Time is running out for employers in Greece’s private sector to pay the mandatory Easter Bonus for 2026. By Great Wednesday, 8 April 2026, employers must have credited the bonus into employees’ bank accounts.
Who Is Eligible and How Is It Calculated?
The Easter Bonus is a legal requirement under Greek labour law — no agreement between employer and employee can waive it. For workers who were employed continuously from 1 January to 30 April 2026, the bonus equals half a month’s gross salary. To this amount, an additional 4.166% (0.04166) is added — representing the proportional share of the annual leave allowance.
Based on current salary levels, indicative gross bonus amounts are:
- €830 monthly salary → €432.29 bonus
- €1,000 monthly salary → €520.83 bonus
- €1,500 monthly salary → €781.25 bonus
- €2,000 monthly salary → €1,041.66 bonus
For those whose employment did not cover the full four-month period, a prorated bonus applies. The calculation is based on 1/15 of half a month’s salary for every eight calendar days worked.
Consequences of Late or Non-Payment
Failure to pay the Easter Bonus by 8 April triggers enforcement mechanisms. Employers risk criminal proceedings, including use of the summary (expedited) legal process. In addition, the Labour Inspectorate may impose administrative fines, especially following complaints from employees or trade unions.
Workers who have not received their bonus can file a formal complaint with the competent authorities to secure payment of the amount they are legally owed.
Easter Bonus for the Unemployed
The Public Employment Service (DYPA) is expected to distribute the Easter Bonus to eligible unemployed individuals on Great Thursday, 9 April 2026. Beneficiaries include recipients of the standard unemployment benefit (€540 per month) as well as those receiving the new progressive unemployment benefit — which ranges up to €1,295 per month.
An official announcement from the Ministry of Labour is expected in early April, confirming the exact disbursement date and any updates to eligibility criteria.
Recipients of the standard €540 unemployment benefit will receive a bonus equal to half of that monthly amount — currently €270. However, because the statutory minimum wage is set to increase on 1 April 2026, the unemployment benefit — and thus the Easter Bonus — may be adjusted upward. If the minimum wage rises between 3.5% and 8%, the unemployment benefit could increase accordingly, pushing the Easter Bonus to approximately €279–€292.
Eligibility for the full bonus requires uninterrupted subsidy receipt from 1 January through 30 April 2026 — equivalent to 12.5 daily unemployment allowances. Those working part-time or receiving subsidies for shorter periods will receive a reduced amount.