Establishing a Company in Greece

Atomic Answer: Establishing A Company In Greece is a critical component of the Canadian immigration framework. As of 2026, applicants navigating this pathway must adhere to the latest IRCC guidelines, ensure all documentation is properly prepared, and meet the specific eligibility requirements. Processing times and exact costs will vary based on individual circumstances.

Establishing a Company in Greece: Conditions and Residence Rights

Greece ranks 61st in the world in the 2017 ease of doing business index created by the World Bank Group. People who set up a business in Greece have the right to trade and visa-free entry to countries within the European Union within the scope of the common market that connects all member states of the European Union. Among the European Union countries, setting up a company in Greece has the highest per capita spending model for its customers.

The Greek corporate tax and VAT rate was calculated as 24% in 2020 and 20% in 2021.

What are the Types of Companies in Greece?

The types of companies in Greece are listed below.

• Sole trader
• Corporate company

There are four different types of corporate companies: public limited company, general partnership, limited partnership, and limited liability company.

What are the Requirements for Opening a Company Branch in Greece?

The requirements for opening a company branch in Greece are listed below.

• A legal record must be created regarding the establishment of the new company.
• It is necessary to choose the legal form of the business, either a sole trader or a corporate company.
• Commercial strategy and financial situation business plan should be made.
• The company must be registered with the chamber of commerce.
• It is necessary to obtain a tax identification number for the company from the tax office.
• To practice the profession, a permit and a special business license must be obtained.
• A company seal containing the tax registration number and tax office information must be obtained.
• The company's accounting journal and receipt books must be ready.

What are the Requirements for Establishing a Company in Athens?

There are no special requirements for establishing a company in Athens, Greece.

How to Start a Business in Greece?

Tax return form A7 must be obtained from the Tax Office in Greece, filled in and sent to the Chamber of Commerce and Industry office with all necessary documents and fees. Citizens who want to establish a business in Greece must complete the legal registration procedures after choosing the legal form of the business. After determining where the company will be established, the person or persons who own the company must register with the Chamber of Commerce.

In Greece, a company owner must obtain a tax identification number for his company from the tax office. The company owner must obtain a business license and a professional license. The stamp on the company must include the tax registration number and tax office information, and the accounting journal and receipt book must be sealed. After the company is established, it is mandatory to register with the United Social Security Institution.

Can Citizens of the Republic of Türkiye Establish a Company in Greece?

Citizens of the Republic of Türkiye can establish companies in Greece.

Investors who are citizens of the Republic of Turkey are granted a 5-year residence permit in Greece with the Greek golden visa program. People who invest in Greece obtain a residence permit in Greece and visa-free entry to Schengen countries within the scope of the Greek golden visa.

How Much Does It Cost to Start a Business in Greece?

The cost of establishing a company in Greece varies depending on the type of company to be chosen and the number of partners. Depending on the type of company to be established, the cost of establishing a business in Greece varies between 4,500 Euros and 60,000 Euros.

How Long Does It Take to Establish a Company in Greece?

In Greece, the establishment of a joint stock company is completed within a week following the preparation of the necessary documents, while the establishment of a limited company is completed within one or two weeks.

Is it necessary to be in Greece to establish a company in Greece?

With the new regulations, people who will establish a company in Greece have the option to establish a company with a power of attorney without being present in Greece. If the established company does not have a tax number, a tax number can be obtained with the power of attorney given.

If a company is going to be opened in Athens, Greece, it is necessary to apply for a work permit in the Athens visa application.

Is it possible to obtain residence in Greece by establishing a company?

Citizens of the Republic of Türkiye who will establish a company in Greece must apply for the golden visa program for Greece, which is an investment visa program.

People who receive a Greek golden visa and their first-degree family members directly receive a 5-year Greek residence permit. The Greek golden visa is renewable for 5 years and can be obtained as long as the investment continues.

What are the advantages of establishing a company in Greece?

The advantages of establishing a company in Greece are listed below.

• The threshold investment options in Greece are lower than in other European Union countries.
• Immediate family members of people investing in Greece have the right to reside in Greece.
• The investor and his/her family members have the opportunity to travel to Schengen Area countries without a visa.
• There is no requirement to live in Greece for any period of time to renew a residence permit.
• If the property in Greece is purchased, there is an option to rent it.
• After residing in Greece for seven years, it is possible to apply for Greek citizenship.
• Individuals and their family members who invest in Greece can benefit from Greek education and healthcare services.

What Are the Biggest Companies in Greece?

The largest Greek companies, as published by the Turkish Greek newspaper on August 28, 2013, are listed below.

• Hellenic Petroleum
• Motor Oil
• Hellenic Electricity Authority DEI
• Electrical Operator LAGIE
• Central Bank of Greece
• Greek Gaming Corporation OPAP
• Eurobank
• National Bank of Greece
• Alpha Bank
• Piraeus Bank

What are the Consulting Companies for Investment in Greece?

Investment advisory companies in Greece are listed below.

• Golden Visa Greece by Energopiisi SA investment consultancy firm
• Greek investment investment consultancy company
• Immigration Invest
• Palladin Group

What are the Turkish Companies in Greece?

Turkish companies in Greece are listed below.

• TC Ziraat Bank
• Dogus holding joint stock company
• Arkas Shipping and Transportation Joint Stock Company
• Gimaş international rationing
• Entes Electronics
• Strawberry furniture
• Ekol logistics joint stock company
• Test all electronics industry and trade joint stock company
• Gulluoglu
• Atılkan group autogas systems
• Kartonsan pak holding
• Atiker
• EHM retail industry and trade joint stock company
• Habaş industrial and medical gases production industry joint stock company
• KRT jewellery joint stock company
• Cukurova holding
• Lassa brisa
• Petlas starmaxx
• Polisan Holding
• Enkomak

What is the Contact Information for the Greek Trade Attaché?

The Greek commercial attaché unit is the Consulate General in Thessaloniki. The telephone number of the Consulate General is 00 30 2310 965 070-73. The fax number is 00 30 2310 965 084. The address of the Consulate General in Thessaloniki is Odos Agiou Dimitriou 151, 54634, Thessaloniki / Greece.

The Greek Trade Counselor's Office is the Embassy in Athens. The Embassy's incoming number is 00 30 210 726 30 00, and its fax number is 00 30 210 722 95 97. The address of the Embassy in Athens is Vassıleos Gheorgıou B'8 10674 Athens / Greece.