How to Register a Company in Greece: A Step-by-Step Guide for Entrepreneurs and Foreign Investors
Introduction
Whether you're launching a startup, expanding an existing business, or investing in the Greek market, registering a company is one of the first and most important steps. Greece offers a strategic location within the European Union, a skilled workforce, and an evolving business environment, making it an attractive destination for both local entrepreneurs and international investors.
However, company registration involves more than simply submitting an application. Choosing the right legal entity, preparing the required documentation, understanding your tax obligations, and complying with the relevant legal procedures are all essential to establishing your business on a solid foundation.
This guide provides a practical overview of the company registration process in Greece. You'll learn who can establish a company, the main steps involved, the documents you'll need, and the key legal and tax considerations before starting your business. Where relevant, we've also included links to more detailed resources to help you explore each topic further.
Who Can Register a Company in Greece?
Both Greek nationals and foreign individuals or legal entities can register a company in Greece. The applicable requirements may vary depending on the founder's nationality, the chosen legal entity, and the nature of the proposed business activity.
Greek Citizens
Greek citizens may establish any of the legally recognised business structures in Greece, subject to the applicable legal and tax requirements.
EU and EEA Nationals
Citizens of the European Union (EU) and European Economic Area (EEA) generally have the right to establish and operate a business in Greece under the same conditions as Greek nationals.
Third-Country Nationals
Individuals from outside the EU and EEA may also establish a company in Greece. Depending on the circumstances, additional requirements—such as obtaining an appropriate residence permit or appointing a representative—may apply.
Foreign Legal Entities
Foreign companies may establish a presence in Greece by incorporating a subsidiary or registering a branch, depending on their business objectives.
Before beginning the registration process, it is important to choose the legal entity that best suits your business, as each structure has different legal, tax, and administrative implications.
📖 Related Guide
Choosing the Right Legal Entity in Greece
Learn about the different business structures available in Greece and the key factors to consider before registering your company.
https://mbgcs.com/article/company-incorporation
Step 1: Choose the Right Legal Entity
Selecting the appropriate legal entity is one of the most important decisions you'll make when registering a company in Greece. Your choice will influence various aspects of your business, including taxation, liability, governance, administrative obligations, and future growth opportunities.
Greek law provides several legal structures, each designed to accommodate different business needs. The most common types include:
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Sole Proprietorship – Typically chosen by self-employed professionals and small business owners.
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Private Company (IKE) – A flexible and popular option for startups, SMEs, and foreign investors.
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General Partnership (OE) – Suitable for businesses established by two or more partners who share management responsibilities.
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Limited Partnership (EE) – Similar to a General Partnership but with different levels of liability for partners.
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Société Anonyme (SA) – Generally preferred by larger companies or businesses seeking external investment and long-term expansion.
There is no universally "best" legal entity. The right structure depends on factors such as the nature of your business, the number of founders, your investment plans, tax considerations, and your long-term objectives.
Choosing the wrong legal entity at the outset may lead to unnecessary administrative burdens, higher operating costs, or the need to restructure your business as it grows. For this reason, many entrepreneurs seek legal and tax advice before proceeding with the incorporation process.
Related Guide: If you're unsure which legal structure best suits your business, read our guide on Choosing the Right Legal Entity in Greece:
https://mbgcs.com/article/company-incorporation
Step 2: Prepare the Required Documentation
Before registering a company in Greece, founders must gather the documentation required for the incorporation process. The exact requirements vary depending on the chosen legal entity, the nationality of the founders, and whether the shareholders are individuals or legal entities.
Preparing the necessary documentation in advance can help avoid unnecessary delays and facilitate a smoother registration process.
Valid Passport or National Identity Card
Each founder or shareholder must provide a valid passport or, where applicable, a national identity card.
For foreign nationals, the passport generally serves as the primary identification document throughout the incorporation process. Depending on the circumstances, additional identification or residence documentation may also be required.
Greek Tax Identification Number (AFM)
A Greek Tax Identification Number (AFM) is required for various business and tax-related procedures in Greece.
For many companies incorporated through theElectronic One Stop Shop (e-YMS), the company's AFM is issued automatically during the registration process. Depending on the circumstances, individual founders may also need to obtain their own AFM before incorporation.
The e-YMS platform integrates company registration with several administrative procedures, helping simplify the incorporation process for eligible businesses.
Official source:https://eyms.businessportal.gr/auth
Registered Office
Every company established in Greece must have a registered business address.
The registered office may consist of:
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Commercial premises owned by the company.
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Leased office space.
