The temporary transfer of workers within the European Union remains one of the main tools used by companies to execute international projects, provide cross-border services, or coordinate operations between different entities within the same corporate group.

However, intra-community worker mobility is subject to an increasingly demanding regulatory framework, particularly following the amendments introduced by European legislation on posted workers.

In Greece, the transposition of the EU legal framework in this area has been carried out through several presidential decrees establishing specific obligations for all European companies wishing to temporarily deploy workers to the country.

In this context, proper project planning is essential, as Greek labor authorities have progressively strengthened their control and inspection mechanisms regarding foreign companies providing services on their territory.

When is a worker considered to be posted to Greece?

Greek legislation on posted workers applies primarily in the following situations:

• Companies providing services in Greece under a contract with a local client;
• Intra-group transfers within the same corporate group;
• Assignments carried out by temporary employment agencies to entities established in Greece.

In all cases, an effective employment relationship between the home company and the posted worker must exist throughout the entire period of service abroad.

Main obligations for companies posting workers to Greece

Companies temporarily posting workers to Greece must ensure compliance with certain working conditions established by Greek law for the entire duration of the workers’ stay in the country. Among other obligations, companies must assess, and where applicable align with:

• The minimum wage conditions generally applicable in Greece;
• Collective agreements that may apply depending on the activity to be carried out in the country;
• Obligations regarding working hours and rest periods;
• Conditions relating to annual leave, equal treatment, and occupational health and safety;
• Administrative formalities and mandatory notifications to the designated labor authorities.

Additionally, one of the most sensitive aspects is that applicable obligations may vary significantly depending on the sector of activity, the specific duration of the service provision, and the type of project to be developed in Greece. For this reason, a pre-deployment analysis is key to minimizing risks and avoiding potential administrative penalties arising from labor or documentary non-compliance.

The importance of advance planning

In practice, many issues arise not from the impossibility of deploying workers, but from insufficient planning before the project begins. The absence of a preventive analysis can generate significant risks for companies, including:

• Penalties for labor non-compliance;
• Documentary deficiencies during inspections;
• Incorrect application of the collective agreement actually applicable to the activity performed.

Planning to post workers to Greece? Our support:

At Feliu N&I, we assist national and international companies in the planning and comprehensive management of temporary worker postings within the European Union.

Our multidisciplinary team, specialized in international mobility, corporate immigration, and international labor law, advises companies at every stage of the process:

• Prior feasibility analysis;
• Review of applicable labor obligations in Greece;
• Immigration planning;
• Document preparation and administrative compliance;
• Collective agreement analysis;
• Assessment of tax and social security risks.

We also continuously monitor regulatory developments and legislative changes affecting the international mobility of workers, enabling companies to operate with greater legal certainty and minimize risks during the execution of international projects.

For more information on the temporary posting of workers to Greece and obligations under posted worker regulations, our team is at your disposal.

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