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From April 2026, Greece’s statutory minimum wage has increased, affecting public and private sector pay, seniority allowances and multiple benefits linked to the minimum wage. In this update, our experts from Greece explain who benefits, how allowances change and what it means for net earnings.
From 1 April 2026, Greece implemented a new increase to the statutory minimum wage, raising it from EUR 880 to EUR 920 gross per month. The daily wage for skilled workers also increased, moving from EUR 39.30 to EUR 41.09.
This latest adjustment has broad implications across both the public and private sectors. It influences salaries and a wide array of benefits and allowances directly tied to the minimum wage.
What changes with the new minimum wage?
The new rate affects:
- Public sector salaries across all pay grades;
- Seniority allowances;
- Unemployment benefits;
- Maternity protection benefits; and
- 16 additional allowances linked to the minimum wage.
At the same time, public sector pay scales have received an additional EUR 40 monthly increase, following earlier rises of EUR 70 in 2024 and EUR 30 in 2025.
Overall, since 2019, the minimum wage has grown by EUR 270 per month, amounting to EUR 3,780 annually. This corresponds to a 41.54% cumulative increase.
Proportional increases to benefits and allowances
Because many benefits are calculated directly as a percentage of the minimum wage, the April 2026 adjustment has resulted in proportional increases:
- The unemployment benefit has risen to approximately EUR 564.80 (up from EUR 540).
- The maternity protection benefit has increased to EUR 920 per month, equal to the new minimum wage and paid for nine months.
- The parental leave benefit has similarly increased to EUR 920 per month, paid for two months.
- The marriage allowance has risen to EUR 92 (from EUR 88).
- Seniority increments (“τριετίες”), where applicable, have increased to EUR 92 per completed three-year period.
Net earnings: What employees actually receive
While the gross wage sets the framework, the crucial factor for employees remains net earnings, which may vary significantly depending on:
- Age;
- Family status;
- Tax obligations;
- Applicable social security contributions.
A key development influencing take-home pay is the continued reduction in social security contributions. These have already fallen by 5.4 percentage points since 2019. Further reductions are projected for 2027, which would increase net wages even if gross amounts remained stable.
Takeaway for employers
The 2026 minimum wage increase offers meaningful financial reinforcement to a broad segment of workers. Beyond raising basic salaries, it positively affects numerous social benefits and allowances tied to the minimum wage, resulting in wider economic and social impact.
However, the actual improvement for each employee ultimately depends on net income. This is shaped by personal circumstances and ongoing policy changes, particularly those related to social insurance.
For employers, the April 2026 minimum wage increase requires careful review of payroll, seniority allowances and benefits linked to the statutory minimum wage.
The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.
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