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Serviced offices or business centres, where legally permitted.
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Another address that may legally serve as the company's registered seat.
Evidence of the registered office is typically provided through a lease agreement, title deed, or other documentation demonstrating the company's legal right to use the premises.
Articles of Association (AoA)
The Articles of Association (AoA) establish the company's legal framework and define key matters such as:
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Company name.
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Business purpose.
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Registered office.
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Share capital (where applicable).
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Management structure.
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Shareholders' rights and obligations.
For many company types, founders may use the standard Articles of Association available through theElectronic One Stop Shop (e-YMS). Businesses with more complex ownership or governance structures may require customised Articles of Association prepared with legal assistance.
Official source:https://eyms.businessportal.gr/auth
Information on Directors, Managers and Shareholders
During the incorporation process, founders must provide information regarding the individuals who will own and manage the company.
Depending on the legal entity, this generally includes:
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Full name.
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Identification details.
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Residential address.
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Tax information, where applicable.
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Percentage of ownership.
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Appointment of directors or managers.
Where shareholders are legal entities rather than individuals, additional corporate documentation—such as certificates of incorporation, constitutional documents, and board resolutions authorising participation in the new company—may also be required.
Power of Attorney (Where Applicable)
If the incorporation process is carried out by a lawyer or another authorised representative, the founder may grant a Power of Attorney (PoA) authorising that person to act on their behalf.
This is particularly common where foreign investors complete the incorporation process remotely without travelling to Greece. Depending on the country in which it is executed, the Power of Attorney may need to be notarised, legalised, or bear an Apostille before it can be used in Greece.
More information on the acceptance of foreign public documents within the European Union is available through theYour Europe portal.
Official source:https://europa.eu/youreurope/citizens/family/couple/getting-public-documents-accepted/index_en.htm
Step 3: Register Your Company
Once you have selected the appropriate legal entity and prepared the required documentation, the next step is to submit your company incorporation application.
In Greece, most companies can be established through theElectronic One Stop Shop (e-YMS), an online platform that streamlines the incorporation process by allowing eligible businesses to complete the necessary formalities electronically. In some cases, incorporation may still be carried out through aOne Stop Shop (YMS), such as a notary or another competent authority, depending on the company's legal form or specific legal requirements.
During the registration process, you will typically:
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Submit the required incorporation documents.
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Confirm the company's name, registered office, and business activities.
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Provide details of the shareholders, directors, or managers.
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Approve the Articles of Association.
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Pay the applicable incorporation fees.
Once the application has been approved, the relevant authorities automatically complete several administrative registrations, including the company's registration with the General Commercial Registry (GEMI) and, where applicable, the issuance of the company's Greek Tax Identification Number (AFM). This significantly reduces the need for founders to submit separate applications to multiple public authorities.
For most entrepreneurs, the incorporation process can now be completed much faster than under the previous paper-based system, provided all required documentation has been prepared correctly.
Official sources:
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https://www.businessportal.gr/en
📖 Related Guide
Corporate Taxation in Greece
Following incorporation, every company becomes subject to tax and accounting obligations. Our guide explains corporate income tax, VAT, bookkeeping requirements, and ongoing compliance obligations.
https://mbgcs.com/article/corporate-taxation-in-greece
Legal Framework
The company registration process through theElectronic One Stop Shop (e-YMS) and theOne Stop Shop (YMS) is primarily governed by:
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Law 4441/2016, which introduced the One Stop Shop (YMS) and Electronic One Stop Shop (e-YMS) for company incorporation.
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Law 4919/2022, which regulates the General Commercial Registry (GEMI) and the registration and publication of company information.
Step 4: Complete Your Tax Registration and Understand Your Tax Obligations
Once your company has been successfully incorporated, it becomes subject to Greece's tax and accounting framework. For many companies established through theElectronic One Stop Shop (e-YMS), the company's Greek Tax Identification Number (AFM) is issued automatically during the incorporation process, eliminating the need for a separate application.
However, incorporation is only the beginning. Companies must also comply with a range of ongoing tax obligations, including filing tax returns, maintaining accounting records, and, where applicable, registering for Value Added Tax (VAT).
Corporate Income Tax
Companies operating in Greece are generally subject to corporate income tax on their taxable profits. The applicable tax treatment depends on the company's legal form, business activities, and tax residency.
Businesses are also required to maintain proper accounting records and submit annual tax returns in accordance with Greek tax legislation.
Value Added Tax (VAT)
Not every newly established business is required to register for VAT immediately. Whether VAT registration is necessary depends on factors such as the nature of the company's activities, the transactions it carries out, and the applicable provisions of Greek tax law.
