A 300-euro equalization allowance in the public sector instead of “personal differential”, extension of arrangements for loans in Swiss francs, increase in the exemption threshold, transitional period for hybrid cars provided for in omnibus bill submitted to the Parliament.
With a host of changes, taking into account the comments of stakeholders and citizens during the public consultation phase, the omnibus bill on “Measures to address the energy crisis and boost citizens’ disposable income, wage and tax provisions, regulations for the out-of-court debt settlement mechanism, public sector pension regulations, regulations for the Gaming Supervision and Control Commission and improvement of the gaming framework, provisions regarding the Public Real Estate Company S.A. and other provisions”.
As announced by theMinistry of National Economy and Finance, the bill has been enriched with two improvements and five new additions.
Specifically, the new provisions provide for:
1) Regarding the registration fee for hybrid vehicles
It is extended for six months, until 1/1/2027, the eligibility of hybrid electric vehicles for a uniform 50% reduction in registration fees, regardless of carbon dioxide (CO₂). The previous system of emission-based discount rates is abolished.
At the same time, hybrid electric vehicles with carbon dioxide emissions of 75 g /km, imported between November 1, 2025 and May 31, 2026, and have not yet been registered, are exempt from 75% of the registration fees.
2) For private vehicles
A new provision taking effect on July 1, 2026, provides for the rectification of wage disparities due to personal differences among public servants.
Under the new measure, in public sector entities where the majority of employees had a personal difference – due to the extensions granted successively in 2018 and 2023 – salaries are being balanced by replacing the personal allowance up to the amount of 300 euros with regular pay of 300 euros.
Approximately 1,500 employees out of the roughly 7,000 civil servants at specific agencies (mainly ministries and independent or judicial authorities) who were either hired after March 2023 or whose personal salary difference had fallen below this amount. Thus —as stated in the announcement—balance is restored to civil servants’ salaries within the agencies themselves, resolving a problem that has persisted since 2011.
3) Regarding the exemption from seizure of a specific benefit provided by the Ministry of Education for students with hearing impairments
A provision is added to the bill to fill a legal loophole and correct a social injustice regarding a specific benefit provided by the Ministry of Education for students withhearing impairments.
The new regulation stipulates that this specific benefit provided by the Ministry of Education for the supply of hearing aids to students with hearing impairments is non-transferable, unseizable, not subject to attachment, and not offset against debts owed to the State, social security agencies, first- and second-level local authorities, or financial institutions of any kind.
4) For loans in Swiss francs – Extension
The the Swiss franc borrower protection program, with the aim of giving more borrowers the opportunity to convert their loans to euros.
The Ministry of Economy and Finance aims, on the one hand, to permanently resolve these loans, putting an end to the uncertainty caused by exchange rate fluctuations, and indeed with a fixed interest rate and fixed monthly payments.
It is noted that to date, approximately 50% of borrowers have initiated their enrollment in this program.
5) Regarding the increase in the exemption limit to 1,600 euros
The exemption limit for bank accounts is being raised to 1,600 euros for all debts owed to the government and banks.
6) Regarding the new tax regime for the management of alternative investments
A targeted tax framework is being established to attract to Greece individuals who manage alternative investment funds (hedge funds, private equity, AIFs).
This is a significant opportunity for the country, which aims to create an alternative investment management hub based in Athens, by attracting highly specialized talent from the Middle East and Asia, as well as from London and other European capitals.
Moreover, an entire ecosystem of support services—legal, auditing, tax, banking, custodial, advisory, and technological—which in turn creates new jobs.
Foreign investment firms (based in the European Union and third countries under specific conditions) continue to be taxed where they are established.
The new framework ensures that if some executives move to Athens or if an office is established here to provide services to the Fund Manager, it is not automatically considered that the tax residence of the Manager, the investment organization, or the unit holders is “transferred” to Greece, nor does it create a permanent establishment of the aforementioned persons in Greece.
As emphasized in the Ministry’s announcement, this is not an “exemption”: the foreign group is taxed abroad in any case, while whatever is generated in Greece (service offices, salaries) is fully taxed here. This avoids double taxation and provides the legal certainty that foreign managers need to choose Athens.
Conversely, full taxation of all economic activity in Greece is provided for. The Greek government will collect all taxes as usual. Specifically:
•Service offices established in Greece to provide services to affiliated companies/managers are fully taxed at the standard corporate tax rate.
•All employees are fully taxed on their salaries and pay the required contributions, receiving the benefits and rights provided by Greek labor and social security laws.
•Corporate tax and VAT are paid as required.
Those who henceforth transfer their tax residence to Greece, falling under the status of incoming workers under Article 5C of the Income Tax Code, with a time limit of 7 years and provided they are employed by a Greek entity with operating expenses of at least 3 million euros per year, will be subject to a 5% tax rate exclusively on the additional performance fees (carried interest / performance fees) of management executives.
