Greece has quietly become one of Europe’s most compelling jurisdictions to establish a company if you’re serious about tax efficiency and EU market access. The numbers don’t lie. A private company formed under Greek law costs less than 100 euros to register, offers flexible structures, and unlocks access to 450 million EU consumers. Yet most entrepreneurs still haven’t noticed.
This guide walks you through exactly why you should set up a company in Greece, which structure makes sense for your situation, and how to navigate the process without overpaying for professional help.
Key Takeaway
The fast version: To incorporate in Greece, choose between IKE (EUR 1 minimum, best for startups), EPE (EUR 4,500 standard), or SA (EUR 25,000 for larger operations). Registration takes 1-2 weeks through the e-One Stop Shop. Foreign founders pay around EUR 1,000-3,000 in professional fees. Corporate tax is a flat 22%, and as the business owner you may personally qualify for Greece’s non-dom regime (EUR 100,000 flat tax on your personal foreign-source income for 15 years – this applies to individuals, not to the company itself) plus full EU market rights. The total time from decision to operating company is typically 2-4 weeks.
Why Incorporate in Greece?
Here’s the kicker. Most people think of Greece as a vacation destination. They don’t think of it as a serious jurisdiction for building businesses. That’s the blind spot.
When you establish a Greek company, you get several hard advantages that compound over time. The EU single market membership means your Greek company operates across all 27 member states without tariffs or major regulatory friction. That’s not small. It’s genuinely valuable. And it costs nothing to access.
The tax environment has improved dramatically. Corporate tax sits at 22% – not exceptional by global standards, but reasonable. The real win for business owners is the personal non-dom regime (Article 5A). This applies to you as an individual – not to your company. Your Greek company pays the standard 22% corporate tax. But your personal foreign-source income (foreign dividends, overseas investments, rental income from abroad) is taxed at a flat EUR 100,000 per year for 15 years instead of progressive rates up to 44%
Capital gains tax offers another angle. Real estate capital gains were exempt through December 2026, and corporate-level gains tax out at 15%. For a low-friction European holding structure, that’s genuinely useful.
And here’s what most consultants won’t tell you: you can incorporate in Greece with 100% foreign ownership. No local partner required. No nominee nonsense. The Greek government actively wants foreign entrepreneurs to register companies here. The process reflects that.
Finally, Greece offers a credible passport play. The Greek passport ranks fourth globally and provides visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 185 destinations. If you’re thinking about long-term tax residency and travel flexibility, that matters.
The Three Main Structures for Incorporating in Greece
When you establish a Greek company, you pick your legal vehicle. The choice shapes everything that follows – your capital requirements, registration costs, administration complexity, and tax treatment.
| Entity Type | Greek Name | Min Capital | Registration Cost | Best For | Notary Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Private Capital Company | IKE | EUR 1 | EUR 18-60 | Startups, SMEs, freelancers | No (online possible) |
| Limited Liability Company | EPE | EUR 4,500 (EUR 1 simplified) | EUR 100-300 | Service companies, growing SMEs | Yes |
| Public Limited Company | SA / AE | EUR 25,000 | EUR 300-500 | Larger operations, public offerings | Yes |
The IKE – Private Capital Company
The IKE is the reason to establish a company in Greece if you’re bootstrapping or testing a model. Established under Law 4072/2012, the IKE requires only EUR 1 in capital. Not EUR 100. Not EUR 1,000. One euro.
Registration happens through the e-One Stop Shop (e-YMS). You don’t need a notary. You don’t need to trek to an office. Everything happens online. The process takes 1-3 days if you use the government’s model articles. Costs run EUR 18 to EUR 60 depending on complexity.
The IKE structure works perfectly if you want to establish a Greek company as a test vehicle, as a service company, or as a holding structure for real estate. You can add shareholders later. You can increase capital. You can convert to an EPE down the road.
One catch: the IKE has some limits on shares (maximum 100) and governance simplicity (single member or multiple members with proportional voting). If you need complex capital structures, you might want the EPE instead.
The EPE – Limited Liability Company
The EPE is the workhorse. It’s what most established businesses use when they establish a Greek company. Think of it like the Greek LLC equivalent, though it’s not exactly the same.
Standard capital requirement is EUR 4,500. A simplified option exists at EUR 1, which most foreign founders choose. Either way, you need notarized articles of association. This typically adds EUR 200-500 to your costs depending on complexity. Registration through GEMI (the General Commercial Registry) takes 2-5 business days.
The EPE offers flexibility. You can have up to 100 members. You can allocate different voting rights. You can create preferred classes of shares if needed. It’s a grown-up structure that scales.
Most foreign founders who incorporate in Greece for serious operations choose the EPE. It’s not as lean as the IKE, but it’s not overengineered like the SA. It’s the Goldilocks option.
The SA – Public Limited Company
The SA (Societe Anonyme, or AE in Greek) is for larger operations. Minimum capital is EUR 25,000. You need a board of directors. Registration involves more documentation and higher professional costs (typically EUR 300-500).
Unless you’re planning significant growth, venture funding, or employee equity programs, the SA is overkill. Most founders skip it entirely when they incorporate in Greece.
Step-by-Step Process to Incorporate in Greece
Let’s be blunt. Incorporating in Greece is not complicated. The government has actually made this straightforward.
