By Vangelis Dourakis

“Inflated” will be the amount of the leave allowance for those who receive the minimum earnings after their adjustment last April. Those who start their summer vacations should also receive the allowance, and their salary will normally be paid for the lack of time. Of course, only employees in the private sector have the right to leave the license allowance after its abolition for state employees.

Anyone who is paid for a monthly salary is entitled to half of the monthly amount as a license allowance. For those who are paid wage, percentages or otherwise, the limit is 13 days’ earnings.

How is the license allowance calculated

Those who receive the minimum earnings will receive increased allowance compared to last year: Specifically, as of April 1, 2025, the minimum wage increased to € 880 gross, compared to the 830 euros previously in force.

Consequently, the amount of the leave allowance increased to EUR 458 from € 432 gross which was the previous amount. The “net” amount rises to 388 euros from 365 euros that was before the minimum remuneration was adjusted.

According to the current legal framework, the summer allowance must be paid before the start of the license. When the employee applies, the employer must grant the permit within two months, while paying the appropriate allowance. If the employer fails to grant the license within the planned period, then the employee shall be entitled to double earnings with the closure of the calendar year. However, in this case the license allowance, which remains the same, does not increase.

Those who are registered with DBA and receive a regular unemployment benefit in accordance with the relevant provisions are not entitled to a license allowance. The allowance concerns exclusively employees who are in an active employment relationship.

Employees can calculate the amount they are entitled to through on -line application of the KEPEA on its website.

How many days of leave is each employee entitled

The annual license is based on the calendar year. From the first year of employment, the employee is entitled to an annual permit ratio, regardless of whether he works five days or six days, without the need for minimum service to the same employer.

  • In the first year of employment, the license is calculated proportionally on the basis of 20 days for five days and 24 days for six -day work.
  • In the second year, the employee is entitled to 21 days (five days) or 25 days (six days).
  • From the third year onwards, 22 or 26 days are foreseen, respectively.
  • With 10 years in the same employer or 12 years of service, the license takes 25 days (five days) or 30 (six days).
  • From 25 years or more, an additional day of leave is added.

The annual license does not include Sundays, formal and custom holidays, days of illness or special licenses (eg marriage or maternity) coinciding with normal license.