Greece’s annual Christmas bonus, a mandatory payment for employees under dependent employment, will be issued earlier than usual this year. The official deadline, 21 December, falls on a Sunday in 2025, meaning employers must complete payments before that date to avoid delays or penalties.
The bonus corresponds to one full monthly salary for employees paid monthly, or 25 daily wages for those compensated by the day. The calculation is based on earnings as of 10 December, or the final day of employment for those whose contracts ended earlier.
How the Bonus Is Calculated
The reference period runs from 1 May to 31 December.
- Employees who worked continuously throughout this period receive the full amount.
- Those who worked fewer days receive a proportional payment, equal to 2/25 of monthly wages or two daily wages for every 19 days of employment. Paid leave—such as annual leave, maternity leave, and study leave—is counted toward this period. For sick leave, the first three unpaid days are included, while days covered by sickness benefits are excluded. Part-time workers receive the bonus based on their reduced hours and pay.
Higher Bonus for Unemployed Recipients
This year, unemployed beneficiaries will receive an increased Christmas bonus due to the rise in Greece’s minimum wage from €830 to €880 gross. As a result, the maximum bonus rises to €540, up from €509.75 the previous year.
The bonus is calculated based on the fixed portion of Greece’s new pilot unemployment benefit, which decreases gradually each quarter (from 70% to 40% of the minimum daily wage). The pilot scheme can reach up to €1,295, but only its stable component counts toward the Christmas bonus.
Automatic Payment Between 15–19 December
Greece’s public employment service will deposit the bonus automatically into bank accounts with no action required from beneficiaries. Payments are expected between 15 and 19 December, earlier than last year since 20 December falls on a Saturday.
Recipients can check payment details on the agency’s website or through its mobile app.
Who Is Not Eligible
The bonus will not be issued to:
- Long-term unemployed individuals
- Anyone who received unemployment benefits for less than one month
Authorities also advise beneficiaries to ensure their bank information and benefit records are accurate to avoid processing delays.
