What Employers Need to Know About the Latest Changes
Greece continues to expand the implementation of the Digital Work Card system, introducing new compliance requirements for businesses across multiple sectors.
Under the latest Ministerial Decision, the list of economic activities covered by the Digital Work Card has been updated to align with the new NACE/KAD 2025 classification system, while four additional business sectors are now required to join the scheme.
For employers, HR departments, and payroll professionals, these changes highlight the growing importance of workforce monitoring, time-tracking compliance, and accurate payroll management.
Which Business Sectors Are Being Added?
As of June 2, 2026, the Digital Work Card system becomes mandatory for businesses whose primary activity falls within the following sectors:
📡Telecommunications and Information Services
Companies operating in telecommunications and information-related services will now be required to implement the Digital Work Card system.
🏢 Administrative and Support Services
Businesses providing administrative, operational, and support services will also be brought under the framework.
🏥Human Health and Social Care Activities
Healthcare providers, medical facilities, and organizations involved in social care services will be required to comply with the new regulations.
🛠️Other Service Activities
Additional service-based businesses, as defined under the updated activity classifications, will also be included in the expansion.
The Most Important Change for Employers
One of the most significant updates concerns the scope of implementation.
Previously, some businesses assumed that only specific departments or activities were required to comply with the Digital Work Card framework.
Under the new rules, if a company's primary business activity code (KAD) falls within a sector covered by the Digital Work Card, the obligation extends to all employees working on-site, regardless of whether certain activities or branches were previously exempt.
In practical terms,
a covered primary activity may now bring the entire workforce under the Digital Work Card system.
When Do Compliance Checks and Penalties Begin?
While mandatory implementation starts on June 2, 2026,
administrative penalties related to the newly added sectors will begin to apply from October 12, 2026.
This transition period gives businesses additional time to review their internal procedures, update workforce management systems, and ensure full compliance before enforcement measures take effect.
Are There Any Exceptions?
Yes.
Businesses whose primary activity code is not included in the Digital Work Card framework remain exempt, even if they operate secondary activities or branches that fall within covered sectors.
Exceptions may also apply where the registered primary activity does not generate actual economic activity and the company's principal business operations derive from a different activity classification. Employers should carefully assess their business structure and activity codes to determine whether they fall within the scope of the new requirements.
What Should Businesses Do Now?
To prepare for the upcoming changes, employers should review:
✔ Their registered primary business activity code (KAD)
✔ Whether their business falls within the newly covered sectors
✔ Existing workforce time-tracking processes
✔ Compliance with the ERGANI II digital employment platform
✔ Internal payroll and attendance management procedures
Taking action early can help businesses avoid operational disruptions, compliance issues, and potential penalties.
Why the Digital Work Card Matters for Payroll
The Digital Work Card is far more than a time-tracking tool.
It directly affects payroll accuracy, working time monitoring, overtime management, leave administration, and overall compliance with Greek labour legislation.
As workforce regulations continue to evolve, businesses need reliable payroll processes and expert support to ensure accurate reporting and full compliance with legal requirements.
AFS #mazimegalonoume: Supporting Businesses with Payroll and Labour Compliance
Keeping up with employment legislation can be challenging, particularly as new digital compliance requirements continue to emerge.
At AFS #mazimegalonoume, we support businesses with comprehensive Payroll, Employment Compliance, Labour Law, and Workforce Administration Services, helping employers stay compliant while focusing on their growth.
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Contact AFS #mazimegalonoume today and make sure your business is fully prepared for the next phase of Digital Work Card implementation.
