Digital Work Card 2026: The 12 new sector-specific guides and what businesses need to know

The Digital Work Card is being extended to new sectors in 2026, bringing additional obligations for businesses regarding the recording of working time and the proper management of their staff.

In this context, 12 short practical sector-specific guides have been published, bringing together key information on the implementation of the measure and employers’ obligations.

Their publication takes on particular significance ahead of 12 October 2026, the date of commencement of full application for the first group of new sectors, while for the second group the corresponding date is 16 November 2026.

Digital Work Card: What do the 12 new guides include?

The 12 practical guides were created to assist businesses that were brought into the Digital Work Card mechanism by Ministerial Decisions 15441/28.05.2026 (Government Gazette B΄ 3051) and 18047/24.06.2026 (Government Gazette B΄ 3791).

The material presents, in a concise and practical manner, the requirements for implementing the system, taking account of the particular features of different professional activities.

For businesses, the guides are a useful tool for information on the proper use of the Digital Card, recording employees’ arrivals and departures, and compliance with the applicable regulatory framework.

Which sectors are included in the Digital Work Card as from 12 October 2026?

The first phase of the extension began on 2 June 2026, with an adjustment period until 11 October.

As from 12 October 2026, full application of the measure begins for businesses falling within the specified sectors, together with the imposition of the предусмотренные administrative sanctions.

These sectors include:

Telecommunications and certain information technology activities.

Human health activities, such as hospitals, therapeutic and diagnostic centres, with the exemptions provided for.

Employment support activities.

Building and outdoor cleaning services.

Personal care services, such as hairdressing salons and beauty centres.

Whether a business falls within scope is assessed on the basis of the specific Activity Classification Codes (KAD) provided for by the legislation and not solely on the general description of its profession.

Which sectors are included as from 16 November 2026?

The second phase of the extension concerns businesses brought into the mechanism at the end of June 2026.

For these activities, the adjustment period ends on 15 November and full application begins on 16 November 2026.

The sectors in the second phase include:

Consultancy services, advertising and other office activities.

Warehousing and support activities for transportation (logistics).

Repairs and maintenance.

Water supply, sewerage and related activities.

Gambling and betting.

Businesses operating in the above sectors are invited to use the adjustment period to organise their internal processes and ensure the correct application of the system.

What are employers’ main obligations?

The application of the Digital Work Card is not limited to the installation of an attendance recording system.

Coordination is required between employers, employees and payroll departments so that the data entered reflects actual working time.

Businesses must pay particular attention to the following:

1. Recording arrival and departure

Employees covered by the measure must use the Digital Card correctly at the start and end of their work, in accordance with the procedures provided for.

2. Matching declared working hours with actual work performed

The Digital Card entries must reflect actual work performed, while any discrepancies need to be handled appropriately in accordance with the applicable framework.

3. Proper management of schedule changes and overtime

Businesses must follow the required procedures for declaring and monitoring working time, depending on the system used for organising working hours.

4. Staff information and training

Correct use of the Digital Card requires employees to know when and how they should make their entries.

5. Monitoring data in the ERGANI II Information System

Regular monitoring of the relevant data helps to identify errors promptly and ensures the proper management of employment obligations.

What should businesses check before mandatory application?

Preparation for the Digital Work Card should be carried out before the relevant adjustment period comes to an end.

A basic check includes:

Confirmation of the main KAD and the business’s inclusion in the measure.

Checking the employees subject to the obligation to use the Digital Card.

Confirmation that the working time recording system is functioning properly.

Checking declared working hours and the procedures for changing them.

Informing staff on the correct use of the Digital Card.

Coordination with the competent Payroll & HR department to address possible discrepancies.

Timely organisation can limit operational errors, facilitate staff management and reduce the risk of infringements.

Digital Work Card and administrative sanctions

On completion of the adjustment period, businesses falling within the measure are subject to the prescribed framework of checks and administrative penalties.

Breaches may concern, among other things, the incorrect application of the Digital Card, the inaccurate recording of working time or failure to comply with the relevant obligations.

It is important to clarify that the penalties depend on the nature of the breach and the more specific provisions of labour law.

For this reason, compliance should not be treated as a formal procedure, but as part of the overall organisation and management of human resources.

How can AFS support you?

The proper implementation of the Digital Work Card requires knowledge of labour law, organised procedures and continuous monitoring of the business’s obligations.

AFS – Athens Financial Services, through its Payroll & HR services, supports businesses in the proper management of their labour obligations and in adapting to the requirements of the applicable institutional framework.

From the eligibility check and the assessment of procedures through to guidance on the proper implementation of the Digital Work Card, our aim is for businesses to operate with organisation, consistency and security.

Are you not sure whether your business falls within the measure or whether you are correctly applying the new obligations?

Complete the form and contact the AFS team, so that you can be informed of the actions required for your own business.