Foreign workers considering jobs in Greece—especially in hospitality, agriculture, construction, and maintenance—often want to understand how overtime works. Greece has clear labour laws that regulate working hours, overtime limits, and payment rules to protect both local and foreign workers.

What Are the Overtime Rules in Greece?

Greece follows strict labour regulations regarding working hours. A standard workday is 8 hours, and a regular workweek is 40 hours. Any work beyond these limits may be considered overtime, depending on the specific situation.

Overtime in Greece is typically divided into two categories:

1. Extra working hours (up to 45 hours/week)

2. Legal overtime (beyond 45 hours/week)

Each has different rules and payment rates.

1. Extra Working Hours (41–45 hours per week)

If an employee works more than 40 hours but up to 45 hours weekly:

• This is called extra working time

• Payment is usually at an increased rate (commonly 20% above normal wage)

• Employer must register these hours according to labour regulations

This applies mostly to full-time employees.

2. Legal Overtime (Beyond 45 hours per week)

When a worker exceeds 45 hours per week or works more than 8 hours in a day:

• Hours become legal overtime

• Overtime must be approved and recorded

• Standard overtime pay ranges between:

  • 40% extra for overtime within monthly limits

  • 60% extra if the overtime exceeds monthly legal limits

In some sectors, such as hospitality and tourism, overtime is common during peak seasons.

Daily Maximum Working Hours

Even with overtime, Greek labour law requires that workers:

• Do not exceed 11 hours per day, including overtime

• Receive adequate rest between shifts

• Are given weekly rest days (usually 1–2 days depending on agreement)

Overtime in Seasonal and Blue-Collar Jobs

Foreign workers in agriculture, hospitality, cleaning, landscaping, and warehouse roles often work additional hours during busy periods. In such cases:

• Overtime must still follow national rules

• Compensation is mandatory

• Employers with legal contracts must register work hours with the authorities

Workers should always ensure their contract mentions overtime terms.

Public Holiday and Sunday Work

If employees work on:

• Sundays, or

• Public holidays

They typically receive at least 75% extra pay, depending on the sector.

Is Overtime Compulsory?

Generally, overtime must be:

• Reasonable

• Legal

• Registered

• Paid according to labour law

Employees can refuse illegal or unregistered overtime.

Conclusion

Greece has structured and protective overtime rules. A standard workday is 8 hours, and a full week is 40 hours. Work beyond these limits must be compensated at higher rates and recorded legally. This ensures transparency and fair treatment for both local and foreign workers.

EUHelpers encourages workers to review their contracts and ensure overtime terms are clearly written before starting employment in Greece.