TLDR
Paid leave and sick leave for caregivers in Greece are protected by law. Caregivers receive 20–24 days of annual paid leave, sick leave based on years of service, and additional leave such as carer’s, bereavement, and marriage leave. These entitlements must be clearly mentioned in the caregiver employment contract.
What to Expect in Your Caregiver Contract
If you’re considering a caregiving job abroad, one of the first questions that usually comes up is about time off. Paid leave and sick leave for caregivers aren’t just “nice to have” benefits — they play a big role in your wellbeing, job security, and overall work experience abroad. After all, caregiving is demanding work, and knowing when you can rest or recover matters just as much as knowing your salary.
The good news is that caregivers in Greece are protected by labour laws that clearly define leave entitlements. But what you’ll actually receive depends on a few key details, such as your work schedule, how long you’ve been employed, and what’s written in your employment contract. This is where things can feel unclear, especially if you’re reviewing legal terms in a language you’re not familiar with.
In this blog, you’ll see what paid leave, sick leave, and other leave benefits caregivers in Greece are entitled to. We’ll also look at how these should appear in your contract, what to watch for, and why knowing this before you sign makes your work life smoother.
Understanding Your Rights as a Caregiver
Moving abroad as a caregiver is a significant decision, and it’s natural to have questions about employment benefits. Understanding your leave entitlements—both for your health needs and planned rest—is crucial.
Caregivers working in Greece and Europe are protected by robust labour laws guaranteeing paid leave and sick leave benefits. These are legal rights, not optional perks. Let’s explore what to expect in your employment contract.
Annual Paid Leave in Greece: Your Time to Rest
When you’re caring for others, taking regular breaks isn’t just important—it’s essential for your own wellbeing and your ability to provide quality care.
How Much Annual Leave Do Caregivers Receive?
According to Greek labour law, full-time caregivers are entitled to paid annual leave from their first year of employment. The exact amount depends on your working schedule:
- Five-day work week: 20 working days of paid leave annually
- Six-day work week: 24 working days of paid leave annually
What makes this even better is that your leave entitlement increases with loyalty to your employer. After completing your first year, you’ll receive one additional day of annual leave, and this continues to grow with continued service.
For caregivers who have been with the same employer for 12 years (with at least 10 years at that specific workplace), the entitlement increases to 25 days annually for a five-day work week.
When Can You Take Your Annual Leave?
Your employer is legally obligated to grant you annual leave before the end of each year, even if you haven’t specifically requested it. This protection exists because rest is considered a fundamental right, not a privilege.
It’s worth noting that these paid leave days do not include Greece’s public holidays, which are granted separately. Greece recognises 14 public holidays throughout the year, giving you additional time off beyond your annual leave entitlement.
Sick Leave: Protection When You’re Unwell
Falling ill is never planned, and the uncertainty around whether you’ll still receive your wages can add unnecessary stress during already difficult times. Fortunately, Greek law provides clear protections for caregivers who need time off due to illness.
Duration of Sick Leave Based on Service
The amount of sick leave you’re entitled to depends on how long you’ve been employed. According to Greece’s employment regulations:
- Up to 4 years of service: One month of sick leave
- 4 to 10 years of service: Three months of sick leave
- More than 10 years of service: Four months of sick leave
- More than 15 years of service: Six months of sick leave
How Sick Leave is Paid
Here’s how the payment structure works when you need to take sick leave:
First three days: Your employer pays at least 50% of your regular daily wage.
From the fourth day onwards: You receive sickness benefits from the Greek social security system (e-EFKA), provided you’ve worked at least 10 days before falling ill.
During the initial 30 days of sick leave, you’ll receive between 50% to 100% of your regular salary, with the specific percentage depending on various factors that the social security system calculates.
Important Requirements
To access paid sick leave, you must provide a valid medical certificate to your employer within 48 hours of falling ill. This documentation protects both you and your employer by providing official verification of your need for time off.
Additional Leave Entitlements for Caregivers
Beyond annual leave and sick leave, caregivers in Greece benefit from several other types of protected leave:
Carer’s Leave for Personal Situations
If you need to care for a sick family member, Greek law provides specific protections. According to employment regulations, you’re entitled to:
- Unpaid carer’s leave: Up to 30 days to care for a sick, injured, or hospitalised child
- Emergency family leave: Two days of paid leave per year (maximum twice annually) for urgent family matters requiring your immediate presence
Bereavement Leave
In the event of the death of a close family member, caregivers in Greece are entitled to two days of paid bereavement leave. This leave allows time to attend funeral rites and manage immediate family responsibilities. Proof of the family relationship may be required by the employer.
Marriage Leave
Caregivers who get married are entitled to five days of paid marriage leave under Greek labour law. This leave is provided in addition to annual leave and must be taken around the time of the wedding. Employers may request official documentation to approve the leave.
European Union Standards: Broader Protections
Greece’s caregiver protections align with EU standards established by the Work-Life Balance Directive (2019/1158), promoting equality and supporting workers with caring responsibilities.
Key EU Provisions
The Directive establishes minimum standards across EU member states:
Carer’s Leave: All workers receive at least 5 working days per year for caring for relatives with serious medical needs.
Flexible Working: Caregivers can request flexible arrangements, including reduced hours, flexible schedules, or remote work.
