Christmas bonus in Greece: what applies to employees!
The Christmas bonus is a mandatory benefit for everyone in dependent employment. Employees paid a monthly salary are entitled to an amount equal to one full monthly salary, while those paid a daily wage are entitled to 25 daily wages.
Joint Ministerial Decision 19040/1981
Calculation period & pro rata amounts
The bonus is paid in full when the employment relationship has lasted from 1 May to 31 December of the same year.
If employment did not cover the whole period, the employee receives a pro rata amount, calculated as follows:
- For every 19 days of employment, the employee is entitled to 2/25 of the monthly salary or two daily wages, depending on the pay method.
- For periods shorter than 19 days, a proportional fraction of the amount is paid.
Time that does not count in the calculation
Certain absences are not counted when calculating the bonus:
- Unjustified absences
- Strike days
- Unpaid leave
In case of illness, only the days for which the employee received sickness benefit from the social security fund are deducted.
By contrast, mandatory maternity leave (before and after childbirth) is treated as working time and is counted.
Payment deadline
The Christmas bonus must be paid no later than 21 December each year.
The employer may withhold and pay by 31 December the part of the bonus corresponding to the period 21–31/12.
Because 21 December falls on a Sunday this year, payment for employees moves to Friday 19 December 2025. This is the last day by which employees should see the bonus in their bank accounts.
What employees should do if the bonus is not paid
The Christmas bonus must be paid by 21/12 (19/12 for 2025), while 31/12 is a fixed due date (Supreme Court plenary 40/2002) and the latest point for payment.
If the Christmas bonus is not paid on time, employees should turn to their local Labour Inspectorate to have a criminal complaint report drawn up. The report is forwarded to the Public Prosecutor for criminal prosecution of the employer and, at the same time, to the local police station to initiate the in flagrante procedure.
Employees pay no fee to file the complaint report with the Labour Inspectorate. If, however, they file an individual criminal complaint, they must pay an individual fee of €100 (+20% surcharge).
This article is for information purposes only and does not replace specialised professional advice.
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