Greece Company Registration Guide 2025: Policies, Steps and Practical Tips

This guide summarizes the latest 2025 developments for company formation in Greece, outlines procedural steps and highlights key compliance concerns for foreign and domestic founders. It combines policy interpretations, practical cases and operational checklists to help you set up and run a Greek company with confidence.

What changed in 2025 — policy highlights

• Digital-first registration: Continued rollout of electronic services through GEMI and gov.gr has accelerated many formation steps. Most registrations for private companies now begin online.
• Beneficial ownership and AML: Greece maintains strengthened anti-money laundering measures aligned with EU rules; submission of beneficial owner data is mandatory and subject to verification.
• Incentives and funding pathways: National and EU recovery funds and targeted startup incentives remain active, with priority for digital, green and export-oriented projects. Grant windows and tax credits have been streamlined in some sectors.
• Tax and reporting focus: Fiscal authorities emphasize timely VAT, payroll and annual filings; transfer pricing documentation and substance are increasingly scrutinized for cross-border entities.

Which legal form to choose

Common structures and their typical uses:

• IKE (Private Company): Flexible and popular for startups and SMEs; fewer formalities and a digital-friendly route to formation.
• EPE (Limited Liability Company): Traditional limited company for small to medium operations with more formal corporate governance than IKE.
• AE (Société Anonyme / Public Limited): Suited to larger enterprises that may seek capital markets access; higher minimum capital and stricter reporting.
• Branch or Representative Office: Branches register local activities of foreign companies; representative offices cannot pursue commercial activity but can carry out market research and liaison work.

Step-by-step registration process (practical operational steps)

1. Decide the legal form and prepare a business plan: Confirm the activity type, whether a license is required, and expected hiring needs.
2. Name reservation: Check availability through the commercial registry and reserve the name.
3. Draft constitutional documents: Prepare articles of association or memorandum; non-Greek language versions may require certified translation.
4. Tax registration (AFM) and VAT: Obtain a Greek tax identification number (AFM) for the company and, if applicable, register for VAT and VIES for intra-EU transactions.
5. Register with GEMI: Submit formation documents to the General Commercial Registry. Many IKE formations can be initiated and finalized electronically.
6. Open a bank account and deposit share capital if required: For entities with statutory capital (e.g., AE), arrange capital deposit and obtain bank statement proof.
7. Register with social security (EFKA): If hiring, register the company and staff with social security and payroll systems.
8. Apply for sector licenses and permits: For regulated activities (tourism, transport, financial services, food production), secure the necessary authorizations before operation.
9. Set up accounting and compliance systems: Choose accounting standards (Greek GAAP or IFRS where applicable), and establish bookkeeping, payroll and VAT reporting routines.

Typical timelines and costs

Timelines depend on company type and sector. Electronic IKE registrations often complete within one to two weeks if documents are in order; AE formations and licensed activities can take several weeks to months. Fees include notary or lawyer charges (if required), GEMI registration fees, tax office filings and potential permit costs. Budget also for translation, local advisory and initial capital deposits.

Key compliance and operationalNotes (precautions)

• Beneficial ownership disclosure: File accurate BO data at formation and update within statutory deadlines; penalties apply for omissions.
• Anti-money laundering checks: Prepare to provide client due diligence information for banking and licensing purposes.
• Language and notarization: Some documents must be executed before a notary and in Greek or translated into Greek; local counsel can prevent delays.
• VAT thresholds and intra-EU rules: If you trade across the EU, understand VIES reporting, OSS rules for e‑commerce and applicable VAT registrations.
• Employment law and payroll: Greek labor law includes mandatory social contributions and notice rules; engage a payroll provider to avoid costly errors.
• Substance and transfer pricing: Cross-border affiliates should demonstrate economic substance in Greece to meet tax authority expectations and avoid BEPS-related adjustments.
• Data protection and electronic records: Comply with GDPR and maintain electronic and physical books as required by tax law.

Practical examples

Example A: A tech startup (non-EU founders) formed an IKE using an online formation platform, obtained AFMs for founders, opened a Greek bank account remotely with enhanced KYC and completed GEMI registration in under two weeks. Early preparation of translated signed documents and local power-of-attorney shortened the timeline.

Example B: A manufacturing investor chose an EPE due to anticipated higher staffing and liability considerations. Licensing for industrial permits added two months to the timeline; advance consultation with the local municipality accelerated environmental approvals.

Where to get help

Use qualified local advisors for legal, tax and payroll matters. For non-resident founders seeking administrative and human‑resource support, firms like SailGlobal offer tailored out-of-sea human services including virtual office setup, administrative filings and onboarding support. Engage accountants and lawyers early to align formation strategy with tax and regulatory goals.

Final checklist before trading

1. Confirm GEMI registration and company registration number.
2. Obtain AFM and VAT registration where required.
3. Open corporate bank account and confirm capital requirements.
4. Register with EFKA and set up payroll systems.
5. Secure all sector-specific licenses and local permits.
6. Implement accounting, bookkeeping and compliance processes.
7. File initial tax and regulatory declarations on time.

Setting up a business in Greece in 2025 is increasingly digital, but regulatory compliance remains rigorous. Early planning, accurate documentation and reliable local support minimize delays and risks. Keep monitoring government bulletins and consult professionals to ensure up-to-date adherence to evolving rules.