Protection from Discrimination: Workers cannot be dismissed or treated unfavourably for requesting family-related leave.
The EU’s work-life balance approach ensures caring responsibilities don’t force impossible choices between job and family.
What to Look for in Your Employment Contract
Your employment contract is the foundation of your working relationship, and understanding what it should contain is crucial for protecting your rights.
Essential Contract Elements Regarding Leave
When reviewing your contract, ensure these elements are clearly stated:
- Exact annual leave entitlement – The specific number of days based on your working schedule
- Sick leave provisions – How sick leave is calculated and paid
- Notice requirements – What documentation you need to provide for different types of leave
- Payment terms – Exact percentages and who pays (employer vs social security)
- Additional leave types – Any extra entitlements beyond the legal minimum
Red Flags to Watch For
Be cautious if a contract:
- Offers less than the legal minimum leave entitlements
- Contains vague language about leave policies
- Doesn’t mention sick leave provisions
- Lacks clear payment terms during leave periods
- Doesn’t specify how to request leave
Remember, verbal agreements aren’t sufficient—everything should be documented in writing. According to Greek employment law, whilst contracts can be oral, written contracts are far easier to enforce and provide better protection.
The Importance of Social Security Registration
Ensuring your employer properly registers you with Greek social security (e-EFKA) is critical. Registration enables sickness benefits from day four of illness, protects pension entitlements, provides healthcare access, and ensures occupational health coverage. Your employer must declare your contract to the Ministry of Labour via Ergani—ask for confirmation this has been completed.
Understanding the Cultural Context
Greek employers generally respect rest and family, viewing entitled leave as normal and necessary. Provide reasonable advance notice for annual leave, maintain professional communication, keep employers informed about illness, and maintain documentation of medical certificates and leave requests.
When Leave Rights Aren’t Respected
If your leave entitlements aren’t being respected, the Hellenic Labour Inspectorate accepts complaints about labour law violations. You can call 1555, submit online complaints, visit offices, or file anonymous complaints. Keep detailed records of employment terms, communications about leave, and rights violations.
How Grandmama Supports Your Journey
Understanding your rights is just the beginning. At Grandmama, we recognise that navigating employment contracts in a foreign country can feel like a lot to take in, especially when you’re dealing with legal terminology in another language.
That’s why we’re here to help at every step of your caregiving journey abroad.
Comprehensive Support from Grandmama
As India’s leading platform for caregivers seeking opportunities overseas, Grandmama India provides:
Pre-Employment Support:
- Detailed explanation of employment contracts before you sign
- Verification that your contract meets all legal requirements
- Guidance on what leave entitlements you should expect
- Three months of professional training to prepare you for your role
Ongoing Support:
- Assistance even after you’ve started your job abroad
- Advice if questions or concerns arise about your employment terms
- Connection to resources if you need support with labour law issues
- A community of fellow caregivers sharing their experiences
End-to-End Assistance: We don’t just help you find a job—we ensure you’re set up for success with a fair contract, proper understanding of your rights, and ongoing support throughout your employment.
Our team understands both Indian cultural perspectives and European employment standards, making us uniquely positioned to bridge any gaps in understanding and ensure you feel confident and protected in your new role.
Taking the Next Step
Your caregiver skills are valuable, and you deserve to work where your rights are respected. Understanding leave entitlements ensures a positive, sustainable experience abroad.
Paid annual leave and sick leave are fundamental rights protecting your wellbeing while you care for others. Whether exploring opportunities or securing a position, expert guidance makes all the difference.
Considering caregiving work in Greece and want to understand what you’re signing up for? Contact Grandmama India today and let our experienced team help you navigate your path to a rewarding career abroad with fair treatment and complete support.
FAQs On Paid Leave and Sick Leave for Caregivers
1. Do caregivers get paid leave and sick leave in their contract?
Yes, paid leave and sick leave for caregivers are legally protected in many European countries, including Greece. These entitlements must be clearly mentioned in your caregiver employment contract. If they’re missing or unclear, that’s something you should question before signing.
2. What does a typical caregiver paid leave policy include?
A standard caregiver paid leave policy usually covers annual paid leave, public holidays, and additional leave such as marriage or bereavement leave. The exact number of days depends on your work schedule and years of service, so always check the contract terms carefully.
3. What are the caregiver sick leave rules in Greece?
Caregiver sick leave rules in Greece depend on how long you’ve been employed. Sick leave can range from one month to up to six months, with partial salary paid by the employer initially and social security benefits covering longer periods—provided you’re properly registered.
4. Is paid time off for caregivers different from public holidays?
Yes, paid time off for caregivers is separate from public holidays. Annual paid leave is your personal entitlement, while public holidays are additional days off set by law. Both should be clearly listed under caregiver job benefits and leave in your contract.
5. What leave benefits should caregivers check in an employment contract?
Caregivers should always check annual leave days, sick leave rules, documentation requirements, and who pays during leave periods. These caregiver contract terms and conditions protect your rights and prevent misunderstandings once you start working.
6. How does Grandmama help caregivers understand paid leave and sick leave?
Grandmama India supports caregivers by reviewing contracts, explaining paid leave and sick leave for caregivers in simple terms, and ensuring legal requirements are met before you move abroad. Their guidance helps you start your caregiving job with clarity and peace of mind.