Greece’s New Work Law Explained: Rules for Foreign Workers in 2026
Greece has introduced a major update to its labour regulations through Law 5239/2026, bringing several important changes to working conditions, employee rights, and employer responsibilities. These rules also affect international professionals who plan to apply for a Greek Work Permit or a Greek Work Visa in 2026.
Why These New Rules Matter for Foreign Workers
Greece has been actively improving its labour environment to attract more skilled international workers. The new law focuses on:
Better employee protection
Flexible work arrangements
Simplified procedures for employers
Improved workplace safety
Foreign nationals applying for a Greek Work Permit must follow both immigration rules and national labour laws. Understanding these new labour laws helps workers know their rights and responsibilities before moving to Greece.
Key Changes in Greece’s 2026 Labour Law
The new law includes many updates across work hours, leave, safety training, and administrative procedures. Below is a clear breakdown of every major change.
1. New Working Time Limits
The maximum daily working hours have changed. Employees may now work:
Up to 13 hours per day (including breaks) with conditions
A maximum of 4 hours of overtime per day
A yearly overtime limit of 150 hours
Conditions for extended work hours:
Overtime must be paid at 40% higher hourly wage
Employees must receive 11 hours of continuous rest per day
Employees have the right to refuse overtime without the risk of dismissal
This rule is useful for foreign workers on a Greek Work Permit, as it clearly outlines what is legal and protects them from exploitation.
2. Introduction of Flexible and Four-Day Work Weeks
Employees and employers may agree on:
Up to 10 hours of work per day
A total of 40 hours per week
These arrangements can last from one week to one year and apply to:
Short-term fixed contracts (less than a year)
This flexibility can benefit foreign workers in tourism, farming, hospitality, and technology sectors.
3. New Rules for Annual Leave
Employees may now split their annual leave into smaller parts, based on personal needs.
A written request from the employee is required
One block of leave must be:
At least 6 days (for a 6-day work week)
At least 5 days (for a 5-day work week)
At least 12 days for minors
4. Maternity Leave Now Covers Foster Mothers
9 weeks of maternity leave
Protection against dismissal
This applies to foster mothers caring for children up to 8 years old.
5. Employees Can Now Register Their Own Resignation
Employees can resign directly online
No employer signature is needed
The time needed to classify a prolonged absence as “voluntary resignation” is reduced
This makes the process transparent and secure — especially for foreign workers who may fear employer retaliation.
6. Protection From Unfair Salary Reductions
Any unjustified reduction in wages — especially after employers join the digital work card system — is considered an illegal change in employment terms.
Employees are protected from such practices.
7. Refusal to Work Overtime Cannot Lead to Dismissal
Employees can say no to overtime
Employers cannot fire workers for refusing extra hours
This provides robust legal protection for all workers, including foreign nationals holding a Greek Work Visa.
8. Fewer Documents Required on Site
Employers no longer need to keep physical copies of:
Payslips of the last three months
This reduces administrative burden and encourages digitalisation.
9. New “Rapid Hiring” Procedure
To help businesses with urgent needs, Greece introduced:
A fast hiring method for up to two days
Applicable for both full-time and part-time roles
This benefits sectors requiring seasonal or emergency staffing.
10. Flexible Arrival and Digital Work Card Updates
Arrival flexibility of up to 120 minutes if agreed in writing
Preparation time (up to 10 minutes before and after work, or 30 minutes in industries)
Labour inspection is triggered if an employee has more than 3 missed check-ins per month
11. Removed Administrative Obligations (Effective 2026)
From January 1, 2026, employers will no longer need to submit:
Leave payment declarations
Only the 2026 leave records must be kept until March 31, 2026.
12. Updated Requirements for Safety Technician Training
Small businesses with up to 20 employees (previously 50) may now allow the employer to act as the Safety Technician after completing a relevant training program.
13. Mandatory First-Aid Training: CPR & Heimlich Manoeuvre
Employers must now provide first-aid training to employees:
Companies with up to 50 employees can train staff using free government videos
Companies with over 50 employees must offer certified first-aid training at least once every 3 years
This improves workplace safety across all industries.
Key Provisions of Greece’s New Labour Law (2026)
Impact on Greece Work Permit and Greece Work Visa Applicants
Foreign workers applying for a Greek Work Permit should note:
✔️ Greece Work Visa Requirement
The new law helps ensure:
Transparent overtime protection
Fair leave and safety standards
This can make Greece more attractive for skilled workers from abroad.
✔️ Greece Work Visa Processing Time
Although the labour law does not directly change permit timelines, simplified employer procedures may help reduce delays.
Visa fees remain unchanged, but applicants must meet labour-law compliance once employed.
Greece’s new 2026 labour law introduces modern, flexible, and fair working conditions. These updates are designed to protect employees, support employers, and make Greece a more attractive destination for foreign professionals. Whether you are planning to work in tourism, hospitality, technology, or seasonal industries, these new rules will help you understand your rights and work environment better.
How VisaSolutions4U Can Help
Applying for a Greek Work Visa can be confusing — especially with new labour laws and documentation rules. VisaSolutions4U provides complete support throughout the process:
Helping you understand all the Greece Work Visa Requirements
Guiding you with the updated Greece Work Visa Fees and eligible categories
Preparing your file to match employer and immigration standards
Assisting with employment documentation and compliance
Tracking your application to ensure smooth and timely approval
With professional guidance, you reduce mistakes, avoid delays, and improve your chances of securing a Greek Work Permit successfully.
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2. https://youtu.be/GuEsx2wx8Cc?si=kCYKbxOmQCGa6U_k
3. https://youtu.be/R-psIyaEqT8
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Source URL: https://medium.com/@solutions4udev/greeces-new-work-law-explained-rules-for-foreign-workers-in-2026-ae78abcc0733?postPublishedType=initial
