Working Days – Greece
In Greece, the public holiday system follows the Orthodox calendar and includes 14 public holidays annually. Human Resources and Payroll departments must carefully calculate Easter dates, as these vary each year. There are no compensatory days and the bank holiday system does not apply.
Annual summary
| Other year | Working days | |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 249 | |
| 2026 | 251 | |
| 2027 | 253 | |
| 2028 | 251 |
Need to calculate business days between two specific dates? Greece business days calculator
Frequently asked questions
How are the dates for Clean Monday and Easter calculated each year?
Clean Monday and Easter are calculated according to the Orthodox calendar, not the Western calendar. These dates are not fixed and vary each year, which is why payroll systems must be updated annually. Clean Monday marks the beginning of Lent, 48 days before Easter.
If a public holiday falls on a Saturday or Sunday, is the employee entitled to a compensatory day?
No, compensatory days are not provided in Greece. If a public holiday coincides with a Saturday or Sunday, no additional day of rest is given. The holiday is considered as a day off from work, but without additional compensation.
What are the differences between Labour Day and other national holidays?
Labour Day (May 1st) is a public holiday that honours workers and legally protects labour rights. Other national holidays such as Ochi Day (October 28th) or Independence Day (March 25th) are of historical or national significance. All holidays carry equal employee rights and are included in the 14 annual public holidays.
How do public holidays affect the calculation of daily wages and benefits?
Public holiday days are considered working days for payroll purposes and must be remunerated as regular working days. In daily wage calculations, holidays are not deducted and employees receive their full remuneration. Additionally, holidays are counted towards the accrual of entitlements such as annual leave and seasonal bonuses.
Are there regional or local holidays that vary by region?
No, Greece does not have regional or local holidays. The 14 public holidays apply uniformly across the entire country for all employees, regardless of their workplace location. Any local celebrations do not affect the payroll system.