Greek Labor Ministry Offers Free Insurance to Long‑Term Unemployed

A new provision in Greek labour law (article 67 of Law 5239/2025) allows long‑term unemployed workers to receive free social‑insurance contributions for up to five years before they reach retirement age. The contributions are paid by the Public Employment Service (ΔΥΠΑ) rather than by the individuals, ensuring that their insurance record continues without personal cost.

The amendment removes the previous fixed age thresholds – previously 60 for men and 55 for women, later adjusted to 62/57 – and instead makes eligibility depend on being within five years of the statutory retirement age for each insured category. The optional insurance scheme, in place since 2000 under an employer‑employee agreement, is now guided by a circular issued by e‑EFKA that details the implementation procedures.