Employer of Record in Greece

Hire employees in Greece through an Employer of Record (EOR) without setting up a local entity. This comprehensive guide explains Greece's labour laws, payroll, taxes, benefits, and compliance requirements so you can build a compliant Greece workforce with confidence.

What is an Employer of Record in Greece?

An Employer of Record in Greece is a third-party organisation that legally employs workers on behalf of foreign companies. The EOR takes full legal responsibility for the employment relationship under Greece's law, while the client company directs the employee's daily work and performance.

This arrangement allows international businesses to hire Greece professionals quickly and compliantly without establishing a local entity. It is particularly useful for startups, growing businesses, and enterprises exploring the Greece market for the first time. The EOR manages all employment obligations, including contracts, payroll, tax filings, social contributions, benefits, and ongoing compliance with local labour laws.

Why Hire in Greece?

Greece is at the crossroads of Europe, Africa, and Asia, with Athens and Thessaloniki serving as the country's economic and cultural anchors. Greek-owned shipping is the largest fleet in the world, and the country is a top global tourism destination. Athens has emerged as a fast-growing BPO and contact-centre hub, attracting multinationals seeking multilingual talent at competitive costs. Major employers include Athens Stock Exchange-listed groups in banking, retail, energy, and Greek shipping families.

Greece's recent recovery from the financial crisis has been impressive: investment-grade rating restored, foreign investment rising, and a young, multilingual workforce seeking opportunities at home. The Greek government has introduced several attractive tax regimes — including 50% tax exemption for digital nomads and qualifying professionals relocating to Greece, the €100,000 non-dom regime for high-net-worth individuals, and the 7% flat tax for foreign pensioners.

Greek employment law is comprehensive, with the unique 14-month salary structure (12 + Christmas + half-Easter + half-summer), strong union protections, and the ERGANI Information System for new-hire and termination notifications. Law 5246/2025 reformed personal income tax effective 1 January 2026, introducing a new 39% bracket for €40,000–€60,000 and a 0% rate for under-25s on income up to €20,000. An Employer of Record absorbs all of this complexity from day one.

What Are the Quick Facts About Greece?

Before hiring in Greece, it helps to understand the basic country profile at a glance.

What Are the Employment Laws in Greece?

Employment relationships in Greece are primarily governed by the Civil Code (Αστικός Κώδικας) employment chapters, Law 4808/2021 on protection of work, Law 3863/2010 on social insurance, Law 5246/2025 on tax reform, and various Presidential Decrees. This legislation regulates every aspect of the employment relationship, including contracts, working hours, leave entitlements, termination procedures, and workplace rights.

Written employment contracts are mandatory in Greece and must be drafted in Greek (English versions are common but the Greek text prevails in disputes). Every contract must specify the job description, salary, working hours, probation period, benefits, and termination terms. Both fixed-term and indefinite-term contracts are permitted under Greece's law. Fixed-term contracts cannot exceed Three years total (or three renewals); chained fixed-terms are reclassified as indefinite, including any renewals.

The standard probation period for most roles is capped at Six months from 2021 (Law 4808/2021); previously twelve months. During probation, either the employer or the employee may terminate the relationship with shortened notice as specified by law or the employment contract.

What Are the Working Hours and Overtime Rules in Greece?

The standard workweek in Greece is 40 hours (8 hours/day, 5 days); 6-day weeks possible since 2024 reform. The maximum weekly working time, including overtime, is 48 hours including overtime; 13 hours/day max with breaks; 6-day workweek allowed in industry/services subject to opt-in. Rest periods and overtime premiums are also regulated by law.

What Leave Entitlements Apply in Greece?

Greece employees enjoy comprehensive leave entitlements, including annual leave, public holidays, sick leave, maternity leave, and paternity leave.

Public Holidays Observed: New Year's Day, Epiphany (6 January), Clean Monday (movable), Independence Day (25 March), Good Friday, Easter Monday, Labour Day (1 May), Holy Spirit Monday, Assumption (15 August), Ohi Day (28 October), Christmas Day, and Boxing Day.

What Is the Minimum Wage and Average Salary in Greece?

Greece's national minimum wage is €880 gross per month for full-time employees over 25, with a planned increase to approximately €1,027 from 1 January 2026 reported by some sources. Greek salary structures use a 14-month system: 12 monthly salaries + a full month at Christmas + half month at Easter + half month as summer holiday allowance. Seniority increments may add up to 30% to the minimum wage, and married employees may receive a 10% marriage allowance. Always verify current minimum-wage rates with EFKA and qualified Greek counsel.

Salaries are paid monthly in Euros via SEPA bank transfer, typically by the last working day of the month. The Christmas, Easter, and summer holiday allowances are paid in cash or bank transfer per the statutory deadlines. Employers must submit the monthly Analytical Periodic Declaration (APD) to EFKA and maintain ERGANI Information System records. Greece operates a unique 14-month salary structure mandated by labour law: 12 monthly salaries + a full month at Christmas (paid mid-December) + half a month at Easter (paid before Greek Orthodox Easter) + half a month as a summer holiday allowance (paid before 16 July). All three bonuses are subject to EFKA contributions and income tax.

