Hey there, folks! If you're thinking of working in Greece in 2023, you've come to the right place! We've got all the juicy deets on Greece's work scene to keep you covered from 9 to 5 and beyond. Let's dive right in!
The 9-to-5 in Greece
Let's talk work hours. In Greece, the standard working week is usually 40 hours spread across five days. You'll be spending some quality time with your job for eight hours a day, but don't fret, you get two days off to enjoy life outside the office – the good ol' weekends, Saturday and Sunday. Time to make exciting plans!
Go Extra with Overtime
Craving that work-life balance? Greece has got your back! You can clock in up to eight extra hours per week maximum. Any additional hours need the nod from both your boss and yourself (of course!) before you start putting in that extra effort. Don't forget to treat yourself to a coffee or two during those overtime sprints!
Job Contracts – It's All About Options
When it comes to employment contracts, Greece has a buffet of choices.
First up, we have Open-Ended Contracts. These gems give you the job security without expiration date you've been looking for.
Then, there are Fixed-Term Contracts that last for a specific time frame or until a particular project wraps up.
Want some flexibility? Part-Time Contracts got your back! You work fewer hours, and your rights stay protected.
Pick your contract like you pick your favourite ice cream flavour!
Unwind with Leave Entitlements
Hey, we know you love your downtime, so let's talk about leave entitlements! You get that much-needed break with Paid Vacation – usually around 20 to 25 days, depending on how long you've been around. Feeling a bit under the weather? No worries! You're covered with Sick Leave so you can get back on your feet without worrying about work. You just have to provide the medical certificate within 48 hours to be entitled to your paid sick leave.
And hey, new parents, we haven't forgotten about you! "Maternity and Paternity Leave" are there to support you during those beautiful family moments. As an expecting mother you are entitled to 119 calendar days of maternity leave, while paternity leave sums up to 14 days. On top of this, every parent is entitled to 4 months of parental leave until the child is eight years old.
Holidays – Because Celebrations Matter!
Festive fun in Greece is a must! The country loves its public holidays, and you'll enjoy them with full pay! Favorites like Christmas, New Year's Day, and Easter await. Relax, indulge, and make lasting memories with loved ones. Public holidays falling on weekends are normally lost, so plan accordingly!
The Not-So-Fun Part: Termination and Severance
Okay, let's address the elephant in the room. Sometimes, things don't work out, and you might need to part ways with your job. Termination might happen due to various reasons like redundancy, misconduct, or the completion of a fixed-term contract. Let’s look at your notice period: if there's a collective agreement in place, it might have its own rules on notice periods. So, you and your boss need to stick to those if they're different from the standard ones. Otherwise, the notice period in Greece depends on how long you’ve been on the job and why it’s ending. The first year on the job is considered a probation period, so no notice is needed for contract termination. If you've been a champ for 1 to 2 years, you'll get a month's heads-up. Clock in 3 to 5 years, and you'll get 2 months and so on.
But hey, there might be a silver lining! You might be eligible for some Severance Pay to cushion the transition. Once you hit the one-year mark, you're in for some goodies:
1 to 4 years of work will get you 2 gross salaries.
Kick it up to 4 to 6 years, and you'll pocket 3 gross salaries.
Keep it going for 6 to 8 years, and you'll bag 4 gross salaries.
Which Visa do I need in Greece?
Alright, let's talk "VISA" – the magic ticket that lets you work and explore in Greece. If you're a non-EU superstar looking to work here for more than 90 days, you'll need to get yourself a Type D visa before you hop on that plane.
Once you land in Greece, there's a little more paperwork to do. Within 30 days of arrival, head to the local municipal office or police station to apply for a residence/work permit. This permit usually lasts for a year, but before it expires, remember to get it renewed at least 60 days in advance.
Business visitors, listen up! If you're here to seal some deals, you'll probably need the local version of the Schengen C Visa – unless you're visa-exempt, lucky you! Now, the Schengen Area allows you to stay for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. Keep that in mind while planning your business rendezvous. Greek authorities will determine the exact duration of your stay on a case-by-case basis.
Remote Working in Greece
Now, let's get into the nitty-gritty of remote working– the modern way to hustle from the comfort of your own home. If your job lets you work remotely, there are some cool perks waiting for you:
First off, employers are legally bound to reimburse you for home-based work expenses on top of your regular salary. Cha-ching!
You'll get a minimum monthly reimbursem*nt of 13 Euros net for using your home as your office.
There's an extra 10 Euros net for communication expenses, but not if your boss is already footing the bill for your phone and internet.
Need to maintain your equipment? No worries, you'll get a minimum of 5 Euros net for that too, but only if your employer didn't provide the gear.
Wrapping Up
Alright, there you have it – your guide to navigating working days in Greece, job contracts, leave entitlement and visas. Now you're all set to conquer the Greek job market in 2023. Get out there, explore, work, and make the most of your Greek adventure! Opa!
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