Company Registration in Greece - Business Starting & Setup

Want to set up a firm in Greece? We can assist you in starting a business or in buying a shelf company in Greece with a full package of necessary documents, legal advice and follow-up support. Incorporation of a firm in Greece includes provision of a registered office (for at least 1 year in any of our service plans), an apostilled set of constitutional documents, secretarial services and assistance with compliance fee and pre-approval for opening an account in banks of Greece. The total price of company formation in Greece includes all necessary fees and charges for the first year of operation, as well as full one-year nominee service (package Optimum).

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Service packages Legislation Tax System Audit Services
Service packages
Express
Standard
Optimum
Company registration
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Legal address per year
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Secretarial services for the first year
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Fees and duties for the first year
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Apostilled bound set of incorporation documents
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Nominee service per year
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Bank Account Pre-approval
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Price
8 000 USD

8 000 USD

8 610 USD

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Corporate Information

Legal system

Greece is a civil law jurisdiction. The country is a motherland of democracy and trial by jury which came into existence long B.C. In modern Greece the main sources of law are legislative and other acts. At the top of hierarchy is Constitution followed by the laws of Parliament, decrees issued by the President to comply with the laws.

Types of entity in Greece

The principal forms of business organization in Greece are:

  • Company Limited by Shares, A.E.;
  • Limited Liability Company, E.P.E.;
  • General Partnership, O.E.;
  • Limited Partnership, E.E.;
  • Silent Partnership;
  • Joint Ventures;
  • Single Traders;
  • Branch Offices.

The most common structure is Public Company Limited by Shares (A.E.).Although the “A.E.” is has been originally designed as a vehicle for large corporations it has been developed as the most flexible and advantageous company type. Its main advantages are:

  • Limited liability
  • The shares are freely transferred
  • Its management may be separated from the ownership of its shares
  • tax advantages.

Registration

Company name

The name of a company limited by shares must contain indication to the type of entity in the Greek language Anonymous Etairia or its abbreviation A.E. The business name may be a distinctive work in Greek or Latin characters.

Company names in Greece must be pre-approved for availability and acceptability. The Registry Department of the Athens Chamber of Commerce & Industry (ACCI) will only refuse a name if it is identical, almost identical or phonetically the same as a name already registered. Previous existence of the same name will not be an obstacle to new registration if it relates to a different business object. This is because the full legal name of an A.E. always includes the principal business object of the company. Besides, the company name should not imply state sponsorship.

The search on the names register of the chamber of commerce includes an initial reservation of the name for 2 months.

Use of certain words such as Bank, Insurance and Group will require special permission.

Registration of company in Greece

To register a company Greece it is required:

1) Obtain Tax Clearance form A7 from Tax Authority – 1 day;

2) Submit the following documents with the Register of the competent Department of ACCI (General Commercial Register – GEMI) – 10 days:

  • Formal Statement - Power of Attorney for the appointment of representative,
  • Order – Formal Statement of the founders or the representative to GEMI for the incorporation of the company by virtue of notarial Deed,
  • Statement for the authorization of the person, who accepts service,
  • certified copy of the Identity Cards/ Passports of the partners/ founders/ managers/ members of the Board of Directors,
  • Formal Statement – Application to the competent Area Department of the Insurance Organization for the Self-Employed (OAEE),
  • The answer from OAEE,
  • or Insurance Clearance Certificate issued by OAEE (instead of the above 5 & 6),
  • Statement – Application of the partners/founders to the Social Security Institute (IKA-ETAM),
  • Insurance Clearance Certificate or a positive answer from IKA-ETAM,
  • Application for a Tax Identification Number/Change of Personal details (Tax Form M1) and Declaration of Taxpayer’s Relations (Tax Form M7), required in order for the founders to acquire Tax Identification Number (AFM), in case they do not have one or Statement of commencing/changing business of non-natural person (Tax Form M3) and Statement of members of non-natural person (Tax Form M8),
  • Statement for the payment of Capital Accumulation Tax,
  • Articles of Association (simple copy of the notarial Deed),
  • rental contract of the registered office, original copy certified by the Tax Authority, or copy of it if it is attached to the Articles of Association,
  • Payment receipts of fees (GEMI) or payment bank bill of fees (GEMI),
  • Announcement of the incorporation of the company & its registration with the Register of GEMI,
  • Announcement of the incorporation of the company to the National Print Office for the Official National Gazette,
  • Certificate of the National Print Office for granting of the Code Number of Publication,
  • Announcement of the registration or the re-registration of partners/founders with OAEE,
  • Statement of business activities (Tax Form M6),
  • Application for registration with the Athens Chamber of Commerce & Industry (ACCI),
  • Announcement of the registration of the company with the Athens Chamber of Commerce & Industry (ACCI),
  • Certificate of the Notary for the incorporation.

