What are the sick leave entitlements in Greece?

In Greece, sick leave is managed according to specific legal provisions, with clear guidelines on compensation and the required procedures. 

  • Medical certificate requirement:
    Employees must provide a medical certificate after 1 day of absence due to illness.

  • Sickness compensation:

    • For sickness lasting up to 3 days:
      The employer (ER) is required to pay 100% of the employee’s salary. This is more generous than the minimum 50% salary required by law, as Horizons’ internal policy ensures full compensation for up to 3 days of sickness.

    • For sickness lasting longer than 3 days:
      The employer must pay 50% of the employee’s salary, and the Social Security system will cover the remaining 50% of the salary.

  • Sick leave duration and employer responsibility:

    • If the employee has been employed for less than a year, the employer is responsible for paying sick leave for up to 15 days.

    • For employees with more than a year of service, the employer must pay sick leave for up to 30 days.

  • Social Security coverage:
    After the initial period of employer responsibility, Social Security provides benefits:

    • If the employee has been employed for more than 120 days, Social Security covers up to 182 days of sickness.

    • If the employee has been employed for more than 300 days, Social Security covers up to 360 days of sickness.

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