Greece

Mandatory employee benefits in Greece

For employers, total social security contributions typically amount to a little over one-fifth of gross salary for standard private‑sector employees (around the 22% range, depending on employee category), covering pensions, medical care, unemployment, and related risks.

• Social security (EFKA):

  • Unified national system providing pension, sickness, unemployment, maternity and family‑related benefits.​

  • Contributions shared by employer and employee on gross salary; typical private‑sector rates include employer contributions for pension, healthcare and unemployment, with employees also contributing to each branch.​

• Pensions:

  • Statutory earnings‑related pension through EFKA funded by ongoing contributions over the working life.​

  • Retirement, disability and survivor pensions are all provided under the public system.​

• Health insurance:

  • Public healthcare access for insured employees and eligible family members via EFKA‑linked providers.​

  • Coverage includes primary and specialist care, hospital treatment, prescribed medicines (with co‑payments), and certain rehabilitative and dental services.​

• Other compulsory protections:

  • Unemployment benefits funded through dedicated employer and employee contributions.​

  • Work injury and occupational risk coverage integrated in the social security contribution package.​

Supplementary employee benefits

Private medical insurance and life insurance are increasingly used as attractive add‑ons, particularly for professionals and managers, while holiday or Christmas bonuses and company cars remain important elements of compensation for commercial and leadership roles.

• Retirement

  • Employer‑sponsored supplementary pension or group savings plans are available in the market but remain less widespread than the statutory EFKA pension.​

  • Where offered, these plans are typically targeted at management and specialist populations to enhance overall retirement income.​

• Healthcare

  • Group private health insurance is commonly used to top up EFKA by improving access, reducing waiting times, and covering higher‑standard hospital care.​

  • Plans may include direct access to private hospitals, wider diagnostic coverage, and higher reimbursement limits for outpatient care and tests.​

Voluntary benefits

• Insurance‑type benefits

  • Private medical insurance purchased collectively but with full or partial employee contributions (e.g., higher‑tier hospital plans).​

  • Group life insurance and accident cover, often with lump‑sum benefits for death or disability; more typical in multinational or larger domestic employers.​

• Cash and allowances

  • Discretionary holiday / Christmas bonuses and other performance‑related cash incentives are common market practice, even where not strictly mandated.​

  • Some employers provide small work‑from‑home or equipment allowances for remote staff, reflecting newer working patterns.​

Employee perks

• Common perks

  • Company car or car allowance, especially for sales staff and managers with travel responsibilities.​

  • Mobile phone and, in some cases, laptop or IT equipment for roles requiring constant connectivity.​

  • Meal or transportation allowances and, in urban centers, help with commuting costs.​

• Talent‑oriented extras
• • Professional training, language courses and other upskilling opportunities viewed positively by Greek employees.​
  • Flexible working arrangements (remote or hybrid) and occasional wellbeing initiatives are increasingly used to support attraction and retention in competitive segments.

This information on mandatory and supplemental employee benefits in Greece is provided by Asinta’s Central and Eastern European Partner, the GrECo Group

Nothing on this country page is intended to be legal, financial, or tax advice, and readers are advised to consult with their appropriate advisors regarding any legal, financial, or tax implications this information may address.