If your business supplies taxable goods or services, engages in intra-EU transactions, or meets other statutory requirements, VAT registration may be required. Businesses should assess their obligations before commencing operations.
More information on tax registration and VAT obligations is available through theIndependent Authority for Public Revenue (AADE).
Official source:https://www.aade.gr/en
Legal Framework
The taxation of companies in Greece is primarily governed by:
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Law 4172/2013 (Income Tax Code), which establishes the rules governing corporate income tax and the taxation of legal entities.
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Law 5144/2024 (VAT Code), which codifies the Greek Value Added Tax (VAT) framework in accordance with Council Directive 2006/112/EC.
Further information on tax registration, VAT, and corporate tax obligations is available through theIndependent Authority for Public Revenue (AADE).
Official sources:
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https://www.et.gr (National Printing Office – Official Gazette)
Step 5: Register with Social Security (Where Applicable)
If your company intends to employ staff or if its directors, managers, or partners are subject to compulsory social insurance, you may need to register with theElectronic National Social Security Institution (e-EFKA).
While many registration formalities are completed automatically during the incorporation process through theElectronic One Stop Shop (e-YMS), employers remain responsible for complying with their ongoing social security obligations.
These responsibilities may include:
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Registering eligible employees.
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Calculating and paying employer and employee social security contributions.
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Submitting mandatory employment and payroll information.
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Maintaining compliance with applicable employment and social insurance legislation.
The specific obligations will depend on factors such as your company's legal structure, business activities, and whether you employ staff or operate as a self-employed professional.
Further guidance on employer registration and social security obligations is available through the officiale-EFKA website.
Official source:https://www.efka.gov.gr/en
Legal Framework
Social security obligations for employers and insured persons in Greece are primarily governed by Law 4387/2016, as amended, which established the unified social security system administered by theElectronic National Social Security Institution (e-EFKA).
Official sources:
Step 6: Open a Corporate Bank Account
Once your company has been incorporated, opening a corporate bank account is one of the next practical steps before commencing business operations. A business bank account enables the company to receive payments, pay suppliers and employees, meet tax obligations, and manage its day-to-day financial activities.
While the specific requirements vary between financial institutions, banks will generally ask for documentation confirming the company's legal existence, ownership structure, and the identity of its beneficial owners and authorised representatives.
Commonly requested documents include:
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Certificate of Incorporation.
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Articles of Association.
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General Commercial Registry (GEMI) registration details.
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Greek Tax Identification Number (AFM).
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Identification documents for directors, shareholders, and authorised signatories.
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Proof of the company's registered office.
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Information relating to the company's business activities and source of funds, where required.
Banks are also required to carry out Know Your Customer (KYC) and Anti-Money Laundering (AML) checks before opening a corporate account. As a result, the review process and supporting documentation may differ depending on the company's ownership structure, business activities, and the residency of its shareholders.
Businesses should compare the services, fees, online banking facilities, and international payment capabilities offered by different financial institutions before selecting a banking partner.
Conclusion
Registering a company in Greece has become considerably more straightforward thanks to the introduction of the Electronic One Stop Shop (e-YMS). However, successful incorporation involves more than simply completing the registration process. Choosing the appropriate legal entity, preparing accurate documentation, understanding your tax and social security obligations, and maintaining ongoing compliance are all essential to building a successful business.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a foreigner register a company in Greece?
Yes. Foreign individuals and legal entities can establish a company in Greece. The applicable requirements may vary depending on the founder's nationality, the chosen legal entity, and whether additional immigration or residency requirements apply.
Can I register a company in Greece remotely?
Yes. In many cases, foreign investors can complete the incorporation process remotely by appointing an authorised representative through a Power of Attorney. Depending on where the document is executed, it may need to be notarised, legalised, or bear an Apostille before it can be used in Greece.
Do I need a registered office to establish a company?
Yes. Every company incorporated in Greece must have a registered business address. This may be commercial premises, leased office space, serviced offices where permitted, or another address that may legally serve as the company's registered seat.
Is a Greek Tax Identification Number (AFM) required?
Yes. A Greek Tax Identification Number (AFM) is required for business and tax purposes. For many companies incorporated through the Electronic One Stop Shop (e-YMS), the company's AFM is issued automatically during the registration process.
Do I need to register for VAT immediately?
Not necessarily. Whether VAT registration is required depends on factors such as your company's activities, the transactions it carries out, and the applicable provisions of Greek tax law. Businesses should assess their VAT obligations before commencing operations.
