Greek fathers are entitled to 5 working days of paid paternity leave following the birth of a child, paid through the social insurance system (IKA/EFKA). The leave must be taken within the first month after birth and is in addition to the mother’s maternity leave.
This guide covers Greek paternity leave in 2026: the 5-day entitlement, the pay calculation, how it fits alongside maternity leave, and employer obligations.
Key takeaways
- Fathers are entitled to 5 working days of paid paternity leave per child, under Presidential Decree 102/2007 (as amended).
- The leave is paid at 100% of the employee’s salary through the social insurance system (EFKA).
- Paternity leave must be taken within the first month after the child’s birth.
- Greek fathers also receive 2 days of paid leave for the marriage and 2 days for the death of a close relative.
- The leave is non-transferable — only the father can use it.
- Fathers have access to parental leave (4 months per parent) as part of the broader parental leave system.
The statutory entitlement
Greek paternity leave is set out in Presidential Decree 102/2007 and regulated by the social insurance system (EFKA). The entitlement has been in place since 2007 and is part of the EU’s framework for work-life balance.
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Duration | 5 working days |
| Pay rate | 100% of salary |
| Payment source | Social insurance (EFKA) |
| Timing | Within 1 month of birth |
| Eligibility | Father, employed and insured |
| Minimum service | None (but must be insured) |
The 5-day entitlement is per child — fathers of twins receive 5 days, not 10. The leave must be taken within the first month after the child’s birth.
Parental leave in Greece
Beyond the 5-day paternity leave, Greece provides a broader parental leave system:
| Leave type | Duration | Pay | Eligibility |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paternity leave | 5 working days | 100% of salary | Father |
| Parental leave | 4 months per parent | 45% of salary (capped) | Either parent |
| Maternity leave | 17 weeks | 100% of salary (capped) | Mother |
Parental leave (γονική άδεια) is available to either parent for up to 4 months per parent. The leave is paid at 45% of the employee’s salary, capped monthly. Parents can take the leave consecutively or split it into blocks.
How paternity leave pay works
Paternity leave pay is funded through the social insurance system (EFKA — Εθνικός Φορέας Κοινωνικής Ασφάλισης).
| Component | Detail |
|---|---|
| Pay rate | 100% of salary |
| Payment source | EFKA (social insurance) |
| Employer obligation | Advance payment, then reimbursement from EFKA |
| Waiting period | None |
The employer pays the employee’s salary during the 5-day leave period and claims reimbursement from EFKA. The employee receives their full salary during the leave.
Employer obligations
Greek employers have the following duties:
- Grant the 5-day paternity leave — the employer must provide it when requested.
- Process the EFKA claim — the employer advances the pay and claims reimbursement from social insurance.
- Maintain employment — the employee’s position and social insurance contributions continue during leave.
- Register the leave — the employer registers the paternity leave in the employee’s records.
- Allow parental leave — fathers who wish to take the longer parental leave (up to 4 months) must be permitted to do so.
Worked example
Nikos works for a shipping company in Athens. His wife gives birth on 1 October 2026. Nikos is entitled to 5 working days of paternity leave.
Nikos takes the leave immediately after birth (1–7 October 2026). His salary is EUR 2,000 per month. EFKA pays Nikos 100% of EUR 2,000 = EUR 2,000 for the 5-day period.
After the paternity leave, Nikos’s wife continues her maternity leave (17 weeks total). Nikos then claims parental leave (4 months) at 45% of his salary — EUR 900 per month for 4 months.
Total family leave: 5 days paternity (100% salary) + 4 months parental (45% salary) for the father, plus 17 weeks maternity (100% salary) for the mother.
How paternity leave fits alongside maternity leave
Greek maternity leave is 17 weeks (119 days), mandatory for the mother. The father’s paternity leave is independent:
- The father can take his 5 days while the mother is on maternity leave.
- There is no requirement to wait until the mother’s leave ends.
- The 5 days are in addition to the mother’s 17 weeks — there is no overlap or reduction.
For couples, the total family leave is 17 weeks maternity + 5 days paternity + up to 4 months parental (per parent).
Common pitfalls
1. Missing the 1-month window
The 5-day paternity leave must be taken within the first month after birth. If the father delays, the entitlement may be lost. This is one of the shorter windows in Europe.
2. Assuming the 5 days is the only entitlement
Greek fathers have access to 4 months of parental leave at 45% of salary, in addition to the 5-day paternity leave. Many fathers are unaware of the parental leave entitlement.
3. Confusing paternity leave with parental leave
The 5-day paternity leave is separate from the 4-month parental leave. They have different rules, pay rates, and timing requirements.
4. Not claiming reimbursement from EFKA
Employers who pay the salary during paternity leave but forget to claim reimbursement from EFKA absorb the cost unnecessarily. File the claim promptly.
Frequently asked questions
How many days of paternity leave does Greece provide?
Greece provides 5 working days of paid paternity leave, paid at 100% of salary through the social insurance system.
When must paternity leave be taken?
Paternity leave must be taken within the first month after the child’s birth.
Can fathers take parental leave in Greece?
Yes. Greek fathers can take up to 4 months of parental leave at 45% of salary, capped monthly. This is in addition to the 5-day paternity leave.
Who pays for paternity leave?
The social insurance system (EFKA) pays the employee at 100% of salary. The employer advances the payment and claims reimbursement from EFKA.
Can both parents take leave at the same time?
Yes. The father’s paternity leave can be taken concurrently with the mother’s maternity leave. There is no restriction on simultaneous leave.
For more context, see our guide to types of leave and absence management.
Greek paternity leave, parental leave, and maternity leave create multiple entitlements per employee that require tracking and coordination with the social insurance system. A leave management system that handles Greek-specific rules keeps you compliant and your families supported.
Sources
- Presidential Decree 102/2007 on Parental Leave (primary source)
- EFKA — Ethnikos Foreas Koinonikis Asfalisis (social insurance)
- Ministry of Labour — Labour Law (government)
Last updated: 26 July 2026. This article is general information, not legal advice. Social insurance rates and ceilings change annually — confirm current figures with EFKA and check the applicable employment contract or collective agreement.