Pursuant to the filing of the above, the local Chamber both issues the approval of the Articles of Association, as well as registers the company in its registrar, which (time-wise) means that the text may be given for publication and the Tax of Capital Concentration (1%) may be paid, in order to issue a taxpayer's registration number. Please note that within one month from the date of registration the Company must file with the local Chamber a copy of the announcement and a receipt by the National Printery, evidencing filing of the documents for publication.

3) Make a seal - 1 day;

4) Register the employees with IKA (Social Security Organization) -1 day;

5) Register with OAEE (Insurance Organization for the Self-Employed) – 1 day.

Company seal

Until recently a company seal has been required as all company books and records must be sealed before they are certified. Moreover, in the company seal must contain the company’s tax registration number and competent tax office. On May 31, 2013 the Government of Greece adopted the Law 4156/2013 abolishing the requirement to make and affix the company seal for corporations. However, it is still used in practice by banks, as the Bank of Greece has not issued a circular asking the banks to not require it. Thus, companies are still required to make a company seal in their daily practice.

Redomicile

The redomiciliation of companies is permitted both to and from Greece.

Company Structure

Directors

Greek companies limited by shares should at least have 3 directors which are elected by the General Meeting of the Shareholders and make up the Board of directors. Directors can be natural and corporate, residents and non-residents. However, they need to be issued with a residence permit.

Director’s details are disclosed to the local agent and appear on public file.

Board of directors manages the company and carries out resolutions of the General Meeting of Shareholders. The Board of Directors may convene at the registered office or via teleconference and the signing of the minutes by "circulation" is possible.

Within two months from the establishment of the Company, the latter's Board of Directors must hold a meeting to verify payment of the share capital.

Secretary

Greek companies are not required to appoint a company secretary.

Shareholders

Greek A.E. can be formed by one shareholder that can be an individual or a company of any nationality or residence.

Shareholders’ details are disclosed to the local agent and appear on the public file.

An annual (ordinary) General Meeting of the Shareholders must be held within six months of the end of each fiscal year. General Meetings are held at the registered office of the company, or anywhere in Greece or abroad, by virtue of a provision in the articles of association or by representation in the meeting of the total share capital of the company. The General Meeting may convene via teleconference; moreover shareholders may appear and exercise their voting rights from a distance, following relevant provision in the articles of association. The signing of the minutes by "circulation" is possible for non-listed companies.

Internal auditors

In case if Greek A.E.’s share capital exceeds 1.000.000 €, it should appoint two permanent auditors or one certified accountant. The names of auditors are indicated in the Articles of Association.

Beneficial owner

The Beneficiary Registry has been in effect in Greece since 2019.

The information is submitted by the legal representative of the company through the electronic platform of the Central Administration of Information Systems, which is accessed by linking it to the tax registration number of the legal entity.

The competent supervisory authorities have access to the data. Other competent authorities and persons subject to the notification obligation may, under certain conditions and solely for the purpose of the legal status check, have limited access to the data in the Registry.

Individuals are only given access to certain information: full name, nationality, and the type and scope of the beneficiaries' authority. Access is provided on a fee basis, subject to the registration of data on the persons providing access.

Share capital and shares

The minimum share capital required for the establishment of an AE is currently € 24,000, which must be paid up in full within two months from the date of incorporation. The share capital of an AE is divided into either bearer or registered shares with a minimum nominal value of at least € 0.30 and a maximum of € 100 per share.

