Hiring Staff in Greece: Essential Guide

Published on September 30, 2025 and written by Cyril Jarnias

Greece, with its rich cultural heritage and recovering economy, offers numerous opportunities for businesses looking to establish operations there. However, recruiting staff in this Mediterranean country requires a thorough understanding of local labor laws and hiring practices. This article will guide you through the essential steps for effective hiring in Greece, informing you about worker rights, key recruitment agencies, types of employment contracts, and the complete procedure for recruiting qualified personnel.

Navigating the Greek Labor Market: Effective Recruitment Strategies

Recruiting in Greece requires an approach adapted to the local context. Here are some key strategies for finding the best talent:

Leverage Local Professional Networks: In Greece, personal relationships play a crucial role in business. Attend networking events and use professional platforms like LinkedIn to establish valuable contacts.

Collaborate with Greek Universities: Higher education institutions in Greece produce many talented graduates each year. Establish partnerships with universities to access a pool of qualified young professionals.

Use Online Job Platforms: Sites like Kariera.gr, Skywalker.gr, and JobFind.gr are very popular in Greece for job searching. Post your openings there to reach a wide range of candidates.

Consider International Recruitment: Greece is increasingly attracting skilled workers from abroad, particularly in the technology and tourism sectors. Don’t hesitate to expand your search beyond Greek borders.

Protecting Worker Rights: A Legal and Ethical Imperative

Greece has a strong legal framework to protect worker rights. As an employer, it’s crucial to understand and respect these rights:

Working Hours and Leave: The standard work week is 40 hours, with a maximum of 48 hours including overtime. Employees are entitled to at least 20 days of paid leave per year, plus national holidays.

Minimum Wage: As of February 2025, the monthly minimum wage in Greece is set at 940 euros for full-time employment. Ensure your compensation offers comply with this legal requirement[2].

Protection Against Wrongful Dismissal: Greek law protects employees from unjustified dismissals. Any termination must be based on valid reasons and follow strict legal procedures.

Right to Collective Bargaining: Greek employees have the right to form unions and participate in collective bargaining. Respect this right and be prepared to engage in constructive dialogue with worker representatives.

Equal Opportunity and Non-Discrimination: Greek law prohibits discrimination based on gender, age, ethnic origin, religion, or sexual orientation in employment. Ensure your recruitment and personnel management practices are fair and inclusive.

Streamlining Your Recruitment: Top Placement Agencies in Greece

To facilitate your hiring process, collaborating with a reputable placement agency can be an excellent option. Here are some of the most recognized agencies in Greece:

• Adecco Hellas: Greek subsidiary of the global recruitment giant, Adecco offers a wide range of placement and human resource management services.
• Manpower Greece: With strong local and international presence, Manpower specializes in temporary and permanent recruitment across various sectors.
• Randstad Hellas: This agency provides innovative recruitment solutions, including advanced skills assessments and HR consulting services.
• ICAP People Solutions: A leading local agency offering comprehensive recruitment and human resources consulting services, with particular expertise in the Greek market.

These agencies can not only help you find the best candidates but also guide you through the complexities of Greek labor law and local hiring practices.

Choosing the Right Contract: Main Employment Forms in Greece

Choosing the type of employment contract is crucial for defining the employer-employee relationship. In Greece, several options are available:

Permanent Contract: This is the most common and secure form for employees. It has no predefined end date and offers the greatest protection in terms of labor rights.

Fixed-Term Contract: Used for specific projects or temporary replacements, this contract type has a fixed end date. The maximum duration of a fixed-term contract is generally 3 years, after which it must be converted to permanent or terminated.

Part-Time Contract: For jobs requiring fewer hours than standard full-time. Part-time employees benefit from the same rights proportionally to their working hours.

Seasonal Contract: Widely used in the tourism sector, this contract type is limited to a specific period of the year, typically the high tourist season.

Apprenticeship Contract: For young people in training, combining work and studies. These contracts often benefit from government incentives to encourage youth employment.

Each contract type has its own rules regarding duration, renewal, and termination. It’s crucial to choose the most appropriate contract for your situation and strictly comply with associated regulations.

Preparing Your Documentation: Essential Documents for Hiring in Greece

To legally recruit in Greece, you’ll need to gather and prepare several important documents:

Employment Authorization: If hiring a non-EU worker, you’ll need to obtain an employment authorization from the Greek Ministry of Labor. This process can take several weeks, even months.

Written Employment Contract: Although Greek law doesn’t always require a written contract, it’s strongly recommended to establish one. The contract should detail employment conditions, including salary, working hours, and responsibilities.

ERGANI Declaration: Every new employment must be declared to the ERGANI system (the electronic system of the Ministry of Labor) no later than the day before employment begins.

Social Security Registration: The employee must be registered with EFKA (the unified social security organization) from the first day of work.

Qualification Verification: For certain positions, particularly in regulated professions, you’ll need to verify and potentially have the candidate’s qualifications recognized by competent Greek authorities.

Health Certificate: In some sectors, such as food or healthcare, a medical certificate may be required before hiring.

Ensure you have all these documents in order before finalizing the hire to avoid any subsequent legal issues.

From Selection to Integration: The Complete Recruitment Process in Greece

Here is a step-by-step guide to successfully complete your recruitment process in Greece:

1. Position Definition and Job Posting Creation: Be clear about required skills and working conditions. Ensure your posting complies with Greek equal opportunity laws.

2. Job Posting Publication: Use a combination of online platforms, recruitment agencies, and professional networks to maximize your visibility.

3. Candidate Screening: Carefully review CVs and cover letters. Greek language proficiency is often essential, except for highly specialized or international positions.

4. Interviews: Conduct interviews, either in person or via video conference. Be sensitive to cultural differences in communication.

5. Tests and Assessments: If necessary, administer skills tests or psychometric assessments, ensuring they comply with Greek data protection laws.

6. Reference Checks: Contact previous employers or provided references, respecting confidentiality laws.

7. Job Offer: Once you’ve made your selection, present a formal written offer detailing all aspects of the employment.

8. Administrative Formalities: Complete all legal procedures mentioned previously (contract, declarations, etc.).

9. Integration: Prepare a comprehensive onboarding program to facilitate your new employee’s integration into the company and Greek work culture.

10. Probation Period: In Greece, the standard probation period is 12 months, during which the employer can terminate the contract without compensation, unless otherwise agreed.

In conclusion, recruiting staff in Greece requires a thorough understanding of local labor laws and cultural practices. By following this guide and remaining attentive to the specifics of the Greek labor market, you’ll be well-equipped to build a high-performing team that complies with legislation. Remember that flexibility and adaptability are major assets in this process, as the Greek labor market continues to evolve rapidly.