Greece is on your radar, and for good reason. You’re looking at a country with a skilled, multilingual workforce and strong ties to Europe, the Middle East, and North Africa. But as soon as you start digging into how to actually hire someone there, the details pile up fast.
There are registrations to file, contracts to write, and payroll systems to set up. The good news? This guide breaks it all down. We’ll walk you through how to hire and pay employees in Greece without the guesswork.
Understand legal and regulatory basics for hiring in Greece
Before you send a job offer, you need to align with Greece’s employment rules. It’s not just paperwork. It’s how you protect your company and your team.
Define employee status
This matters more than you might think. In Greece, the difference between an employee and a contractor affects taxes, benefits, and legal risk.
- An employee works under your direction, uses your tools, and follows a set schedule.
- A contractor operates independently, with more control over when and how they work.
Misclassifying someone can result in fines, back pay, and retroactive social contributions. The Hellenic Labor Inspectorate (SEPE) offers clear definitions.
Register with Greek authorities
You can’t pay someone legally until you register with these three entities:
- AADE (the tax authority)
- Electronic National Social Security Entity (EFKA)
- ERGANI (labor database where you register hires and contract changes)
You’ll submit employment forms and monthly reports through ERGANI’s portal.
Draft a compliant contract
Every hire in Greece needs a written employment contract. Make sure it includes:
- Job title and description
- Pay and benefits
- Work hours and location
- Start date and contract length
- Probation period (often up to 12 months)
For templates and guidance, check out OAED.
Set up payroll and payment processes
Once the hire is official, your next job is paying them—accurately, on time, and by the book. Payroll in Greece has its own rules and timing, and getting it right protects your company and builds trust with your team.
Pick your payment method and schedule
Most employers use local bank transfers. Cash is uncommon, and digital payments are standard. Salaries are paid monthly, typically on the last working day.
You’re also on the hook for holidays and breaks:
- A Christmas bonus (full month’s salary)
- An Easter bonus (half a month’s salary)
- A summer holiday bonus (half a month’s salary)
Yes, these are mandatory. Learn more at the Greek Ministry of Labour.
Calculate what you owe
The minimum wage in 2025 is about €880/month based on 14 payments per year. You’ll also need to handle:
- Social security (~21.7% employer, ~13.3% employee)
- Income tax, which varies by income bracket
- Solidarity tax (for higher earners)
All deductions must be reported through ERGANI.
Report monthly and stay compliant
You’ll need to:
- Submit monthly payroll declarations
- Report new hires, contract changes, and terminations
- File annual income statements for your team
Most companies use payroll software—or better yet, work with an Employer of Record (EOR) that handles the admin for you. If you’re also hiring across borders, check out this overview of cross-border hiring steps.
Source, select, and onboard employees
Hiring in Greece isn’t just about paperwork. It’s about finding the right people and getting them up to speed quickly.
Where to find talent
Hiring from abroad? EU citizens can work in Greece freely. Non-EU nationals need valid permits—check the latest rules from the Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs. For help navigating these requirements, read our guide on Greece work authorization.
Onboard without delays
Before day one, your new hire will need:
- A tax ID (AFM)
- A social security number (AMKA)
- A local bank account for salary payments
You also need to log their hire in ERGANI before they start.
Common questions about pay in Greece
How often are employees paid?
Monthly—always by the last business day of the month.
Are bonuses required?
Yes. You’ll owe:
- A Christmas bonus (paid by Dec 21)
- An Easter bonus (half a month)
- A summer holiday bonus (half a month)
What’s the minimum salary?
€1027 (US$1209)/month gross as of 2025. In urban areas and tech roles, expect to pay significantly more. For regional comparisons, check our updated guide on minimum wages by country.
Can I hire remotely without setting up an entity?
Yes—if you partner with a local EOR who takes care of compliance, payroll, and taxes.
What if I hire a foreigner living in Greece?
Check their work permit. Non-EU citizens may face restrictions on hours or contract types.
Tips and resources for a successful application
Want a smoother path to hiring in Greece? Here’s how to make it happen:
- Use ERGANI and SEPE to register and report
- Tap into trusted job boards like Kariera.gr and Skywalker to find candidates
- Have a checklist ready for onboarding so nothing slips through the cracks
Need extra help? Local payroll experts and lawyers can catch details you might miss—and that can save you time and penalties later.
Why using an employer of record makes this easier
Let’s say you want to hire someone in Greece, but setting up a local entity isn’t in the cards. That’s where an EOR comes in.
An employer of record is a local partner that hires talent on your behalf. They take care of:
- Legally employing your team member
- Running payroll and calculating taxes
- Filing compliance reports
- Managing benefits and bonuses
You still lead the team. The EOR just handles the legal and administrative side, so you don’t have to.
With Pebl’s EOR services, you can start hiring in Greece without red tape, delays, or legal headaches.
Hire in Greece the right way from day one
You don’t have to become an expert in Greek labor law to build your team here. You just need a clear roadmap and the right partner.
Start with the basics: legal registration, compliant contracts, and accurate payroll. Then build a process that works for your team, no matter where they are.
When you get the details right upfront, hiring in Greece isn’t just possible. It’s a smart move.
Pebl helps you hire in Greece—minus the red tape
At Pebl, we help you do global hiring right. Our employer of record in Greece lets you legally hire and pay talent there (and in 185+ other countries) without setting up local branches or juggling legal complexity.
We handle payroll, benefits, compliance, and documentation so you can build your team with confidence.
Want to see what compliant global hiring looks like? Let’s talk.
This information does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal or tax advice and is for general informational purposes only. The intent of this document is solely to provide general and preliminary information for private use. Do not rely on it as an alternative to legal, financial, taxation, or accountancy advice from an appropriately qualified professional. The content in this guide is provided “as is,” and no representations are made that the content is error-free.
© 2025 Pebl, LLC. All rights reserved.
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