How Do Taxes and Social Contributions Work in Greece?

Greece requires both employers and employees to contribute to social security, and personal income tax is withheld at source by the employer.

Employee Income Tax

Social Security and Health Contributions

Note: Contributions are calculated on gross salary up to a statutory ceiling where applicable. Rates are reviewed periodically.

What Are the Mandatory Employee Benefits in Greece?

All employees in Greece are entitled to statutory benefits under the labour code, and many employers add supplementary benefits to attract top talent.

How Do Termination and Severance Work in Greece?

Termination rules in Greece depend on the employee's tenure. The labour code strictly defines notice periods and severance pay.

Notice Periods by Tenure

Severance Pay

Legal Grounds for Termination

Employment in Greece can be terminated by mutual agreement, voluntary resignation, the natural expiration of a fixed-term contract, just cause due to serious misconduct, or economic and organisational reasons, with proper notice.

Protected Categories

Greece labour law offers special protection against termination for pregnant employees, employees on maternity or paternity leave, employees on sick leave, and trade union representatives.

What Are the Work Permit and Visa Requirements in Greece?

Foreign nationals who are not EU, EEA, or Swiss citizens generally require a Single Permit, which combines work and residence authorisation. Greece operates an annual quota system for third-country workers, set by joint ministerial decision. The country has streamlined visa pathways for highly skilled workers, including the EU Blue Card, the Digital Nomad Visa with 50% income-tax exemption, and the Golden Visa for investors. Hiring through an EOR avoids the need for the local employer to be the visa sponsor.

Processing typically takes approximately 2 to 6 months for Single Permits depending on category and quota availability, depending on documentation and administrative workload. EU, EEA, and Swiss citizens may live and work in Greece without a permit. They must apply for a registration certificate at the local Aliens and Immigration Police if staying more than 3 months, and obtain a Greek tax number (AFM) and AMKA social-security number before the first payroll run.

How Do You Hire in Greece Through an EOR?

The hiring process through an Employer of Record typically follows five clear stages, from candidate selection to ongoing compliance management.

Should You Set Up a Local Entity in Greece Instead?

For companies with significant long-term investment plans in Greece, establishing a local entity may be a viable alternative to using an EOR.

Setting up an IKE in Greece typically takes 2–4 weeks via the General Commercial Registry (GEMI) and the e-Government Centre for Social Security (KEAO), including AFM tax number, EFKA registration, and Bank of Greece notification. Many international employers prefer an EOR for under 10 Greek hires to avoid the operational overhead of ERGANI registrations, APD filings, 14-month salary administration, and ENFIA property compliance.

EOR vs Local Entity vs Contractor — Which Is Right for You?

Comparing the three main hiring models helps you choose the right approach for your Greece workforce.

What Common Hiring Mistakes Should You Avoid in Greece?

Companies new to hiring in Greece often encounter several common pitfalls. Misclassifying employees as independent contractors is a significant risk, as Greece has clear legal distinctions between the two, and reclassification can lead to penalties and back payments.

Failing to issue written employment contracts in Greek (English versions are common but the Greek text prevails in disputes) is another frequent error, as verbal or foreign-language agreements may not be legally enforceable. Ignoring collective bargaining agreements in regulated sectors can lead to compliance issues, as can miscalculating social security contributions since rates and ceilings are periodically updated.

Skipping proper documentation of probation periods can inadvertently extend employee protections beyond what the employer intended. Finally, providing inadequate notice of termination or failing to follow proper dismissal procedures can expose companies to compensation claims and legal disputes.

Which Industries Are Hiring Most in Greece?

Several key industries drive Greece's labour market, each offering a distinct talent pool for international employers.

Are you an Employer of Record (EOR) provider looking to expand your reach in Greece?

We help EOR companies increase their visibility and generate real business opportunities by featuring them on our platform through:

• Company listings
• Dedicated SEO-optimised articles
• Sponsored content & brand features
• Greece-focused landing pages
• Social media promotion targeting regional and international audiences

Our audience includes businesses, startups, and HR professionals actively exploring hiring solutions in Greece and Southeast Europe and the Eastern Mediterranean — giving your brand direct access to decision-makers ready to expand their teams.

By partnering with us, you can:

1. Position your company in Greece's growing hiring market
2. Connect with companies looking to hire local and international talent
3. Showcase your EOR services, compliance support, and expertise
4. Generate qualified leads from businesses entering the Greece market
5. Build trust and authority through targeted, high-quality content
6. Expand your presence in Southeast Europe and the Eastern Mediterranean and the wider region

Greece is becoming an attractive destination for global hiring — making it a strong opportunity for EOR providers.

Disclaimer

This guide is provided for educational and informational purposes only. Greece's labour laws, tax rates, and social contribution percentages are subject to change. Always consult a qualified Employer of Record provider, local legal counsel, or certified tax advisor before making hiring or employment decisions in Greece.