Employment Law · Greece
Specialist Employment Law lawyers in Greece
If you are facing a workplace dispute in Greece, we match you with a qualified Greek employment lawyer who handles dismissals, severance claims and discrimination cases. You receive a free, no-obligation introduction within 24–48 hours.
- Vetted Bar-registered employment lawyers
- Clear guidance on Greek dismissal rules
- Free matching, no upfront cost
No upfront cost · 24–48h typical response
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Why choose us
Employment Law lawyers in Greece: local expertise
Employment disputes in Greece follow a specific legal framework: open-ended contracts can be terminated without cause, but dismissals must not exceed the limits of good faith and social or economic purpose under Article 281 of the Greek Civil Code. Statutory severance ranges from 2 to 12 months’ pay depending on length of service, and the deadlines for challenging a dismissal are short — three months for invalidity and six months for severance. Our network of Employment Law lawyers in Greece includes specialists who understand these rules and the practice of the Greek courts. We match you with a lawyer who handles your type of case, whether it concerns wrongful dismissal, unpaid wages, discrimination or negotiation of a settlement. The matching service is free and you receive an introduction within 24–48 hours.
Local legal framework
How Employment Law works in Greece
Greek employment law combines statutory rules with civil-law principles. Below are the key points you and your matched lawyer will typically consider, based on verified sources.
Dismissal without cause but subject to abuse-of-right limits
Termination of an open-ended employment contract in Greece is in principle without cause, and the employer need not state reasons. However, dismissal must not exceed the limits of good faith and social or economic purpose under Article 281 of the Greek Civil Code. Discriminatory or retaliatory dismissals are null and void, and the burden of proof shifts to the employer.
Statutory severance payments
If an employer terminates without the statutory prior notice, the employee is entitled to full statutory severance, which rises with length of service from 2 to 12 months’ pay. Termination with notice entitles the employee to half severance. These amounts are set by Greek legislation and are commonly negotiated or claimed in employment disputes.
Short deadlines to challenge a dismissal
A claim challenging a dismissal must be brought within three months for invalidity and six months for severance. Missing these limitation periods can extinguish the right to claim. A Greek employment lawyer can assess which period applies to your situation and prepare the necessary filings.
Lawyer representation and Bar membership
In Greece, lawyers must be members of a local Bar Association to practise. Under the Code of Lawyers (Law 4194/2013), a lawyer represents clients before courts and authorities and provides legal advice. The Athens Bar Association alone has roughly 22,000 members. Your matched lawyer meets these statutory requirements.
Legal costs and legal aid
A lawyer’s fee is freely determined by written agreement; if no written agreement exists, the statutory scale based on the value of the matter applies. Fees are subject to 24% VAT. Low-income employees may qualify for free legal aid under Law 3226/2004, with income thresholds linked to the national collective agreement.
Key time limit — Employment Law
Challenge of dismissal (wrongful/unfair dismissal) — 3 months (invalidity) / 6 months (severance). These short periods apply to the two types of dismissal challenge; a lawyer can confirm which applies.
Data on this page come from official Greek government, Bar Association and EU e-Justice sources, checked as of the page publication date.
- National justice systems – Greece
- Athens Bar Association – Identity
- Greek Civil Code (Presidential Decree 456/1984)
- Frequently Asked Questions – Labour Relations
- Costs – Greece
- Dismissal of open-ended contract – HLI
- Inheritance tax – AADE
- Tax Obligations Arising from Loss of Life – AADE
- Divorce and legal separation – Greece
Common challenges
Why employees seek help
Greek employment disputes often involve strict rules and short deadlines. A specialist lawyer can help you understand your position.
Dismissal without clear reasons
In Greece an employer can terminate an open-ended contract without stating reasons. You may need a lawyer to assess whether the dismissal was an abuse of rights or discriminatory.
Very short deadlines
Challenging a dismissal must happen within three months for invalidity and six months for severance. Delaying can mean losing the right to claim.
Severance calculation uncertainty
Statutory severance rises with length of service from 2 to 12 months’ pay, but many employees are unsure what they are owed. A specialist can confirm the correct amount.
What you get
A lawyer matched to your Greek employment case
We focus on the local rules that matter in Greece, from dismissal grounds to limitation periods.
Vetted Greek employment lawyers
Every lawyer in our network is a member of a Greek Bar Association and meets the statutory requirements of the Code of Lawyers (Law 4194/2013).
Free matching, no obligation
The matching service costs nothing. You receive an introduction to a suitable lawyer within 24–48 hours, with no upfront fee.
Clear guidance on Greek rules
We focus on how Greek employment law works: without-cause dismissal, abuse-of-right limits, statutory severance and the three- and six-month deadlines.
Confidential and professional
Greek lawyers are bound by legal professional secrecy and act as public functionaries under the Code of Lawyers, ensuring your matter is handled with integrity.
Coverage
We match you across Greece and Europe
Our network covers all major Greek cities and relevant neighbouring jurisdictions. Select your location or ask us to match you anywhere in Greece.
FAQ
Employment Law in Greece: questions answered
What do Employment Law lawyers in Greece do?
Employment Law lawyers in Greece advise and represent employees and employers on Greek employment matters, including dismissals, severance, discrimination and contract issues. They are members of a Greek Bar Association and handle court claims, negotiations and settlement agreements within the framework of the Greek Civil Code and employment legislation.
What are the deadlines for challenging a dismissal in Greece?
A claim for invalidity of a dismissal must be brought within three months, and a claim for severance within six months. These periods are strict, and missing them can extinguish the right to claim. A Greek employment lawyer can confirm which deadline applies to your case and prepare the necessary filings.
Can an employer dismiss me without stating a reason in Greece?
Yes. Termination of an open-ended contract is in principle without cause, and the employer is not obliged to state reasons. However, dismissal must not exceed the limits of good faith and social or economic purpose under Article 281 of the Greek Civil Code. Discriminatory or retaliatory dismissals are null and void.
Do I need a lawyer for an employment dispute in Greece?
While you can act in person in some administrative matters, legal representation is generally required for litigation before Greek courts. A lawyer must be a member of a local Bar Association. Your matched lawyer will represent you in court and provide advice on strategy and settlement.
How are legal fees determined for employment lawyers in Greece?
A lawyer’s fee is freely determined by written agreement with the client; if no written agreement exists, the statutory scale based on the value of the matter applies. Fees are subject to 24% VAT. Low-income employees may qualify for free legal aid under Law 3226/2004.
Are there special protections against discriminatory dismissal in Greece?
Yes. Dismissals on discriminatory or retaliatory grounds are null and void, and in such cases the burden of proof shifts to the employer. A specialist lawyer can help you gather evidence and assert your rights before the Greek courts or competent authorities.
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Find your Employment Law lawyer in Greece
Tell us about your workplace issue and we will match you with a qualified Greek employment lawyer who handles cases like yours. Free, confidential and no upfront cost.