In Greece, employees are entitled to paid annual leave under the Labour Code and relevant legislation. The entitlement is 20 working days for the first year of service and 25 working days from the second year onwards. Employees also receive a holiday bonus (επίδομα αδείας) equal to their normal remuneration.

Statutory entitlement

20 working days of annual leave for the first year of service. 25 working days from the second year onwards. Holiday bonus (επίδομα αδείας): equal to normal remuneration.

Eligibility

All employees are entitled to annual leave. For the first year, leave is pro-rated based on months worked.

Employer obligations

  • Grant annual leave as per the statutory minimum (20–25 days based on service).
  • Pay the holiday bonus (επίδομα αδείας) — equal to normal remuneration.
  • Pay the employee's normal remuneration during annual leave.
  • Allow the employee to take annual leave within the calendar year.
  • Pay for unused annual leave on termination of employment.

Employee rights

  • Right to 20–25 days of annual leave based on service.
  • Right to holiday bonus.
  • Right to be paid at normal remuneration during annual leave.
  • Right to paid leave payout on termination.

Common pitfalls

  • Not paying the holiday bonus — this is a mandatory entitlement.
  • Not pro-rating leave in the first year — new employees receive pro-rated leave.

Holiday bonus

Employees receive a holiday bonus equal to their normal remuneration. This is paid before the employee takes their annual leave.

Annual leave scheduling

Employers must allow employees to take at least half of their annual leave during the May–October period. The remaining leave can be taken at other times by agreement.

Frequently asked questions

Is the holiday bonus taxed?

Yes, the holiday bonus is subject to income tax and social security contributions.

Can annual leave be carried forward?

Unused annual leave can be carried over to the next year only in specific circumstances (e.g. illness).

Sources

This page is provided for general guidance and does not constitute legal advice. Always check the cited primary source for current law before making employment decisions.