Frequently Asked Questions about Company Registration in Greece

How much does it cost to start a company in Greece?
The cost of starting a company in Greece depends on several factors, including the type of company you want to set up, the size of the company, and the services you require. On average, the cost of starting a limited liability company (LLC) in Greece start from around EUR 8 000, although this can vary widely depending on the specific circumstances. This cost typically includes fees for legal and accounting services, company formation and registration fees, and any other costs associated with setting up a company in Greece, such as obtaining licenses or permits. In some cases, the cost of starting a company in Greece can also include costs for renting office space, buying equipment, and hiring employees. It's important to note that the cost of starting a company in Greece can change over time, as well as vary depending on the region in which you're operating.
How much is company tax in Greece?
In Greece, the corporate tax rate is currently set at 24%. However, there are certain provisions in the Greek tax code that allow for reduced tax rates for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and startups. The specific tax rate that applies to a company depends on its size, structure, and location. Additionally, there may be various deductions, exemptions, and other factors that impact the amount of corporate tax a company is required to pay.
Can a foreigner open a company in Greece?
Yes, a foreigner can open a company in Greece. There are no restrictions on foreign ownership of companies in Greece, and the process of registering a company is similar for both residents and non-residents. You'll need to choose a business structure, select a business name, and submit the required documentation to the Greek government. Some of the most common business structures for small and medium-sized businesses include sole proprietorships, limited liability companies (LLCs), and branches of foreign companies. Once your company is registered, you'll need to obtain any necessary licenses and permits, and register for taxes. You'll also need to keep accurate records and file regular financial reports to the Greek government.
Do foreigners pay tax in Greece?
Foreigners who reside in Greece and receive income from Greek sources are subject to Greek income tax. The tax rate on income in Greece depends on the amount of income earned and ranges from 22% to 45%. Foreigners who only receive foreign-sourced income are generally not subject to Greek tax on that income. In addition to income tax, there are also other taxes in Greece, such as value-added tax (VAT), property tax, and taxes on capital gains. The exact tax liability of a foreigner in Greece will depend on their specific circumstances, including the type and source of their income, their residency status, and other factors.
How do I verify a company in Greece?
In Greece, you can verify the existence and status of a company by using the online platform of the Greek Chamber of Commerce and Industry. The platform provides access to the Central Commercial Register, which contains information about all registered companies in Greece. To verify a company, you will need to provide the company's name and its registration number, which can be found on its official documents and financial reports. Once you have this information, you can access the company's profile, which includes its registered address, contact information, business activities, and other relevant details. In addition to using the Greek Chamber of Commerce and Industry platform, you can also verify a company's status by contacting the relevant government authority, such as the Ministry of Economy and Development or the Greek National Statistical Service. These organizations can provide additional information about a company's financial status and other relevant details.

Core Services and fees for the formation of a company in Greece

— Incorporation

Price8 000 EUR

including incorporation tax, state registry fee, NOT including Compliance fee

— Annual government fees

Priceincluded

Stamp Duty and General Commercial Registrar incorporation fee

— Corporate legal services

Price4 000 EUR

including registered address and registered agent, NOT including Compliance fee

—Delivery of documents by courier mail

Price250 EUR

DHL or TNT, at cost of a Courier Service

— Apostilled set of Statutory documents

Pricefrom 700 EUR

Basic set of documents for setup of a company in Greece

Registered Articles of Association

Atricles of Association (Sample)

Extract from Registry

Power of Attorney to appoint an agent

Power of Attorney to undertake foundation of the company

Minutes of the General Assembly

Compare Jurisdictions

    Nominee Director

    Paid-up “nominee director” set includes the following documents

    Nominee Shareholder

    Paid-up “nominee shareholder” set includes the following documents

    Compliance fee in Greece

    Compliance fee is payable in the cases of: incorporation of company, renewal of a company, liquidation of a company, transfer out of a company, issue of a power of attorney to a new attorney, change of director / shareholder / BO (except the change to a nominee director / shareholder), signing of documents

    Basic

    Price350 EUR

    simple company structure with only 1 physical person

    For legal entity in structure under GSL administration

    Price150 EUR

    additional compliance fee for legal entity in structure under GSL administration (per 1 entity)

    For legal entity in structure not under GSL administration

    Price200 EUR

    additional compliance fee for legal entity in structure NOT under GSL administration (per 1 entity)

    For client with high risk Status

    Price450 EUR

    Signing of documents

    Price100 EUR

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