2026 brings radical changes to the wages of hundreds of thousands of Greek workers. The minimum wage is expected to increase significantly from April 1st, reaching €920 gross, compared to today’s €880. The planned increase of €40 is part of the government’s plan to boost incomes and achieve the target of €950 by 2027.
New minimum wage and net earnings
With the proposed increase to €920, workers will receive net earnings of approximately €779 per month. Although there is an alternative proposal for a wage of €911, indications converge towards adopting the higher amount. This decision will positively affect not only those earning minimum wage, but also those with secured seniority.
Additional beneficiaries of the wage increase
The minimum wage adjustment extends to workers with work experience. Specifically, based on €920, wages are structured as follows:
- Workers with one three-year period of service: €1,016
- Workers with two three-year periods: €1,117
- Workers with three three-year periods: €1,230
This represents substantial support for thousands of workers who faced wage stagnation for several years.
Salary increases in the public sector
Alongside the private sector, significant improvements are planned for public employees. The starting salary in the public sector is expected to increase by €35 to €50 from April 2026, reaching the range of €915 to €930. The increase will be applied horizontally across all salary scales, strengthening basic wages in the public sector overall.
Tax exemptions for young workers
From January 1st, 2026, a drastic reduction in tax withholding for young people comes into effect. Workers up to 25 years old will be completely exempt from income tax, while for ages 26 to 30, the tax rate is reduced to 9% from today’s 22%. This intervention is expected to significantly increase young workers’ net income, boosting their purchasing power.
