Greece’s sick leave law provides employees with sickness benefits from the Unified Social Security Fund (EFKA) after a waiting period. The employer may be required to continue paying salary during the initial absence period, depending on the employment type and collective agreement. The system is governed by the Social Security Code (N. 4387/2016) and the Employment Contract Law (N. 3850/2010).
Key Takeaways
- EFKA pays sickness benefits at 50% of the insurance income after the waiting period
- The employer may pay full salary for up to 30 days depending on the collective agreement
- A medical certificate (άδεια ασθενείας) is required from the first day of absence
- Public sector employees have a separate system with full pay for 1–2 years
- The waiting period for private sector EFKA benefits is typically 15 days
Greece’s Sick Leave Entitlement
Greece’s sick leave system is complex, with different rules for the private and public sectors. In the private sector, the employer may be required to pay salary during the initial absence period under the applicable collective agreement. EFKA then pays sickness benefits after a waiting period.
The statutory minimum is that EFKA pays benefits after a waiting period, but collective agreements frequently require the employer to pay full salary during this waiting period and sometimes beyond.
For the public sector, the rules are more generous — civil servants receive full pay for extended periods of illness, with different limits depending on the type of employment.
Who Pays for Sick Leave?
| Period | Pay Rate | Who Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Days 1–15 (waiting period) | Per collective agreement (often 100%) | Employer |
| Days 16+ | 50% of insurance income | EFKA |
| Public sector (days 1–60) | 100% | Employer (ministry) |
| Public sector (days 61–180) | 50% | EFKA |
Sick Leave Pay Rates
| Period | Pay Rate | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Private sector waiting period | Per collective agreement | Collective agreement |
| EFKA benefit (private sector) | 50% of insurance income | Social Security Code |
| Public sector (days 1–60) | 100% | Presidential Decree |
| Public sector (days 61–180) | 50% | Presidential Decree |
| Maximum EFKA benefit | 2 years (with conditions) | Social Security Code |
The insurance income for EFKA calculations is the employee’s declared income subject to social security contributions.
Medical Certificate Requirements
Greece requires a medical certificate (άδεια ασθενείας) from the first day of illness. The certificate is issued by a doctor and specifies the expected duration of the absence.
For private sector employees, the certificate must be provided to the employer and EFKA. For public sector employees, the certificate must be submitted to the employing ministry within specific timeframes.
How to Calculate Sick Pay in Greece
Example: A private sector employee earning €2,500/month is off sick for 45 calendar days.
- Waiting period (days 1–15): Full salary per collective agreement = €2,500
- EFKA benefit (days 16–45): 30 days
- Daily EFKA benefit: (€2,500 × 0.50) ÷ 30 = €41.67/day
- EFKA payment: €41.67 × 30 = €1,250
Total paid to employee: €2,500 (employer) + €1,250 (EFKA) = €3,750
Employer Obligations
Greek employers must:
- Verify the medical certificate
- Report the absence to EFKA
- Pay salary during the waiting period as required by the collective agreement
- Maintain records for at least 5 years
- Cooperate with rehabilitation plans
Non-compliance can result in fines from the Labour Inspectorate (SEPE) and potential claims from employees or EFKA.
Comparison With Other Countries
| Country | Sick Days | Pay | Certificate Required |
|---|---|---|---|
| Greece | Up to 2 years (EFKA) | 100% employer / 50% EFKA | Day 1 |
| UK | 28 weeks SSP | £116.75/week | Day 7 |
| Australia | 10 days personal/carer’s leave | Full rate | 2+ consecutive days |
| US | Varies by state | Varies | Employer policy |
FAQ
How does the private sector waiting period work in Greece?
The waiting period in the private sector is typically 15 days, during which the employer pays salary as required by the applicable collective agreement. After day 15, EFKA pays sickness benefits at 50% of the insurance income. The specific terms of the waiting period depend on the collective agreement.
What are the rules for public sector sick leave?
Public sector employees in Greece have more generous sick leave rules. They receive full pay for the first 60 days of illness, paid by the employing ministry. From day 61 to day 180, EFKA pays 50% of the salary. Beyond 180 days, the employee may be granted extended leave with reduced benefits.
Can EFKA benefits be extended beyond 2 years?
In exceptional circumstances, EFKA may extend benefits beyond the standard 2-year period for employees with serious or chronic conditions. The extension requires medical justification and is assessed by EFKA’s medical committee. After the maximum period, the employee may transition to disability benefits.
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