Domestic Workers' Rights in Greece 2026
Introduction: Domestic Workers and Labor Law
Domestic workers' rights in Greece are covered by a specific legal framework ensuring decent work conditions. Whether you're an employer or a domestic worker, knowing your rights and obligations is essential for a proper working relationship.
Who Qualifies as a Domestic Worker
Domestic workers are defined as those providing work in the employer's home:
- Household helpers (cleaning, ironing, cooking)
- Private residence gardeners
- Private drivers
- Home caregivers for elderly or disabled persons
- Nannies/childcare providers
Legal Protections
Greek labor law provides strong protections for domestic workers:
Employment Contract
- A written employment contract is mandatory
- Must detail duties, working hours, and compensation
- The employer must register the hire in the ERGANI system
Social Security (EFKA)
- Mandatory EFKA (formerly IKA) registration
- The employer pays social security contributions
- Coverage includes healthcare, pension rights, and benefits
- Failure to insure carries serious penalties
Working Hours
Working hour rules for domestic workers:
- Daily limit: Maximum 8 hours per day
- Weekly limit: Maximum 40 hours (5-day week) or 48 hours (6-day week)
- Overtime: 40% premium up to legal overtime limit, 60% beyond
- Night work: 25% premium for work between 22:00-06:00
- Sunday/Holiday: 75% premium for Sunday or public holiday work
Salary and Compensation
Key salary provisions:
- Minimum wage: The current legal minimum wage applies
- Bonuses: Christmas bonus (1 salary), Easter bonus (half salary), Leave allowance (half salary)
- Payment method: Bank transfer or cash, with receipt
- Room and board: If provided, can be factored into salary up to a percentage
Leave Entitlements
Domestic workers are entitled to:
- Annual leave: 20 working days (5-day) or 24 days (6-day) after the first year
- Sick leave: Per general labor legislation
- Maternity leave: 17 weeks (8 before and 9 after delivery)
- Parental leave: Per work-life balance legislation
Termination Rules
Rules for dismissing domestic workers:
- Notice period: Varies by length of service (1-24 months notice)
- Severance pay: Calculated based on years of service
- Written termination: Mandatory, with ERGANI declaration
- Wrongful dismissal: Dismissal for pregnancy, illness, or rights claims is prohibited
Live-in Domestic Worker Specifics
Live-in domestic workers have additional considerations:
- Clear separation of working hours and free time
- Right to privacy in living quarters
- Provision of suitable accommodation (per regulations)
- Reasonable time to find new housing upon termination
Employer Obligations Checklist
As a domestic employer, you must:
- Draft a written employment contract
- Register the hire in ERGANI
- Insure the worker through EFKA
- Pay contributions and bonuses on time
- Comply with legal working hours
- Respect leave entitlements
Related: Temporary employment law 2026 for additional information.
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