Leave Policy in Greece

The following is a summary of all types of leave and entitlements in Greece:

How Does Leave Policy Work in Greece?

Leave entitlements are a core part of labor rights, ensuring workers’ well-being and work-life balance, as well as protection in vulnerable circumstances, such as sickness, maternity, and bereavement. The system is designed to prevent exploitation and align Greek labor standards with broader EU directives on employment and human rights.

Greece’s leave policy applies to all salaried employees working under dependent employment contracts in either the private or public sector. It generally does not apply to freelancers or self-employed individuals unless specified by contract or special law.

Both Greek citizens and foreign nationals working legally are covered.

The procedure for requesting leave depends on the type of leave (annual, sick, parental, etc.), but some general principles apply across most categories.

• You must be formally employed under a dependent work contract.
• For most types of leave, such as annual or parental leave, you must have completed a minimum employment period, typically one full year.
• For sick leave, you must provide a medical certificate from a licensed doctor.
• For special leave (e.g., marriage or bereavement), you may be required to provide relevant documentation (e.g., a marriage certificate or death notice).

The required notice period also depends on the type of leave.

• Annual Leave: Greek law requires employees to submit a request in advance, typically at least a few weeks before the intended start date, especially for longer periods or during peak vacation seasons, such as summer.
• Parental leave: You must inform your employer at least two months in advance.
• Maternity and paternity leave: Notice should be given as early as possible and include medical verification of the due date.
• Sick leave: Report it immediately, and provide a medical certificate within 48 hours.
• Emergency leave (e.g., bereavement): Notification should be given as soon as possible.

In Greece, labor law protects certain types of employee leave as non-negotiable rights, meaning employers cannot deny or cancel them once the legal conditions are met.

• Annual Leave: It is a statutory right, and once the employee is eligible, the employer must grant it. However, the timing can be negotiated to suit business needs. The employer may delay the leave but cannot deny it altogether.
• Maternity and paternity leave are also protected by law. These leaves are protected by law, and employers cannot refuse or retaliate against employees for taking them.
• Parental leave: It is legally guaranteed but can be postponed by the employer for valid operational reasons, particularly in small businesses or during peak periods.
• Sick leave: Once supported by medical documentation, it cannot be refused. Employers must accept the absence and follow the proper procedure to report it to EFKA, the social insurance agency.

Types of Leave Policies in Greece

Annual Paid Leave

This legally guaranteed period of rest ensures that employees can recover from the physical and mental demands of work. It is a fundamental labor right enshrined in Greek and European labor law.

In Greece, employees are entitled to 20 working days of leave after one year of employment, increasing to 25 days after 10 years with the same employer or 12 years total.

For those working six days per week, the leave starts at 24 days and increases to 30 days.

Employees have the right to annual leave, and employers must grant it within the calendar year. This leave protects employees from burnout and promotes long-term productivity.

Public Holidays

Greece recognizes 12 national public holidays, which are paid nonworking days, unless an employment contract or business sector (e.g., hospitality or healthcare) requires otherwise.

These holidays include culturally and religiously significant dates, such as New Year’s Day, Greek Independence Day on March 25, Orthodox Easter Monday, and Christmas Day. They are moments of rest and play a crucial role in Greek culture and family life, especially during Easter and national celebrations.

Employees who work on a public holiday must receive extra compensation (typically 75% additional pay) or equivalent time off.

Employees are granted public holiday leave automatically, and refusal to comply can lead to sanctions for the employer.

Sick Leave

Sick leave protects employees who are temporarily unable to work due to illness. It allows employees to stay home and recover when they are ill or injured without losing income.

In Greece, the employer pays 50% of the employee’s daily wage for the first three days of absence. After that, EFKA, the national social security body, provides a daily allowance if a valid medical certificate is submitted.

Employees may receive benefits for up to 12 months for long-term illnesses, subject to medical evaluation.

Maternity Leave

Maternity leave in Greece is legally protected and mandatory. It is aimed at supporting pregnant employees during a critical time.

The standard leave is 17 weeks: eight weeks before the expected due date and nine weeks after childbirth. This time allows for prenatal care, recovery from childbirth, and early bonding with the baby.

The leave is funded by the social security system (EFKA) and OAED, so the employer is not directly burdened with the cost.

Employees on maternity leave are protected from dismissal and have the right to return to the same or an equivalent position.

Additionally, mothers may be eligible for further benefits, such as reduced working hours or six months of paid leave, depending on their situation.

Paternity Leave

Greek law grants 14 days of paid paternity leave, which was introduced more recently in line with EU Directive 2019/1158 on work-life balance. The objective is to encourage shared parenting responsibilities and provide fathers with the opportunity to support their partners and bond with their newborns.

The leave may be taken consecutively or intermittently within a specified timeframe after the child’s birth. It is fully paid by social insurance, not the employer.

Parental Leave

In Greece, parental leave is available to both parents and provides up to four months of unpaid leave per child, which can be taken until the child reaches the age of eight.

Parental leave is an individual right, meaning both the mother and the father can take their leave separately.

While this entitlement provides flexibility for working parents, its unpaid nature often limits its use to those who can afford the temporary loss of income. Some employers, particularly in the public sector or under progressive collective agreements, may offer partial compensation, but this is not mandated by law.

Reduced Working Hours for Mothers / Six-Month Leave

After maternity leave, working mothers have two options: they can reduce their working hours by one hour per day for up to 30 months or take an additional six-month leave, which is fully paid by OAED (the Greek Public Employment Service).

This benefit is designed to help working mothers balance childcare with work, particularly during the early years of a child’s life.

The reduced hours option is often chosen by those who want to maintain their career trajectory while managing new family responsibilities. The six-month paid leave is more financially viable for those who need full-time care at home.

Marriage Leave

According to Greek labor law, employees are entitled to five days of paid leave when they get married.

This leave is intended to give employees time to prepare for and celebrate their weddings, which remain significant cultural events in Greece.

Employees must present a marriage certificate to receive this leave, which is not tied to the type of wedding (civil or religious).

Bereavement Leave

Employees are allowed to take two paid days off in the event of the death of a close family member, such as a parent, sibling, spouse, or child.

Some collective agreements extend this leave to other family members or offer additional days.

Educational Leave

Employees pursuing formal education or vocational training have the right to educational leave, particularly for attending exams. This is especially common among younger workers or adults pursuing evening classes or university studies.

The leave is usually unpaid, unless otherwise agreed upon. Students working in the private sector, however, are entitled to up to 30 days per year to attend exams under certain conditions.

The intent is to support lifelong learning and skill development, which benefits both the employee and the broader economy. Employers may request proof of enrollment or exam schedules.

Unpaid Leave

Unpaid leave is not guaranteed by law, but it can be granted by mutual agreement between the employee and employer.

It allows workers to take time off for personal, family, or educational reasons without losing their job.

The duration is flexible and determined by both parties.

Although employees do not receive wages or social insurance contributions during this time, unpaid leave can be a valuable tool for addressing temporary life changes, such as caring for a relative, traveling, or managing personal health issues.

Since it is discretionary, approval depends on the employer.