

Independent Contractors:

• Operate autonomously with minimal supervision
• Invoice for services provided
• Responsible for own taxes and social security
• No employment law protections

Misclassification risks: Significant penalties, back payments, and legal liability for employers.

Unionisation & Collective Agreements

Greece has strong union traditions:

• Sector-wide agreements: Common in many industries
• Company-level agreements: May override general labour law
• Union membership: Protected right, cannot influence hiring decisions
• Collective bargaining: Affects wages, working conditions, and benefits

Cultural Norms & Workplace Expectations

Greek workplace culture emphasises:

• Relationship building: Personal connections important in business
• Hierarchy respect: Traditional respect for seniority and authority
• Work-life balance: Family time highly valued
• Communication style: Direct but relationship-focused
• Lunch breaks: Extended lunch periods common (1-2 hours)

Remote Work Considerations

Remote work regulations in Greece:

• Legal framework: Established during COVID-19, now permanent
• Equipment provision: Employer responsibility for necessary tools
• Working time: Same regulations apply as office-based work
• Health and safety: Employer obligations extend to home offices
• Tax implications: May affect tax residency for international employees

Special Industry Considerations

Certain sectors have specific requirements:

• Tourism: Seasonal employment regulations
• Shipping: Maritime labour conventions apply
• Banking: Additional licensing and background checks
• Healthcare: Professional registration requirements
• Construction: Enhanced safety and insurance requirements