Thousands of private-sector employees in Greece are set to see their pay rise in 2027, as the first three-year seniority milestone since wage increments were reinstated on January 1, 2024 comes due. The increments had been frozen for years following the financial crisis and the austerity measures imposed under the country’s bailout programs.
These seniority-based pay steps will begin gradually benefiting younger workers, translating into fresh increases in their base pay. The restored system applies to employees who complete three years of service after January 1, 2024, entitling those paid at the minimum wage to a 10% top-up.
In 2027, a wave of workers will hit that first three-year mark since the freeze was lifted. For instance, an employee with no previously recognized service history who reaches three years on the job in 2027 would qualify for the first increment. Based on today’s minimum wage of 920 euros, that would translate into a salary of 1,012 euros — though this figure doesn’t yet account for future adjustments to the minimum wage itself.
The final amount workers actually receive will hinge on how much the minimum wage rises when the next adjustment takes effect on April 1, 2027. The government’s stated target is to bring the minimum wage close to 960 euros, up from 920 eureos today. Under that scenario, the first seniority increment would push base pay to 1,056 euros.
Meanwhile, workers who already had recognized service prior to February 14, 2012 continue, following the reinstatement, to accumulate time toward their next wage increments. Under the relevant law, employees are entitled to a 10% increase for each three-year period, up to a maximum of three such periods — a total possible increase of 30%.
