New employment subsidy program in Epirus: up to €2,000/month for hiring highly qualified unemployed individuals

🧑‍💼 The "Employing in Epirus" action supports Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) with the creation of new jobs (NJE) by subsidizing the full salary and employer contributions for a period of 18 months. After this period, the business is required to retain the new hire for an additional 4 months.

🔍 This is a pre-announcement, and companies are advised to prepare in time before the official call opens.

📌 The action is funded under the "Epirus 2021–2027" program and the European Social Fund+ (ESF+), with a total budget of €3,500,000.

🎯 What is funded?

• Creation of new jobs

• Full salary and social security contributions (18 months)

• Christmas, Easter & holiday bonuses

• Indirect costs: +5% of total eligible direct wage costs

💶 Subsidy per month, depending on education level:

✅ The subsidy covers 100% of the eligible costs unless the actual wage exceeds the cap, in which case the difference is covered by the business.

👥 Who can apply?

Eligible applicants are SMEs operating in strategic sectors of the Epirus Region:

• 1–3 FTEs → eligible for 1 new job

• 4–9 FTEs → up to 2 new jobs

• 10–19 FTEs → up to 3 new jobs

• 20+ FTEs → up to 4 new jobs

📍 Two sub-actions:

4B.a.1a – OHE Strategic Plan Targeting businesses in: Konitsa, Northern & Central Tzoumerka, Souli (Acheron area)

4B.a.2a – Regional RIS3 Priority Sectors Including: Materials & Industry • Tourism & Culture • Agri-food • Environment • Life Sciences & Health • Sustainable Energy • Digital Technologies

📝 Application Process

• Applications open upon official call publication

• Evaluation follows First-In-First-Out (FiFo) order

🤝 Η AFS αναλαμβάνει την αίτησή σας

The AFS team supports your business at all stages:

✔️ Eligibility check ✔️ Application file preparation ✔️ Documentation and submission ✔️ Wage subsidy guidance ✔️ Full support throughout implementation

📩 Contact us to get started and prepare ahead of time!