Establishing a Company in Greece: Entity Types, Registration Process and Tax Overview
Greece has positioned itself as an attractive destination for foreign investors, combining EU single market access with a modernised legal framework, competitive tax incentives and a streamlined digital registration system. Whether you are a startup founder from Berlin, a tech entrepreneur from the United States or a non-EU investor looking for a European base, this guide covers every practical step you need to take in order to establish a company in Greece.
The information below reflects the legal framework in force as of 2026, including Law 4072/2012 (Private Capital Company), Law 4548/2018 (Societe Anonyme), and the latest tax provisions under the Income Tax Code.
Business Entity Types at a Glance
Greek law offers several corporate vehicles. The table below summarises the main differences. For a more detailed comparison in Greek, see our analysis on choosing the right entity type.
| Feature | IKE (Private Company) | EPE (Ltd / LLC) | AE (Societe Anonyme) | OE / EE (Partnership) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Governing law | Law 4072/2012 | Law 3190/1955 | Law 4548/2018 | Law 4072/2012 |
| Minimum capital | €1 (no real minimum) | None (removed in 2018) | €25,000 | None |
| Liability | Limited to contributions | Limited to contributions | Limited to share capital | OE: Unlimited, joint & several. EE: Limited for silent partners |
| Management | Administrator(s) | Administrator(s) | Board of Directors or sole director | Partners (all in OE, general in EE) |
| Minimum founders | 1 (single-member IKE) | 1 (single-member EPE) | 1 (single-shareholder AE) | 2 |
| Sweat equity / non-cash contributions | Yes (guarantee and non-capital contributions allowed) | Yes (in kind only, valued at incorporation) | Yes (in kind, requires independent valuation) | Yes |
| Statutory audit required | Only above EU thresholds | Only above EU thresholds | Only above EU thresholds | Only above EU thresholds |
| Registration method | Electronic (GEMI) | Electronic (GEMI) | Electronic (GEMI) | Electronic (GEMI) |
| Typical timeframe | 1–3 business days | 1–3 business days | 1–5 business days | 1–3 business days |
| Best suited for | SMEs, startups, foreign investors | Traditional small businesses | Larger enterprises, capital-intensive projects, stock exchange listing | Family businesses, professional firms |
IKE is the most popular choice for foreign investors.
Since its introduction in 2012, the Private Capital Company (IKE) has become the dominant entity type in Greece, largely replacing the older EPE structure. It requires minimal capital, allows single-member formation, and offers the most streamlined incorporation process. Unless your business specifically requires the AE format (for example, banking, insurance or a planned stock exchange listing), IKE is almost always the recommended starting point.
The IKE in Detail
The Private Capital Company (Idiotiki Kefalaiouhiki Etaireia, abbreviated IKE) was introduced by Law 4072/2012 as a modern, flexible corporate vehicle specifically designed for small and medium-sized businesses. It has since become the most commonly registered entity type in Greece. For a thorough analysis of the IKE’s advantages, including its comparison with older entity types, see our dedicated IKE article.
What makes the IKE unique among Greek entity types is the concept of three distinct contribution categories. Partners may contribute
- capital contributions (cash or in kind),
- non-capital contributions (personal labour, know-how, services), and (
- guarantee contributions (personal guarantees up to a fixed amount). This structure makes the IKE particularly attractive for startups and service-based businesses where the founders’ expertise is as valuable as cash investment.
The IKE is governed by its Articles of Association (statute), which is a private document filed electronically with the General Commercial Registry (GEMI). No notarial deed is required. The company is managed by one or more administrators (not a board of directors), offering significant operational flexibility.
The AE (Societe Anonyme)
The Anonymous Company (Anonymi Etaireia, abbreviated AE) is Greece’s equivalent of a corporation, governed by Law 4548/2018. Since its comprehensive reform in 2018, the AE has been significantly modernised. A notarial deed is no longer required for incorporation. A single-shareholder AE is permitted, and a sole director can replace the traditional Board of Directors.
The minimum share capital remains €25,000, which must be fully paid up at incorporation. This requirement, combined with the more structured governance rules, means the AE is generally recommended for larger enterprises, capital-intensive projects, or businesses seeking bank financing where the higher capitalisation signals greater solvency.
