Can a minor work?
Conditional: from 15 with a booklet and limits; under 15 generally no. The minimum working age is 15 (Law 1837/1989, Law 3850/2010); a "minor" is under 18. A youth work booklet, issued by the Labour Inspectorate with a medical certificate and revalidated yearly, is mandatory. Hours: 15–16 (or any student) up to 6h/day, 30h/week; over 16 up to 8h/day, 40h/week; no overtime. Night work 22:00–06:00 is banned, with 12h daily rest and two consecutive rest days. Heavy/dangerous work is banned. In short: yes from 15 with a booklet and limits.
📋 The rules
- Minimum working age: 15
- Mandatory youth work booklet (yearly revalidation)
- 15–16: 6h/day, 30h/week; >16: 8/40
- No overtime; night work 22:00–06:00 banned
- Ban on heavy/dangerous work
🔓 Exceptions
- Artistic work (theatre/TV/modelling): under 15 with a special permit
- Light work/family business: narrow forms
- Banned: unhealthy/dangerous work (Art. 65)
⚠️ Penalties & fines
Breaching the youth-employment rules brings the employer an administrative fine, typically €3,000–€4,000 (higher for serious breaches), and criminal liability (Penal Code Art. 458). Beware a myth: "you must be 18 to work in Greece" — wrong, the threshold is 15 (with a booklet). To stay compliant as an employer: obtain/check the youth work booklet, keep to the hour limits (no overtime, no 22:00–06:00 night work), ensure rest and days off, and don't assign heavy/dangerous work. As a minor/parent: make sure there's a booklet, a contract and respect for the hours.
📎 Official sources
- Law 3850/2010 (Art. 65) — health & safety →
- Labour Inspectorate — youth employment →
- Law 1837/1989 — protection of minors →
❓ Frequently asked
From what age can someone work?
The minimum working age in Greece is 15. Under 15, work is generally banned, except for artistic work under a special permit. It's a myth that you must be 18 to work; from 15 it's allowed, with a booklet and limits.
What is the youth work booklet?
It's a mandatory document for every worker under 18, issued by the Labour Inspectorate with a medical fitness certificate. It's revalidated yearly. Without it, an employer can't lawfully employ a minor and risks a fine.
How many hours can a minor work?
Minors aged 15–16, or those in school, can work up to 6 hours a day and 30 a week. Those over 16 up to 8 hours a day and 40 a week. Overtime isn't allowed, and 12 hours' daily rest and two consecutive days off are required.
Can a minor work at night?
No. Night work for minors from 22:00 to 06:00 is banned. Assigning heavy, dangerous or unhealthy work is also banned. These rules protect the health, safety and education of minor workers.
What fine does the employer risk?
Breaching the youth-employment rules brings an administrative fine, typically around €3,000–€4,000, higher for serious breaches, plus criminal liability. Employing without a booklet or in breach of the hours is checked by the Labour Inspectorate.
🔎 Common searches
What people search to land here:
- “youth employment age 15”
- “youth work booklet”
- “minor working hours”
- “minor night work ban”
- “work age 15 law”
- “fine employing minor”