7) Regarding the mandatory quarterly reporting to the AADE for online betting companies
Under another provision, the Hellenic Gaming Commission (HGC) will compile and submit to the AADE every quarter all necessary data derived from the software server (server) or data security (safe) that betting companies—which have received an official license from the EEP for online gambling and betting—are required to maintain.
This enhances the transparency of this market’s operations and ensures the effectiveness of the AADE’s oversight mechanisms. By utilizing this data, the AADE gains a reliable and verifiable audit tool for accurately determining the amounts owed to the State, as well as for cross-checking the accuracy of thepayments made by license holders.
What the bill provides for
The bill’s key provisions include all new support measures for disposable income, private debt, and housing. Furthermore, the bill constitutes a comprehensive legislative framework for the prevention, detection, and combating of illegal gambling.
In this context:
• The role and responsibilities of the Gaming Supervision and Control Commission (E.E.E.P.) is being strengthened so that it can immediately remove illegal online content by identifying involved accounts and websites.
• The Gaming Auditors Corps is being upgraded, with its members being granted the authority of special investigative officers to investigate criminal offenses related to the gambling market.
• Immediate closure of establishments for up to one year, as well as revocation of operating licenses by municipalities, is provided for establishments where illegal gambling takes place.
• Strict administrative and criminal penalties are established for violators, as well as prison sentences for those who obstruct inspections.
More specifically, the provisions stipulate:
1) A supplementary budget of 800 million euros and support measures to address the energy crisis
The same bill includes the supplementary budget, as well as additional support measures totaling 800 million euros.
The measures concern:
• boosting disposable income,
• supporting families with children and vulnerable social groups,
• addressing the housing problem through supply-side measures,
• as well as managing private debt.
Specifically, the following are provided for:
– Provisions for the out-of-court mechanism and private debt
• The Out-of-Court Debt Settlement Mechanism is being expanded, as the minimum debt threshold is reduced to 5,000 euros, from 10,000 euros today.
• For the first time, the option to repay and save one’s primary residence through the liquidation of other properties is provided under the out-of-court mechanism.
• The option to settle debts in up to 72 installments is established for debts that had not been settled by the end of 2023.
• The option to lift a bank account garnishment is provided, provided the debtor pays off 25% of their debt and settles the remaining confirmed debts with the tax authorities.
– Measures to address the energy crisis and support farmers
• A new procedure is established for exemption from excise tax on agricultural diesel, with a direct discount at the pump via a special digital platform of the Independent Authority for Public Revenue (AADE).
• The application of the special GAIA Tariff is set to be extended to new farmers so they can benefit from lower electricity costs.
– Assistance for families, retirees, and vulnerable groups
• Emergency financial assistance is being established for families with children, amounting to 150 euros for each dependent child, with expanded income criteria.
• The allowance paid every November to retirees and vulnerable social groups is increased to 300 euros, from 250 euros today, the allowance paid every November to retirees and vulnerable social groups, while income eligibility criteria are being expanded, resulting in an increase in the number of beneficiaries.
• At the same time, those receiving only a widow’s pension will be eligible for the €300 benefit starting at age 60, instead of 65.
– Housing measures:
• Rent reimbursement: The income limits for rent reimbursement are being expanded, resulting in coverage for 85% of tenants.
• Teachers, doctors, and nurses serving in the Greek provinces are eligible for a refund of two months’ rent, with no income-related restrictions.
• Short-term rentals (Airbnb): The issuance of new permits for properties located in the First Municipal Community of the Municipality of Thessaloniki is prohibited.
• A new “Build-to-Rent” program is established, which provides tax incentives for private investment in the housing sector.
2) Wage adjustments
• The issue of determining the wage scale for permanent employees—formerly private-sector employees with indefinite-term contracts— civil servants who, upon becoming permanent employees, retained the social security status of the former IKA and have submitted a retirement application.
• The issue of extending the personal allowance for new employees in agencies where the personal allowance had been extended until March 2023 is resolved.
• The salary system for staff of the Presidency of the Government is unified and streamlined in accordance with the single pay scale, and employees of the General Secretariat for Coordinationand the General Secretariat for Legal and Parliamentary Affairs of the Presidency of the Government to receive the salary increments provided for in Law 4622/2019, subject to meeting the relevant requirements and completing the necessary training.
• For the staff of the Presidency of the Republic, the application of Article 12 of Presidential Decree 351/1991 is reinstated.
• After approximately a decade, the salary regime for Archbishops of the Church of Greece is being redefined, with the unification of salaries and the abolition of additional benefits.
• In accordance with established case law, the issue of salary progression for judicial officials is resolved, who, although they have completed the time required by law for promotion to the next grade in their respective branch, are not promoted due to a lack of vacancies.