Partnerships (OE and EE)
General Partnerships (OE, Omorrythmi Etaireia) and Limited Partnerships (EE, Eterorrythmi Etaireia) are simpler structures with no minimum capital requirement. However, they carry a significant drawback for investors: in an OE, all partners bear unlimited, joint and several liability for the company’s debts. In an EE, at least one partner must bear unlimited liability, while limited partners are liable only up to their contribution.
Partnerships are typically chosen by small, family-run businesses or professional firms where personal involvement outweighs the need for liability protection.
Important for non-EU nationals:
Only Greek citizens, EU/EEA nationals and third-country nationals holding a valid residence permit may participate as general (unlimited-liability) partners in an OE or EE. This restriction does not apply to capital companies (IKE, EPE, AE), where any natural or legal person, regardless of nationality, may be a shareholder.
Foreign Branches and Representative Offices
Instead of incorporating a new Greek entity, a foreign company may establish a branch in Greece. The branch operates under the legal personality of the parent company and must register with GEMI. Required documentation typically includes the parent company’s Articles of Association (translated and apostilled), a certificate of good standing, a board resolution authorising the branch, and appointment of a legal representative in Greece.
After registration and obtaining a Greek Tax Identification Number (TIN/AFM), the branch may operate commercially as if it were a Greek company. It is subject to the same tax and accounting obligations as a domestic entity.
Step-by-Step Registration Process
All company types are now registered electronically through GEMI (General Commercial Registry) or the gov.gr One-Stop Shop platform.
The process is significantly faster than in previous years.
STEP 1
Obtain a Greek Tax Identification Number (TIN / AFM):
Every founder must have a Greek TIN. EU citizens may apply remotely through the myAADElive platform. Non-EU citizens must apply in person at the local tax office (DOY) or through an authorised tax representative.
STEP 2
Create TAXISnet Credentials:
TAXISnet is Greece’s official online tax platform. These credentials function as your digital identity for all business registration, tax filings and social insurance matters.
STEP 3
Prepare the Articles of Association:
The statute must include the company name, registered office address (within a Greek municipality), business object, share capital, partner contributions, management structure and company duration. For IKE and EPE, a private document suffices. For AE, a notarial deed is no longer required but may be used for customised statutes.
STEP 4
Register with GEMI:
Submit the Articles of Association electronically through the GEMI e-service or via the gov.gr One-Stop Shop. GEMI will issue a unique GEMI number (12-digit registration number), register the company with the competent Chamber of Commerce, and assign a TIN to the company.
STEP 5
Register with Social Insurance (EFKA):
Notify the Social Insurance Organisation (e-EFKA) about the company’s establishment. Administrators and, in certain cases, partners are subject to mandatory social insurance contributions.
STEP 6
Activate the Company’s Tax File:
Following GEMI registration, visit the competent tax office (DOY) to activate the company’s tax file, declare its accounting system (double-entry for all capital companies), and enrol in the myDATA digital platform for electronic invoicing.
STEP 7
Open a Corporate Bank Account:
Greek banks will require the company’s GEMI registration certificate, TIN, Articles of Association, identification documents of all partners/shareholders, and proof of the registered office address.
EU Citizens vs. Non-EU Citizens
EU / EEA Citizens
- No work or residence permit required to establish or manage a company.
- TIN can be obtained remotely via myAADElive.
- May serve as administrator or board member of any entity type.
- If residing in Greece for more than 90 days, registration of residence is required.
- Full access to all corporate forms, including partnerships as general partners.
Non-EU Citizens
- A TIN must be obtained in person or through a tax representative.
- A residence permit is required to act as administrator/director, unless operating through a power of attorney.
- No restriction on being a shareholder in capital companies (IKE, EPE, AE).
- Cannot be a general partner in OE/EE without a valid residence permit.
- Greece’s Golden Visa programme (real estate investment of €250,000+) grants residency and the right to establish a business.
