Estimate total employment cost in Greece for non-EU workers including work permit fees, employer EFKA (22.29%), and income tax. Budget tool for employers and employees.
Enter the annual gross salary to see the total employer labour cost (including employer EFKA), the employee net pay, and an estimate of one-time work permit fees.
Total annual employer cost
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Employer EFKA (22.29%)
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Employee net annual pay
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Year 1 total cost (incl. permit)
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Employee EFKA (13.87%)
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Understanding the full cost of hiring in Greece
When hiring an employee in Greece, the employer bears two distinct costs: the gross salary and the employer EFKA contribution of 22.29% on top of the gross. For a 30,000 EUR salary, the total annual labour cost is 36,687 EUR. For non-EU nationals, one-time work permit and administration costs add a further 850 EUR to 2,500 EUR in the first year. These costs recur partially on permit renewal (typically every 2 years).
Example: 30,000 EUR gross, 1,500 EUR permit
Employer EFKA: 6,687 EUR. Gross salary: 30,000 EUR. Annual ongoing cost: 36,687 EUR. Work permit: 1,500 EUR (one-time, Year 1). Year 1 total: 38,187 EUR. Employee net annual: approximately 21,104 EUR. Employee EFKA: 4,161 EUR. Employee income tax: 4,735 EUR. The employee receives 57.5% of the total employer labour cost as net pay in Year 1.
Tips for managing hiring costs in Greece
Employers should budget for permit renewal costs every 2 years and potential legal fees if there are complications with the application. Some employers cover the permit fees as part of the relocation package, particularly for skilled roles. Salary packaging (providing benefits in kind in addition to cash) is limited in Greece compared to other EU countries, but housing allowances, company cars, and health insurance can supplement the offer and reduce turnover.
Frequently asked questions
What does it cost to obtain a work permit in Greece for a non-EU national?
Work permit (residence and work permit) fees in Greece for non-EU nationals are set by ministerial decision. As of 2025, the main application fee for a residence permit for employment purposes is approximately 150 EUR to 300 EUR depending on the permit type and duration. Additional costs include biometric processing fees (around 84 EUR), translation and notarization of documents (100 to 300 EUR depending on the number of documents), and professional assistance (lawyer or migration consultant fees ranging from 500 EUR to 2,000 EUR). Total one-time costs typically range from 850 EUR to 2,500 EUR for a full application. Renewal fees are similar but may be lower.
What employer EFKA contributions apply when hiring in Greece?
Employers in Greece must pay EFKA contributions of 22.29% of the employee gross salary on top of the gross. This covers the employer share of pension, supplementary pension, health, unemployment, and other social insurance programmes. For a 30,000 EUR annual gross salary, the employer EFKA cost is 6,687 EUR per year, bringing the total annual labour cost to 36,687 EUR before any overhead or equipment. This employer-side contribution is entirely separate from the employee EFKA deduction of 13.87% and does not reduce the employee take-home pay.
Are there any restrictions on hiring non-EU workers in Greece?
Greece applies a labour market test requirement for non-EU work permits in most cases. Employers must demonstrate that no suitable EU/EEA candidate was available for the role before hiring from outside the EU. Exceptions apply for highly skilled workers, intracompany transferees, and roles on the national shortage list. Greece also participates in the EU Blue Card scheme for highly skilled non-EU workers, which requires a minimum salary threshold (typically 1.5 times the average gross salary, approximately 52,000 EUR per year in 2025) and a qualified university degree. Blue Card holders benefit from faster processing and greater mobility within the EU.
How does the employer EFKA rate in Greece compare to other EU countries?
The Greek employer EFKA rate of 22.29% is in the moderate range for EU employer social contributions. France has among the highest employer contributions at around 40% to 45% of gross (though with more complex structure). Germany's employer contributions are around 20% to 21%. Spain's employer contributions are around 30% to 35%. The Netherlands, Nordic countries, and Austria all have substantial employer contribution rates. Countries with lower employer contribution rates include the Baltic states (10% to 15%) and some Eastern European states. Greece's 22.29% represents a moderate burden relative to Western European peers.