Background Checks

Employers usually collect personal data directly from the applicant, but if they need information from other sources, they must get the applicant’s consent.

These checks can include verifying academic qualifications, work experience, financial records, social media activity, and criminal records. They help employers ensure workplace safety and reduce risks.

For jobs involving critical infrastructure, employers can request a security clearance with the applicant’s consent. Employers must also check the criminal records of employees working alone with minors

Verification and New Hire Reporting

All employers in Greece are required to report new hires through the ERGANI Information System, managed by the Ministry of Labor. This report must be submitted at least one day before the employee begins work.

The report includes:

• Employee’s full name and personal details
• Tax Identification Number (AFM)
• Social Security Number (AMKA)
• Job title and duties
• Type and duration of the employment contract
• Agreed salary and working hours

Failure to submit this report on time can result in administrative fines and labor inspections.

Onboarding Process & Documentation

Collecting Required Documentation

Employers must collect and retain the following documents and data from the employee:

• Valid identification (ID card or passport)
• Tax Identification Number (AFM) from the Independent Authority for Public Revenue
• Social Security Number (AMKA) from the Unified Social Security Fund (EFKA)
• Proof of residence (e.g., utility bill)
• Bank account details for salary payments
• Educational or professional qualifications, if relevant to the role

Providing Employee Rights and Obligations

Employers must provide a written statement of employment terms within one month of the start date.

In accordance with Presidential Decree No. 156/1994, transposing Council Directive 91/533/EEC, employees must be informed in writing of the essential terms and conditions of employment, namely:

• The identification details of the employer and the employee;
• The place of work and the employer’s registered seat address;
• The job position, grade, and work object;
• The start date and the duration of the employment contract, if it is agreed for a fixed term;
• The duration of the annual leave to which the employee is entitled, and the time and manner in which annual leave will be granted;
• Severance pay to which an employee would be entitled and notice period applicable for both employer and employee in case of termination;
• Salary details including payment date;
• Daily and weekly working hours;
• Reference to any applicable collective labor agreement that determines statutory salary as well as employment terms for employees.

Also, in Law 4808 of 2019, employers must also provide: (Chapter III, Articles 46-54)

• Prohibition of discrimination
• Protection against dismissal and burden of proof if employee is terminated due to exercising any right.
• Legal protection: even if the labor relationship is terminated, any person who considers that has been harmed by failure to comply with the employees’ rights, including legal persons who demonstrate they have a legitimate interest, provided they have a written consent of the party affected.
• Provision of information: employers must notify their employees using all reasonable means of all information.

Healthcare

Universal healthcare system known as ESY (Ethniko Systima Ygeias), which provides free or low-cost medical services to residents, including expats with a social security number (AMKA), are eligible for public healthcare.

• Includes hospitalization, laboratory services, maternity care, and general and specialist care.

Retirement

Individuals can receive a full pension at age 62 with 40 years of contributions or at age 67 with at least 15 years of contributions.

Types of Pensions: Includes old-age pensions, disability pensions, and survivor’s pensions.

• Calculation: Pensions are calculated based on the average earnings over the individual’s career and the number of contribution years.

Social Security

Social Security Contributions (EFKA)

• EFKA provides coverage for pensions, healthcare, unemployment, maternity and family support, sickness and injury benefits, and other social protections such as funeral expenses and low-income assistance.
• Both employer and employee contribute.

Employment Contract Details

Mandatory Inclusions

• Job Description: Clearly outline the responsibilities and duties associated with the position.
• Compensation: Specify the salary or wage, including any benefits or bonuses.
• Duration: State whether the contract is for a fixed term or indefinite period.
• Working Hours: Detail the required working hours and any flexibility arrangements.
• Termination Clause: Include conditions under which the contract can be terminated by either party.

Contract Types

• Indefinite Contract: Typically provides greater job security with no specified end date.
• Fixed-Term Contract: Must have a specific end date and is subject to strict renewal conditions to avoid conversion to an indefinite contract inadvertently.

Probation Period

The amount of notice is dependent on the length of service and reason for termination the notice period is as follows.

• No notice is required during the probation period or 1st year of service.
• between 1- and 2-years’ service -1-month notice period.
• between 2- and 5-years’ service – 2 months’ notice period.
• between 5- and 10-years’ service -3 months’ notice period.
• more than 10 years’ service – 4 months’ notice period.

Visas

• General Visa Requirements for Business:
• Schengen Visa (Short-Stay): For non-EU citizens planning short-term business visits.
• National Visa (Long-Stay): For non-EU nationals intending to stay longer than 90 days.
• Special Considerations:
• Visa Waiver Countries: Nationals from certain countries can enter Greece without a visa for short-term business activities.
• EU/EEA Nationals: Can work and reside in Greece without a visa; additional registration may be required for stays longer than three months.
• Renewal and Extensions:
• Extension Process: Contact local immigration offices; submit supporting documents well in advance.
• Overview of Visa Types:
• Schengen Visa (Type C): Valid for up to 90 days within a 180-day period.
• National Visa (Type D): Allows stays longer than 90 days for work, study, or family reunification.

Independent Contractors

• Classification: Independent contractors are classified as sole traders or freelancers and are considered self-employed.
• Contracts: They work under project-based agreements, which outline the terms of cooperation.
• Benefits: Contractors are entitled to health insurance, unemployment insurance, and pension benefits, but not to employee benefits like paid annual leave or maternity leave.
• Tax Obligations: Contractors must comply with tax regulations, including filing their own taxes and managing their financial records.

Paid Time Off

First calendar year:

• Entitled to proportionate holiday time.
• 20 working days of paid holiday in a five-day schedule.

Second calendar year:

• After 12 months of employment, holiday time increases by 1 day.
• 21 working days of paid holiday in a five-day schedule.