• The entry-level pay scale for judicial employees in the Documentation and Judicial Support Branch is redefined.
• Regulations from the Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport are introduced regarding compensation for Air Traffic Controllers in cases of childbirth or postpartum leave, the determination of special compensation, compensation for loss of specialty, and compensation due to death.
3) Strengthening of the Gaming Supervision and Control Commission (E.E.E.P.)
• Creation of new permanent positions and regulations regarding personnel matters. Specifically, the total number of permanent positions at the Commission is increasing from 80 today to 110. Of these, 70 positions are for administrative staff and the remaining 40 are for specialized scientific staff with expertise in gaming.
• Possibility of staff transfer to the Hellenic Gaming Commission (E.E.E.P.), following a relevant application and evaluation by a five-member Committee.
• Provisions regarding the Committee’s operation, operating regulations, and regulatory powers.
• Following the consent of the E.E.E.P., the national strategy for responsible gaming is formulated. The Authority is empowered to enter into contracts for supplies and services—such as studies, research, and initiatives—as part of its supervisory role in combating illegal gambling and addressing addiction.
Measures to control illegal online activity
• Compilation of a list of unlicensed gambling providers (“blacklist”), blocking of access, and domain name monitoring.
• Regulation regarding seized player funds, addressing the issue of the freezing or seizure of player accounts by the Independent Authority for Public Revenue (IAPR).
– Administrative sanctions and controls:
• Imposition of administrative sanctions on internet service providers and advertisers associated with the illegal organization and operation of gambling.
• Imposition of a fixed fine ranging from 1,000 to 2,000,000 euros per violation or per gaming machine, depending on the severity and frequency of the violation.
• Temporary revocation of a license for up to three months or permanent revocation, depending on the severity and frequency of the violation.
• Those who illegally advertise gambling through online channels—such as influencers, streamers, digital ad networks, affiliates, and advertisers—are subject to a fine of 5,000 to 50,000 euros per violation.
– Criminal penalties:
• For illegal non-gambling games, the penalty is imprisonment for at least three years and a fine ranging from 10,000 to 500,000 euros. To date, the fine in such cases ranged from 100,000 to 200,000 euros per gaming machine or from 200,000 to 500,000 euros for online operations.
• Illegal gambling is punishable by imprisonment for at least ten years and a fine ranging from 50,000 to 700,000 euros. Currently, the applicable regime provides for a fine of 700,000 euros and a prison sentence of ten years.
• If the organization of illegal gambling is carried out professionally, on a commercial scale, with the participation of underage players, or in an establishment that reopens after a seal has been broken, the penalty is imprisonment for at least ten years and a fine ranging from 100,000 to 800,000 euros. Currently, no such escalation is provided for.
• The prison sentence for those who organize games of chance without the required licenses and/or certifications is set at a minimum of one year and is accompanied by a fine. If the games organized are games of chance, imprisonment of at least two years and a fine are prescribed.
• Anyone who participates in a game of chance organized without a license is punishable by imprisonment for up to two years and a fine, which in the case of a repeat offense increases from 5,000 to 20,000 euros.
– Investigative powers:
• Investigative powers are granted to the Gaming Control Board.
Taxation of winnings
• Taxation on the winnings of online casino-style gambling players is increased.
Pension provisions for public sector retirees who died in service and related categories
A series of provisions in the bill resolves issues regarding pension adjustments following the implementation of new salary laws for military personnel and those legallythose falling under the jurisdiction of the General Accounting Office, such as those who died in service or persons receiving the relevant pension due to death, as well as war pensioners and other categories.
4) Other measures
• The proposed provisions update the legislative framework governing the foreshore and beaches, with the primary aim of protecting their public character, ensuring the rational use of public property, and creating conditions for the balanced and sustainable development of business activity. In this context, targeted technical improvements are being introduced to ensure more effective implementation of the framework; these relate to the composition of the committees responsible for defining the boundaries of the foreshore, beach, and riverbank boundaries, and the remote detection of violations using modern technological means. Furthermore, regulations are introduced to relieve the burden on the Land Registry Services, faster service for businesses operating in coastal zones, and a smoother transition for these businesses to the new institutional framework. Finally, provisions with a strong social focus are introduced to support the development of business activities in areas affected by severe weather “Daniel,” in order to protect the economic viability of these businesses.
• Practical issues that have arisen during the implementation to date of the procedure for granting and refunding advances to electricity suppliers as well as the process for the settlement of bills by General Government entities, while a provision is introduced regarding how the Ministry of National Economy and Finance will henceforth settle outstanding electricity bills of entities not belonging to the Central Administration, following confirmation of the debts to the tax authority, with the aim of reducing overdue debts.
