Employment Tax 

Greece | Greece updates Labor Code

Summary

Greece has published a new version of its labour code, effective July 11, 2025, consolidating and updating provisions related to both individual and collective labour law.

The detail

The code formalises the annual minimum wage adjustment process, outlines exceptions tied to economic conditions and retains established wage structures. It reaffirms various employee entitlements and payment obligations, reinforcing timely wage payment as a potential criminal offence.

Key Details:

• Published in Greeceʼs official gazette on July 11, 2025; effective immediately
• Introduces a statutory procedure for minimum wage adjustments each January 1
• Maintains both monthly and daily minimum wage systems
• Allows wage adjustment exceptions in cases of economic stress (e.g., recession, inflation deviation, high unemployment)
• Reiterates rules on bonuses, severance, business travel per diems, leave types, working hours, and public holidays
• Requires payment by direct deposit; late payments may be criminally liable
• Includes source references to prior legislation and EU directives

What this means for employers

Employers in Greece must review their wage and payroll practices to ensure compliance with the updated labour code, especially with the formalisation of the annual minimum wage adjustment and the legal obligation to pay wages via direct deposit. The potential for criminal liability in cases of delayed wage payments significantly increases the importance of maintaining timely payroll systems. Employers should also ensure their HR policies align with reaffirmed employee entitlements related to leave, bonuses, severance, and working time provisions.

 

Contact us

For a deeper discussion on the above, please reach out to your Vialto Partners point of contact, or alternatively:

Evangelia Nouskali
Senior Manager

Lina Foka
Director

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