Greece

Employment taxes

• Income tax: Progressive rates:
• €0–€10,000 - 9%
• €10,001–€20,000 - 22%
• €20,001–€30,000 - 28%
• €30,001–€40,000 - 36%
• Over €40,000 - 44%
• Employee social security: 15.75% of gross salary
• Employer social security: 22.29%

Leave policy

• Vacation: Minimum 20 working days/year (after 1 year of service) and increases with years of service with the same employer.
• Public holidays: 10 days
• Sick leave: Employees get up to 13 paid sick days in the first year. The employer pays 50% for the first 3 days, and after that, the national social insurance (EFKA) covers the rest based on your contribution history.
• Maternity leave: 17 weeks, paid at 50% of your regular salary by the social insurance (EFKA), based on your insurance contribution class.
• Paternity leave: 100% paid 14 days, covered by the employer.
• Parental leave: 30 months of reduced working hours as parental leave. Both parents can decide how to distribute the time off, which can be taken until the child reaches the age of 8. This leave is considered PTO and is 100% covered.

Employment termination

• The termination should be compliant and written notice is required
• Notice period depends on length of service, usually 30 days after one year of employment
• Severance pay applies for dismissals without cause. The minimum severance compensation for terminations without warning is 2 months and it can raise up to 12 months after 16 years of employment. With warning the minimum severence compensation is 1 month and can be raised up to 6 months after 16 years of employment. 

Hiring and contracts

• Written employment contract required (in Greek or bilingual)
• Can be fixed-term or open-ended
• Probation period: Up to 6 months

Payroll and salary payments

• National minimum wage: €780/month.
• Payroll frequency: Monthly
• 13th and 14th salaries are common (Christmas, Easter, Summer)

Benefits

Mandatory:

• Social security coverage
• Paid vacation, holidays, maternity/paternity leave

Optional (common perks):

• Meal vouchers
• Private health insurance
• Transportation allowance

Monthly living cost (Athens edition)

• Rent (1-bedroom in city): €500–€700
• Utilities: €150
• Groceries: €250
• Transport: €30–€40
• Coffee culture? Priceless (but actually €2–€4 per coffee)

How to get a local ID number

• AFM (Tax ID): Needed for work and banking
• To apply you should bring passport and residence permit at the local tax office.

Social security registration

• AMKA number required for health coverage and benefits
• Application is through the local social security office

Banking

Popular banks:

• National Bank of Greece
• Alpha Bank
• Eurobank
• Piraeus Bank

You can ppen an account with passport, AFM, and proof of address.

Housing and rental process

• Common rental term: 12 months
• Deposit: Usually 2 months’ rent
• Tenant rights: Landlord must give notice for termination (at least 3 months)

Healthcare system

• Public healthcare through EOPYY
• Private healthcare widely used for faster service
• AMKA number is required to access public health services

Driving and public transport

• Driving: EU license valid; non-EU may need international permit
• Public transport in Athens: Metro, buses, trams - very affordable (€30/month pass)

Emergency and important contacts

• General emergency - 112
• Ambulance - 166
• Fire brigade - 19
• Police - 100

Work permit and visa requirements

• EU/EEA citizens: No work permit needed
• Non-EU citizens: Need work visa and residence permit and employer sponsorship is required

Work culture and business norms

• Greeks value personal relationships in business
• Punctuality matters, but flexibility is part of the culture
• Lunch breaks are social and often long
• Hierarchical decision-making is common