Third calendar year:

• Entitled to receive entire holiday time at any time of the year.
• After 24 months of employment, entitled to 22 working days of paid holiday in a five-day schedule.

More than 12 years with any employer or more than 10 years with the same employer:

• Holiday time calculated at 25 working days in a five-day schedule.
• After 25 years of service, entitled to 26 working days of paid holiday.

Public Holidays

• Jan 1: New Year’s Day
• Epiphany
• Clean Monday
• Greek Independence Day
• Labor Day / May Day (Tentative)
• Orthodox Good Friday
• Orthodox Easter Monday
• Orthodox Holy Spirit Monday
• Dormition of the Holy Virgin
• The Ochi day
• Dec 25: Christmas Day
• Synaxis of the Mother of Go

Bereavement

Employees are entitled to two days of paid leave for the death of a close family member (spouse, child, parent, or sibling).

Note: maybe force majoure, Absence from Work Due to Force Majeure

A new form of leave allows a working parent or carer to be absent from work up to 2 times a year and up to 1 working day each time, with pay, for reasons of force majeure related to urgent family issues—such as illness or accident—that require the employee’s presence.

Maternity Leave

Employees are entitled to 119 calendar days.

• Is paid on the condition that the employee does not work 56 days before the due date and 63 days after the birth.
• First month: 100% of regular salary paid by the employer.
• From the second month onwards: 50% of regular salary paid by the employer and 50% by e-EFKA.
• Child benefit for each child.

Paternity Leave

• Duration: 14 working days.
• Eligibility: Fathers employed in the private sector.
• Timing: Can be taken within 30 days of the child’s birth.
• Benefit: Fully paid leave.
• Legal Basis: Introduced under Law 4808/2021.

Parental Leave

Duration: Up to 4 months per parent, per child, until the child turns 8. Flexibility: Can be taken continuously or in parts (e.g., reduced daily hours or individual days off). Allowance: Paid for the first 2 months by the Public Employment Service (DYPA), equal to the minimum wage.

Eligibility:

• Must have worked for the same employer for at least 1 year.
• Applies to biological, adoptive, and foster parents. › More Info: Gov.gr – Parental Leave Allowance

Sick Leave

Employees must provide medical certificate within 48 hours and are entitled to an amount of paid sick leave dependent on the number of years employed

• One and four years of service are entitled to one month.
• Between four and ten years of service are entitled to three months.
• Between ten and fifteen years of service are entitled to four months.
• More than fifteen years of service are entitled to six months.
• During the first year of employment, half pay is given for the first three days of illness followed by 15 days at full pay.

Termination Requirements

At this time, Vensure does not have termination requirement details available. For related information, see Notice Period below.

Notice Period

The amount of notice is dependent on the length of service and reason for termination the notice period is as follows.

• No notice is required during the probation period or 1st year of service.
• between 1- and 2-years’ service -1-month notice period.
• between 2- and 5-years’ service – 2 months’ notice period.
• between 5- and 10-years’ service -3 months’ notice period.
• more than 10 years’ service – 4 months’ notice period

Severance Pay

Employees are eligible after one year of service, workers will be entitled to severance as follows.

• 1-4 years of employment = 2 gross salaries
• 4-6 years of employment = 3 gross salaries,
• 6-8 years of employment = 4 gross salaries.
• No severance is required when the worker resigns.

Unemployment Insurance

To qualify for unemployment benefits, individuals must have been employed and insured for a minimum period, typically 125 days within the last 14 months.

• Unemployed individuals must register with the Manpower Employment Organization (OAED) and submit the necessary documentation.
• The amount of unemployment compensation is based on the individual’s previous earnings and is paid for a maximum of 12 months.
• OAED also provides vocational training and job placement services to help individuals return to work.

Anti-Discrimination Practices

Prohibited Grounds: Discrimination based on race, color, national or ethnic origin, religion, disability, age, social status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender characteristics is prohibited.

Workplace Safety Standards

Workplace health and safety regulations in Greece emphasize the importance of training for both employers and employees. Key points include:

• Employer Obligations: Employers must provide training on health and safety practices to ensure a safe working environment.
• Safety Technicians and Occupational Physicians: Employers are required to employ safety technicians and occupational physicians to manage workplace safety.
• Ongoing Education: Both employers and employees must engage in continuous training to stay updated on evolving health and safety regulations.

Workers’ Compensation

Employees are entitled to compensation for work-related injuries or illnesses, which includes medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, and compensation for lost wages.

• Employers must report any work-related accidents to the relevant authorities and ensure the employee receives appropriate medical care.
• Compensation may include temporary or permanent disability benefits, depending on the severity of the injury.

Labor Law Sanctions

Law 4808/2021 – Modernization of Labor Law: This is the cornerstone of Greece’s current labor framework. Key Provisions:

• Regulates working hours, remote work, digital work cards, and parental leave.
• Introduces stricter rules on overtime and rest periods.
• Protects whistleblowers and strengthens labor inspections.

Sanctions:

• Fines for violations of working time, rest periods, and overtime rules.
• Administrative penalties for failure to implement digital work cards.
• Criminal charges in cases of repeated or severe labor exploitation.

EU Labor Mobility and Posting of Workers Directives: This law governs collective bargaining, strikes, and union protections.

Sanctions:

• Employer penalties for obstructing union activity or retaliating against union members.
• Court-ordered compensation for unlawful dismissals or discrimination.

Violation of Occupational Safety and Health Standards (Republic Act No. 11058): Implemented in Greece through national law.

Sanctions:

• Fines for non-compliance with minimum wage, working conditions, and social security rules for posted workers.
• Joint liability for contractors and subcontractors in supply chains.