Greece (GR)
Greece is a southeastern European republic and EU member state, birthplace of democracy, philosophy, and the Olympic Games, celebrated for its 6,000 sun-drenched islands, ancient ruins from the Acropolis to Delphi, vibrant Mediterranean cuisine, and a warm culture that draws expats, retirees, digital nomads, and Golden Visa investors from across the world.
Family Rights & Benefits
Maternity, parental leave and child benefits in Greece.
Family benefits in Greece are administered primarily by DYPA (formerly OAED) and EFKA. Greece has a low birth rate and the government has been expanding family support, including new parental leave reforms implemented under EU Directive 2019/1158. Benefits are linked to AMKA and EFKA registration. Child benefits are means-tested and income-linked. Processing can be slow — apply as early as possible.
Άδεια Μητρότητας / Κύησης και Λοχείας
Before birth: 8 weeks mandatory maternity leave before the expected birth date.
After birth: 9 weeks mandatory maternity leave after birth (minimum total: 17 weeks). The full maternity leave period (άδεια κύησης + λοχείας) is 17 weeks in total: 8 before and 9 after.
Job protection: Full job protection during maternity leave and for 18 months after return to work (dismissal during this period is prohibited and automatically voidable). Employer must maintain the same or equivalent position upon return. During maternity leave, EFKA pays maternity allowance (Επίδομα Μητρότητας) at 100% of insured earnings (subject to EFKA calculations). Also: an additional 6-month special maternity leave protection period after birth (Ειδική Άδεια Μητρότητας — see below).
Γονική Άδεια (Parental Leave)
Max duration: Each parent has an individual right to 4 months of parental leave (non-transferable between parents) per child, available until the child reaches 8 years of age. Under Law 4808/2021, the first 2 months are paid (at 50% of salary, funded by DYPA). The remaining 2 months are unpaid. Applies to employees with at least 1 year of service.
Split rules / Elterngeld: Parental leave is an individual right for each parent — neither parent can transfer their entitlement to the other. Both parents of the same child each have 4 months. Can be taken consecutively, concurrently with the other parent, or in portions. Must be requested in writing at least 1 month in advance.
Benefits
Child Benefit (Επίδομα Παιδιού / A21)
€28–140/month per child depending on number of children and family income
Duration: Annual payment, claimable for children up to 18 (or 19 if in secondary education)
Eligibility: All families resident and tax-registered in Greece with dependent children. Means-tested — lower income receives higher benefit. Apply via the OPEKA portal (opeka.gr).
How to apply: Online application via opeka.gr using Taxisnet credentials. AMKA for all family members required. Annual renewal required.
The benefit is paid in 2–3 instalments per year. Amounts: 1 child low-income: up to €84/month; 3+ children: scaled higher. Check current amounts at opeka.gr as they are adjusted annually.
Special Maternity Protection Leave (Ειδική Άδεια Μητρότητας)
€1,161/month (approximately EFKA minimum insured earnings rate, subject to cap)
Duration: 6 months (180 days) following the end of maternity leave
Eligibility: Employed mothers who have completed maternity leave; employer with more than 1 employee.
How to apply: Request from employer in writing at the end of maternity leave. EFKA processes the payment.
This benefit bridges the gap between maternity leave and return to full-time work. The employer cannot refuse this leave. It is paid by EFKA, not the employer, during this period.
Birth Benefit (Επίδομα Γέννησης)
€2,000 one-time payment
Duration: One-time
Eligibility: All mothers legally residing in Greece (Greek citizens and legal residents), regardless of employment status. All births after the introduction of the benefit.
How to apply: Apply via the OPEKA portal (opeka.gr) within 2 years of birth. AMKA and AFM required.
Introduced in 2020 to support the birth rate. Paid directly to the mother's bank account. Does not depend on income.
Unemployment Benefit (Επίδομα Ανεργίας)
€461/month (base rate, 2026) + family supplements
Duration: 5–12 months depending on length of prior employment
Eligibility: Employees who have been involuntarily made redundant with at least 125 working days of insured employment in the 14 months before unemployment.
How to apply: Register at DYPA (dypa.gov.gr) within 30 days of unemployment. Renew the unemployment card online monthly.
Duration: 125 days insured = 5 months benefit. Maximum duration: 12 months (for those with 200+ insured days in the last 2 years). Monthly renewal of the unemployed card (κάρτα ανεργίας) is mandatory — failure to renew suspends benefit.
Large Family Card (Κάρτα Πολύτεκνης Οικογένειας)
Various discounts and benefits (utility subsidies, transport discounts, priority in public services)
Duration: Valid as long as family status maintained
Eligibility: Families with 3 or more children (Πολύτεκνοι — 4+ children for full status under Law 1910/1944).
How to apply: Apply at ASPE (Ανώτατη Συνομοσπονδία Πολυτέκνων Ελλάδος — aspe.gr).
Large family card holders receive priority access to public housing, reduced ENFIA (property tax), priority in public employment, and various state benefits. Three-child families (Τρίτεκνοι) also have a separate benefit programme.
Sick child leave
Employees with dependent children under 18 are entitled to take up to 6 working days per year of paid leave to care for a sick child (Law 1483/1984 as amended). Both parents together are entitled to 6 days total per child (not per parent); single parents receive double the days. A medical certificate is required. This is separate from the parent's own sick leave.
Birth registration
All births in Greece must be registered at the local Δήμος (municipality) within 10 days of birth. Hospital staff usually assist with the initial registration. You will need: both parents' Greek IDs or passports, marriage certificate (if applicable), and the hospital birth confirmation (Δήλωση Γέννησης). The child receives a birth certificate and will need an AMKA assigned shortly after. For children of foreign parents: the child's AMKA application can be made at KEP once the birth is registered.
Childcare rights
Parents of children under 6 years old have the right to part-time work (4 hours/day reduction for 2 years, or other flexible arrangement) or special parental leave. Since Law 4808/2021, employees can request flexible working arrangements (telework, reduced hours) for childcare purposes — employers must respond in writing with reasons if refusing. Priority access to DYPA-subsidised childcare vouchers for employed parents with children 0–6 years. Contact your local KEP or DYPA for the annual childcare voucher programme application.
Family Rights
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