The Greek pension system for the self-employed: e-EFKA, contribution categories, supplementary pension, TAA and optimization strategies.
67
Legal retirement age (62 with 40 years of contributions)
~20%
Total contributions (main + supplementary + lump sum)
6
Contribution categories (EUR 220 to 566/month)
~EUR 413/mo
Minimum national pension (20+ years)
In Greece, self-employed workers (eleftheri epangelmatias) make mandatory contributions through e-EFKA (formerly OAEE), the unified social security body since the Katrougalos reform of 2016-2017. The system rests on three pillars: main pension, supplementary pension and lump-sum capital.
e-EFKA (Electronic Social Insurance Organisation) merged all former pension funds (OAEE, ETAA, OGA, etc.) into a single body. Every self-employed worker, liberal professional or farmer now contributes via e-EFKA. The pension is calculated based on contribution duration and chosen category. A full career corresponds to 40 years of contributions.
Since 2020, Greek self-employed workers freely choose among 6 monthly contribution categories. The higher the category, the greater the future pension:
Cat. 1: ~EUR 220/mo | Cat. 2: ~EUR 262/mo | Cat. 3: ~EUR 312/mo | Cat. 4: ~EUR 373/mo | Cat. 5: ~EUR 445/mo | Cat. 6: ~EUR 566/mo. New registrants must start at Category 1 for the first 5 years.
In addition to the main pension, Greek self-employed contribute to a supplementary pension (epikouriki syntaxi) at approximately 6.5% of reference income. Since 2022, part of the supplementary pension can be invested in a funded scheme through the new TEKA fund (Tamio Epikourikis Kefalaiopoiitikis Asfalisis).
The 3rd pillar (TAA - Tamia Automates Asfalistika) was introduced in 2022 to allow workers, including the self-employed, to build voluntary supplementary retirement savings with tax advantages. TAA contributions are deductible from taxable income, within certain limits.
Assess your financial capacity and retirement goals to choose the optimal category. Moving up a category significantly increases your future pension. You can change category every year.
The first 5 years in Category 1 are mandatory for new registrants, but afterwards move up as soon as possible to improve your pension entitlements.
TAA offers supplementary retirement savings with tax deduction. It is a recent tool (2022) worth exploring to complement your mandatory pension.
Regularly visit the e-EFKA portal to verify your validated contribution years, current category and simulate your future pension. Quickly correct any discrepancies.
The legal age is 67. Early retirement is possible from 62 if you have 40 years of contributions. Certain arduous professions benefit from more favourable conditions.
Self-employed choose among 6 categories: from ~EUR 220/month (Cat. 1) to ~EUR 566/month (Cat. 6). Contributions cover the main pension (~13.33%), supplementary pension (~6.5%) and lump-sum capital. New registrants stay in Category 1 for 5 years.
e-EFKA is Greece's unified social security body, created in 2017 by merging all former funds (OAEE, ETAA, OGA, etc.). It manages contributions, pension calculations and benefit payments for all workers, including the self-employed.
The national pension (ethniki syntaxi) is approximately EUR 413/month for 20 or more years of contributions. It is paid to all retirees regardless of their contributions. On top of this comes the contributory pension calculated based on years and contribution category.
TAA (3rd pillar, since 2022) allows building voluntary retirement savings with tax advantages. For a self-employed person whose mandatory pension remains modest, it is an interesting supplement. Contributions are deductible within certain limits and savings are invested in funded schemes.
Our AI tools help you simulate your pension, optimize your taxes and prepare your retirement file — adapted to the Greek system.
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