Minor employment refers to the work done by individuals under 18. While minors are allowed to work in many countries, Greek law sets strict limits and conditions for the employment of minors to ensure that minors are not exploited or exposed to harmful conditions. Below, you can find information on your rights according to the Greek law.
Protection of minors' health and development
- Minors under 18 are prohibited from engaging in work or activities that may endanger their health or hinder their development. This includes:
- Unhealthy environment: Exposure to hazardous substances, high temperatures, noise, or vibrations.
- Long hours and night shifts: Prolonged or night work can expose them to risks like physical or psychological exploitation.
- Dangerous equipment and manual labor: Using heavy tools or machinery and lifting heavy loads are prohibited.
- Work in hazardous environments, such as underground, underwater, or at high altitudes.
Age limits and Working hours
- Aged Under 15: Minors who have not reached the age of 15 are prohibited from being employed (with exceptions for artistic or similar activities, such as performances or advertising, which are limited to 2 to 5 hours per day, depending on the age).
- Aged 15-16: Minors aged 15 years and those under 16, as well as minors attending junior high, high school, or any public or private technical or vocational school recognized by the state, are allowed to work up to 6 hours a day and 30 hours a week.
- Aged 16-18: Minors aged 16-18 are allowed to work up to 8 hours a day and 40 hours a week, always respecting the necessary guarantees.
Breaks and Overtime
- All minors are entitled to a 12-hour daily rest and two days off per week, one of which must be Sunday.
- Additionally, if they work more than 4.5 hours, they are entitled to a 30-minute break.
- Overtime for minors is prohibited.
- Minors are not allowed to work in bars or entertainment venues.
- Night work (between 22:00 and 06:00) is strictly prohibited.
- Employers who have been convicted of crimes against sexual freedom, exploitation, or drug-related offences are not allowed to employ minors.
Education is a priority
Minor workers who are also students are entitled to unpaid leave for their exams. They receive two consecutive or split days of leave for each exam day, which must be documented with proof of attendance. This leave cannot be less than 14 days, with wages paid by DYPA (the Greek Manpower Employment Organization). The daily work of minor students should start or end at least two hours after the end or before the beginning of their classes.
Salary
Minor workers are paid based on the minimum wage set by the general collective labor agreement, proportional to their working hours.
Access to the labor market for Unaccompanied Minors
In addition to the above conditions, unaccompanied minors must have the following documents:
- A valid temporary or permanent residence permit in Greece.
- In case you are an asylum seeker or beneficiary of international protection, you must hold an active asylum seeker card, a valid residence permit, or proof of application for a residence permit.
- Asylum seekers can access the labor market 60 days after submitting their international protection application.
- Social Security Number PAAYPA or AMKA.
- A Tax Identification Number (AFM).
- Work permit for minors.
How to issue a Minor Work Permit?
For minors aged 15 to 18, a work permit is a mandatory requirement, except for employment in cultural and related activities, which require a special permit. The process of obtaining a work permit is as follows:
- The employer signs a declaration stating the minor's job title and duties and that they will not engage in hazardous work.
- The minor applies to the relevant Labor Inspectorate (SEPE) department to issue the work permit, granted after the necessary medical examinations and certification that the work poses no risk to the minor's health or development.
- The minor's work permit is valid only for the specific job stated in the employer's declaration.
Support program for Unaccompanied Minors - Guardianship Council for Unaccompanied Minors (SEAA)
An unaccompanied minor is a minor who arrives in Greece without being accompanied by someone exercising parental care or custody under Greek law or by an adult relative who effectively takes care of them.
If an unaccompanied minor over 15 years old who is under the National Guardianship System for Unaccompanied Minors wishes to work, they must submit a request to the Council for a work permit so the guardian can consent to the minor entering into an employment contract.
Once all requirements are met, an unaccompanied minor over 15 can work, allowing the guardian to provide general consent for the minor to enter into an employment contract or practice a profession. The minor can carry out legal actions related to their job independently. For example, they can terminate their employment contract or request changes to their working conditions. The minor can represent themselves in court if there are disputes, such as unpaid wages. However, it is advisable to have the support of a guardian, who can provide legal assistance and ensure that a lawyer represents the minor. If the minor chooses to work as a freelancer, the guardian will handle the necessary legal actions. The minor also has the right to open a bank account for salary payments.
If you want to know more about working in Greece, check the articles here.
Knowing your working rights is very important! Check these resources to learn more, even if you are not under 18.
If you are a minor and have questions about your rights, need help with a specific procedure, or feel your employer is violating your rights, please message us.