Greece has long been known for its contributions to Western civilization and incredible beaches, but it’s also a prime place to do business. With strategic access to the European Union (EU) market, skilled workforce, and relatively low costs of doing business, Greece is an excellent place to start a company or locale for expanding into a new market.

The success of any Greek venture means getting the right people behind the brand, and that’s where defined probation periods and knowledge of local labor laws come in. This guide discusses how probation periods work in the country and the rules and regulations that apply to them.

Definition of a Probation Period in Greece

The probation period in Greece is known as “δοκιμαστική περίοδος,” and they are permitted on indefinite and fixed-term employment contracts. It’s a trial period that allows both employers and employees to get a feel for each other and ensure that the arrangement is suitable for all involved. 

In Greece, probation is outlined in Article 1A of the amended Code of Private Labor Law (Law 5053/2023). It allows employers to agree upon a probation period of up to six months on any indefinite-term contract. Like in other EU countries, it’s only legally enforceable if it’s stated in writing and submitted through the Ergani II digital employment system.

Probation periods are also recognized in Greek law for temporary contracts, but they can only be capped at a quarter of the total contract length.

Lengths of Probationary Periods in Greece

Greek employment probation periods are capped at six months for indefinite-term contracts. The same limit applies to fixed-term contracts, but whether employers are entitled to take advantage of this maximum depends on the length of the contract.

Under Greek law, probation clauses are only valid if they are included in writing within the contract itself. Without this, probation is unenforceable, and workers are considered permanent from day one.

Permanent or Indefinite Contracts

Indefinite or permanent contracts allow for a probation period of up to six months. During this time, probationary workers receive the same rights and protections as any other worker. The only difference is that termination is more straightforward.

However, if the employee isn’t terminated before the six-month cap, the law recognizes the probationary period as successful. In this case, the employee’s contract is automatically converted into a permanent contract, with no further action on behalf of the company required.

Fixed-Term or Definite Contracts

Temporary employment arrangements, such as for project-based or seasonal work, also allow for a six-month probationary period. The difference is that the probation cap changes based on how long the contract is.

The rule is that no probation period on temporary contracts can exceed a quarter of the total duration. For example, if the contract is for 12 months, the probation period can be no more than three months.

Any attempt to renew the probation period by dismissing and rehiring for the same role, or to impose a probation period that goes beyond the legal maximum, is invalid and won’t be recognized by the Greek legal system.

Legal Considerations for the Probation Period in Greece

Greek labor law isn’t a centralized code but a series of laws and precedents established by ministerial decisions. It’s the job of the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs and the Labor Inspectorate to enforce these laws.

Above all, within any employment relationship, it’s expected that both sides will engage in good faith. The goal is to prevent discriminatory and ambiguous practices within the labor system.

Pay and Working Conditions

Probationary employees receive the full employment rights of every Greek employee upon starting their probation periods.

In Greece, the maximum working hours per week are set at 40 hours. Overtime is available, but there are no firm laws on how overtime is managed. Instead, shift premiums are subject to collective bargaining agreements agreed with employees and between trade unions and their employers.

As of April 2025, the Greek minimum wage was raised for the fourth time in five years, with the minimum wage now sitting at 830 Euros per month. All probationary employees are entitled to receive this wage. 

Additionally, employers are required to contribute 13.33% of the employee’s salary to pensions, with employers contributing 6.67%. Additional healthcare, unemployment, and insurance contributions are also required:

Contribution TypeEmployee RateEmployer Rate
Healthcare2.15%4.3%
Supplementary Insurance3.25%3.25%
Unemployment1.2%1.2%

Pension and other contributions are required from day one, including for probationary employees.

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Termination and Notice

During an employee’s probation period, employers are entitled to terminate employees without notice or a severance package. The only caveat is that the dismissal can’t be arbitrary or discriminatory, with employers expected to provide documentation outlining their decision if an employee challenges their termination.

If an employee is terminated without notice, they are entitled to full indemnity compensation, so they’re not left out of pocket.

Vacation / Holidays

All probationary employees receive annual leave entitlements, including official public holidays. In Greece, there are 12 public holidays per year, including Epiphany, Whit Monday, and Dormition of the Theotokos. These are in addition to standard annual leave entitlements.

Greek annual leave entitlements escalate with seniority. For a standard five-day workweek, employees get 20 days of paid annual leave per year, with six-day workers getting 24 days. During the initial probationary period, leave entitlements are provided on a pro rata basis.

 Full holiday pay is mandated for all official public holidays, including for probationary employees.

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Benefits of Probation Periods in Greece

Probation periods are vital for ensuring that employers are happy with their hires and employees are satisfied that their new role matches expectations. It’s why Greece also happens to offer a much longer probationary period than other countries.

  • For Employees

Employees get to experience their new role for 12 months before deciding whether they would like to continue with the relationship through an indefinite contract.

Employees may leave their roles without providing notice, thus giving them extra flexibility.

All Greek probationary workers receive the same legal protections and rights as permanent staff, including entitlement to the national minimum wage and leave entitlements.

  • For Employers

Employers are able to see how new hires fit into their company, allowing them to demonstrate skills, experience, and their suitability for the firm’s workplace culture.

Employers may terminate an employee with or without a notice period if the relationship is not turning out as expected.

Employers are protected under Greece’s labor laws, which protect them if a dispute regarding termination arises.

Conclusion

Greece has seen many changes to its labor laws since joining the EU, and due to changes within national law over the past few years. Although the Mediterranean country can be an excellent place to do business, dealing with ever-changing labor laws and bureaucracy can be an enormous headache.

At Remote People, we know that the success of your business is defined by securing the right talent. The last thing you want to worry about is paperwork, which is why we support you in sourcing the leading talent in Greece.

Our team supports yours with everything from hiring and onboarding to compliance with Greece’s labor laws. To learn more about acquiring talent and growing your business in Greece, set up your appointment with one of our Greek hiring consultants now.

Frequently Asked Questions

Greece does not impose a mandatory probation period on employers. If an employer wants to use a probation period, it must be agreed in writing and submitted via the digital employment system, or it won’t be recognized under the law.

The maximum length of a probation period in Greece for indefinite-term contracts is six months. Previously, it was 12 months, but this was changed in 2023.

The six-month cap remains for temporary contracts, but the probation period can be no more than a quarter of the contract’s total duration. Any attempt to impose longer probation periods won’t be recognized and considered invalid under Greek law.

Employers can terminate probationary employees at will during the probationary period. Although the maximum probation period was capped at six months, the right to terminate employees without notice or severance wasn’t changed, meaning that employers retain this right for the first 12 months. Essentially, this means employees can be terminated at will up to six months after their probation period.

 

However, termination cannot be considered arbitrary or discriminatory under the law.