A significant decline in unemployment was recorded in May 2026, as the number of registered unemployed in the registries of the Public Employment Service (DYPA) fell to 660,682 people. The figure dropped by 80,324 people, or 10.8%, compared to May 2025, and by 76,943 people, or 10.4%, compared to April 2026.
According to registered unemployment statistics, this marks a historic low in the number of registered unemployed for the month of May 2026. As noted in an official announcement, the year-on-year comparison highlights the scale of the current decline. May 2026 recorded the most significant annual drop in recent years, bringing the total number to a historic low of 660,682 people (a percentage change of -10.8%). Of the total 660,682 people, 373,042 (56.5%) have been registered with DYPA for a period of 12 months or more, while 287,640 (43.5%) have been registered for less than 12 months.
Unemployed: 218,698 men and 441,984 women — how the numbers break down
Men accounted for 218,698 people (33.1%) and women for 441,984 people (66.9%). The 30–44 age group recorded the highest number of registered unemployed among all age categories, totalling 185,722 people (28.1%).
Secondary education — including post-secondary education — accounted for the largest share of registered unemployed by education level, totalling 315,685 people (47.8%).
Among the country’s regions, Attica and Central Macedonia recorded the highest numbers of registered unemployed, at 226,352 people (34.3%) and 134,219 people (20.3%) respectively.
The total number of benefit-receiving unemployed for May 2026 — referring to the number of eligible recipients who were paid during the corresponding month — reached 110,856 people. Of these, 94,560 (85.3%) were regular unemployed and other categories of benefit recipients, while 16,296 (14.7%) were seasonal workers in the tourism sector.
Specifically, the number of benefit-receiving unemployed in May 2026 stood at 110,856 people, representing a decrease of 15,877 people (-12.5%) compared to the same month of the previous year, May 2025, and a decrease of 51,626 people (-31.8%) compared to the previous month, April 2026.
Men accounted for 47,413 (42.8%) and women for 63,443 (57.2%).
Of the total benefit-receiving unemployed, 90,876 (82%) were regular unemployed, 1,939 (1.7%) were construction workers, 16,296 (14.7%) were seasonal workers in tourism, 1,392 (1.3%) were other seasonal workers (agricultural), 285 (0.3%) were educators, and 68 (0.1%) were other benefit recipients.
