Social security contribution hikes for 1.4m freelancers [tables]

From the start of 2027, 1.4 million self-employed people will face a significant increase in costs of about €9 to €24 a month, although this is the smallest possible rise, as their insurance contributions are set to increase by at least 3.5%, matching estimated inflation.

On an annual basis, this means an additional cost of €105 to €284 for the main pension and healthcare. The bill could be higher, however, if the adjustment is not limited to inflation.

Alternative scenarios based on calculating increases using the wage index point to rises of 4.25% or even 5.5%, taking the additional annual cost to as much as €446 for those insured in the sixth category.

The difference is not negligible: it concerns money that must be paid every month, regardless of whether a professional’s turnover or net income rises by a corresponding amount.

Raising social insurance contributions for the self-employed in 2027 is becoming a balancing act for the Labour Ministry. On one side is the law, which provides for contributions to be linked to the wage growth index; on the other is the option of adjusting them in line with inflation, which would mean a smaller increase in costs.

Based on current figures, scenarios put the increase at 3.5% in line with estimated inflation and at 4.25% based on the wage index. Some economists, however, put wage growth in 2026 as high as 5.5%. The decision by the government’s economic team, and in particular the Labour Ministry, between the three scenarios is neither technically self-evident nor politically cost-free.

The wage index, provided for under Law 4670/2020, has already been postponed twice. It was due to come into effect in 2025, but inflation remained the basis for adjustments. The same happened in 2026. The issue remains unresolved for 2027, but all indications are that there will be a further delay.

According to reports, the relevant committee has yet to meet, while ELSTAT has not completed the index needed to implement the new mechanism. A shift to the wage index — which would exclude public-sector wages — therefore cannot be treated as a settled decision. It requires technical preparation, clear data and a political choice.

The dilemma is more complex at a time when energy costs and other price rises are putting pressure on households and small businesses. A further increase in fixed social insurance obligations would add to professionals’ costs.

At the same time, as election day draws closer, opting for a higher adjustment is not politically neutral. Keeping inflation as the basis would limit the increase in costs, but would not resolve the institutional question of introducing the wage index.

The first insurance category, chosen by the vast majority of self-employed people, according to EFKA data, currently costs €250.77 a month. With a 3.5% increase, the contribution would rise to €259.55. With a 4.25% rise, it would reach €261.43. Under the +5.50% scenario, which is considered unlikely, contributions for the main pension and healthcare in the first category would jump to €264.56 a month.

All these amounts should be supplemented by the €10 monthly unemployment contribution. And where applicable, there are also contributions for supplementary pensions and lump-sum benefits, which will follow the increases in main insurance contributions.

The difference from the current amount ranges from €8.78 to €133.79 a month, or from €105.36 to €165.48 a year.

In the sixth category, the contribution of €675.87 would rise to €699.53 with an increase of 3.5%, and to €704.59 with a 4.25% rise. The additional annual cost would range from €283.92 to €344.64. These amounts cover the main pension and healthcare, excluding the separate contribution to DYPA.

The pension

The dilemma, however, is not limited to the cost of the coming year. Remaining in the lowest insurance category offers immediate financial relief, but has a very significant impact on the pension.

Under the current system, main pension contributions correspond to specific amounts for each category, which form the basis for calculating pensionable earnings.

The earnings-related pension depends on pensionable earnings and years of insurance, with the national pension added if the relevant conditions are met. As a result, two professionals with the same number of years insured, but in different insurance categories for much of their working lives, may receive different earnings-related pensions.

According to experts, the decision is not an easy one. Professionals must choose between a current cost that they often struggle to afford and a future benefit that may prove inadequate.

If higher contributions push even more insured people into the first category, the immediate benefit will be to keep monthly costs down. But the price may become apparent decades later, when the earnings-related pension is calculated.

A. EFKA monthly contributions, 2026–2027

EFKA contributions for the self-employed (freelancers / sole traders). These cover the main pension and healthcare (cash and in-kind benefits). The €10 DYPA contribution is not included.

B. Annual EFKA contribution costs (12 months)

Annual cost of the main pension and healthcare by insurance category, based on the current 2026 contributions and the three indicative scenarios for 2027.

C. Breakdown of 2026 contributions by insurance branch (monthly)

Breakdown of the monthly contribution by insurance branch, showing the total separately and the total including the €10 DYPA contribution.