Can I have a second job?
Conditional: in the private sector yes; civil servants only with permission. In the private sector, under Law 5053/2023 (Art. 182), a general ban on parallel employment is void, and dismissal for taking a second job is also void. Restriction clauses are valid only for an objective reason (health/safety, confidentiality, conflict of interest/competition), while the duty of loyalty remains. Working-time limits count cumulatively: up to 48h/week (4-month average) and 11h minimum daily rest. Civil servants (Law 3528/2007, Art. 31) need prior permission from the service council and have incompatibilities (Art. 32). In short: private yes, public with permission.
📋 The rules
- Private: a general ban on a 2nd job is void (Law 5053/2023)
- Dismissal for a 2nd job: void
- 48h/week limit and 11h rest — counted cumulatively
- Civil servant: only with prior permission (Art. 31)
- The duty of loyalty to the employer remains
🔓 Exceptions
- Restriction clause: only for an objective reason (competition etc.)
- Civil servant: trade/company-management incompatibilities (Art. 32)
- Public-sector permission obtained later: doesn't cure the breach
⚠️ Penalties & fines
In the private sector, a dismissal or clause banning a second job is void; ERGANI/digital-work-card breaches cost the employer ~€10,500 per employee, while exceeding the 48h/rest limits exposes the employer to Labour Inspectorate fines. In the public sector, unauthorised private work is a disciplinary offence (Art. 107): from a reprimand to a fine of 12 months' salary, demotion or 3–12 months' suspension. Beware myths: Law 5053/2023 does not let civil servants freely moonlight (they stay under Law 3528/2007); and the "13-hour day" is a ceiling across two employers, not an obligation. To stay compliant: private — keep within hour limits and don't compete with your employer; civil servant — get permission first.
📎 Official sources
- Law 5053/2023 (Art. 182) — parallel employment →
- Law 3528/2007 (arts. 31–32) — Civil Servants' Code →
- Labour Inspectorate →
❓ Frequently asked
Can I have a second job in the private sector?
Yes. Under Law 5053/2023, a general contractual ban on parallel employment is void, as is dismissal for taking a second job. But you must keep within the working-time limits and not compete with or harm your main employer.
Is there a limit on hours?
Yes. The limits count cumulatively across both jobs: up to 48 hours a week on a four-month average, and a mandatory minimum daily rest of 11 hours. The so-called 13-hour day is a ceiling where there are two employers, not something that can be imposed on you.
Can a civil servant have a second job?
Only with prior permission. The Civil Servants' Code (Law 3528/2007, Art. 31) requires approval by the service council, under conditions. There are also incompatibilities (Art. 32), such as a ban on trade or managing commercial companies.
Does Law 5053/2023 also apply to civil servants?
Not in the same way. Civil servants remain under the Civil Servants' Code and need permission for parallel private work. It's a myth that the 2023 law lets them freely work a second job without approval.
What does a civil servant risk without permission?
Unauthorised private work is a disciplinary offence. Penalties scale from a reprimand to a fine equal to 12 months' salary, demotion or suspension of 3 to 12 months. Obtaining permission afterwards does not cure the breach.
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