Taxation Overview
Understanding Greece’s tax framework is essential for business planning. The table below summarises the key tax rates applicable to companies as of 2026. For a broader overview of the investment and regulatory environment, see our article on investing in Greece.
| Tax | Rate | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Corporate Income Tax | 22% | Applied on net profits. Same rate for IKE, EPE and AE. |
| Dividend Withholding Tax | 5% | Withheld at source when profits are distributed. May be reduced under applicable Double Tax Treaties. |
| VAT (standard rate) | 24% | Reduced rates of 13% and 6% apply to certain goods and services. Reduced by 30% on certain Aegean islands. |
| Capital Gains Tax (real estate) | Suspended until 31/12/2026 | Applies to individuals only. Corporate gains are taxed at the 22% CIT rate. |
| Withholding Tax on Interest | 15% | Subject to reductions under Double Tax Treaties and EU Directives. |
| Withholding Tax on Royalties | 20% | Exempt for Greek-resident companies. Subject to treaty reductions for non-residents. |
| Real Estate Transfer Tax | 3.09% | Applies on the transfer value of immovable property (3% plus 3% municipality surcharge). |
Tax incentives for new businesses: Newly incorporated companies benefit from a reduced advance tax payment in their first year of operation. Greece has also concluded over 50 Double Tax Treaties, which may significantly reduce withholding taxes on cross-border dividends, interest and royalties.
Costs and Timeline
| Cost Item | IKE | AE |
|---|---|---|
| GEMI registration fee | €30–70 | €30–70 |
| Chamber of Commerce subscription | €40–100 | €40–100 |
| Notary fees (if applicable) | Not required | Optional (€200–500 if used) |
| Legal fees (lawyer for Articles of Association) | €300–800 | €500–1,500 |
| Minimum share capital | €1 | €25,000 |
| Monthly accounting services | From €100/month | From €200/month |
| Incorporation timeline | 1–3 business days | 1–5 business days |
Translation and Apostille costs for foreign founders: If you are incorporating from abroad, budget for certified translations of identity documents, powers of attorney and, where applicable, good standing certificates. Apostille costs vary by country but typically range from €50 to €200 per document.
Ongoing Compliance Obligations
Once established, every Greek company must maintain the following obligations regardless of entity type.
| Obligation | Frequency | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Corporate income tax return | Annual | Filed electronically through TAXISnet, typically by June of the following year. |
| VAT returns | Monthly or quarterly | Depending on the entity type and turnover. |
| Financial statements | Annual | Prepared under Greek Accounting Standards (ELP) or IFRS (if applicable). Must be published on GEMI. |
| myDATA (electronic books) | Ongoing | All revenue and expense documents must be transmitted to AADE’s myDATA platform in real time. |
| EFKA (social insurance) contributions | Monthly | Employer and employee contributions. Approximately 35% of gross salary for employees (shared between employer and employee). |
| GEMI annual publication | Annual | Financial statements and any corporate changes (management, address, capital) must be filed. |
Practical Tips for Foreign Investors
Engage a Greek lawyer early in the process
While company registration itself is straightforward, the choice of entity type, the drafting of the Articles of Association and the structuring of partner contributions involve legal decisions that directly affect liability, taxation and exit options. A properly drafted statute can save significant cost and complexity in later stages. If you are considering acquiring an existing business rather than starting from scratch, a thorough due diligence process is strongly recommended.
Plan your registered office
Every company must have a registered office within a Greek municipality. For service-based businesses, a virtual office or co-working space address is generally acceptable. For trading, manufacturing or hospitality activities, a physical premises with an appropriate use permit is required.
Consider the IKE’s unique contribution types
Unlike other entity types, the IKE allows partners to contribute services, know-how or personal guarantees instead of (or in addition to) cash. This makes it particularly suitable for joint ventures where one partner brings expertise and another brings capital.
Budget for ongoing costs from the outset
Monthly accounting services, social insurance contributions for administrators, and annual filing obligations represent recurring costs that should be factored into your business plan. The EFKA contributions for IKE administrators currently start at approximately €200 per month.
Appoint a tax representative if you reside abroad
Non-resident founders who are not physically present in Greece will generally need to appoint a Greek tax representative for the initial registration and for ongoing tax compliance. A power of attorney, duly apostilled, is required for the representative to act on your behalf.
Understand the banking landscape
Opening a corporate bank account in Greece can take longer than the company registration itself. Greek banks apply strict anti-money laundering (AML) checks, particularly for non-resident shareholders. Having all your documentation (certified translations, proof of source of funds, beneficial ownership declarations) prepared in advance will significantly speed up the process.
Our Law Firm specialises in Corporate and Commercial Law, with over 20 years of experience assisting foreign investors with company formation, structuring and compliance in Greece. For professional inquiries or to discuss your project with our legal team, please contact us at contact@kstlaw.gr.