How to Incorporate in Greece
- Prepare your company documents. For an IKE, use the government model articles (no customization needed). For an EPE, draft articles and get them notarized. For an SA, you need a more complex founding document.
- Register through the e-One Stop Shop (e-YMS). Visit e-YMS and create an account. Upload your articles. Choose your corporate structure. Provide shareholder information. Pay the registration fee (EUR 18-60 for IKE, EUR 100-300 for EPE).
- Obtain your GEMI registration number. Once e-YMS processes your application (1-3 days for IKE, 2-5 days for EPE), you receive a registration certificate and GEMI number. This is your official Greek company identifier.
- Register with the Tax Authority (AADE). This happens automatically for most company types. Confirm your registration and obtain your AFM (Greek tax registration number). This takes 1-2 days.
- Open a Greek bank account. Contact Greek banks (Eurobank, Alpha Bank, Piraeus Bank) or fintech alternatives. You’ll need your GEMI certificate, articles of association, and founder identification. Most banks complete this in 3-5 business days.
- Register for social security (EFKA). If you’ll have employees, register your company with the social security fund. This is required before you can hire anyone.
- Register with VAT authority if needed. If your turnover will exceed EUR 10,000, mandatory VAT registration applies. Filing an OPP declaration (VAT notice) takes this step.
Total time from decision to operating company: typically 2-4 weeks if you handle the process efficiently.
Cost Breakdown for Incorporating in Greece
The numbers don’t lie. Incorporating in Greece costs substantially less than most European alternatives.
| Cost Item | IKE (Startup) | EPE (Standard) | SA (Larger) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Government registration fee | EUR 18-60 | EUR 100-300 | EUR 300-500 |
| Notarization (articles) | EUR 0 | EUR 200-500 | EUR 300-800 |
| Professional setup (lawyer/accountant) | EUR 500-1,000 | EUR 800-1,500 | EUR 1,500-3,000 |
| Bank account opening | EUR 0-100 | EUR 0-100 | EUR 0-100 |
| Accounting/tax filing (annual) | EUR 800-1,500 | EUR 1,200-2,000 | EUR 2,000-3,500 |
| Total Setup | EUR 1,318-1,760 | EUR 2,100-3,300 | EUR 4,100-7,900 |
For comparison, incorporating a standard LLC in the United States runs EUR 500-2,000. A UK limited company costs similar. A German GmbH often exceeds EUR 500 just in legal fees. Greece is competitive.
The real savings come later. Annual compliance for an IKE or EPE is straightforward. If you stay under EUR 500,000 in revenue and keep simple bookkeeping, you’re looking at EUR 800-1,500 yearly in accounting and tax filing.
Tax Landscape When You Incorporate in Greece
Tax is where incorporating in Greece gets interesting. The structure here is sophisticated.
Corporate Tax
If you incorporate in Greece, your company pays corporate tax on Greek-source income at 22%. That’s a flat rate. No brackets. No complications. Twenty-two percent, full stop.
This applies to business profit. It applies whether you’re a service company, a product business, or a holding vehicle. The rate is consistent and predictable.
What matters is where your income originates. Greek-source income – that includes sales to Greek customers, rental income from Greek property, profits from Greek operations – all taxed at 22%. Foreign-source income may qualify for the personal non-dom regime (see below) – though this applies to you as an individual, not to the company.
Capital Gains Tax
Capital gains are taxed at 15% at the corporate level when you incorporate in Greece. That’s lower than the standard corporate tax rate, which creates an incentive for capital transactions.
Real estate capital gains enjoyed a temporary exemption through December 2026. That window is closing. Plan accordingly if property transactions factor into your strategy.
Dividend Withholding Tax
When your Greek company pays dividends to shareholders, there’s a 5% withholding tax for individual recipients. For corporate recipients (parent companies, other Greek entities), rates are lower or eliminated depending on the structure.
This is relevant if you plan to extract profits. A EUR 100,000 dividend would trigger EUR 5,000 withholding tax to a foreign individual shareholder.
VAT (Value Added Tax)
Greece’s standard VAT rate is 24%. That’s high by European standards, but consistent. If your business sells taxable supplies, you collect VAT and remit it to the government. However, you can offset VAT paid on inputs against VAT collected.
Mandatory VAT registration applies once turnover exceeds EUR 10,000. For a lower-revenue startup, you might stay unregistered initially.
Some products and services qualify for reduced rates (7% or 13%), including food, pharmaceuticals, and certain services. Check the details for your specific business.
Employment Taxes and Social Security
If you hire employees after you incorporate in Greece, employment taxes apply. The structure is employer-employee split:
Employee contribution: 13.37% of gross salary. Employer contribution: 21.79% of gross salary. Combined: 35.16% of payroll. This is Italy-adjacent in terms of cost.
So if you pay a developer EUR 2,000 gross monthly salary, you’re actually spending EUR 2,436 (EUR 2,000 + EUR 436 employer contribution). The employee takes home EUR 1,734 (EUR 2,000 – EUR 266 employee contribution).
Self-employed individuals pay similar rates but typically manage their own contributions. Exactly 35.16% total across the system.
The Non-Dom Regime and Business Ownership
Greece’s non-dom regime (Article 5A) is a powerful planning tool, but you need to understand exactly what it covers. The regime applies exclusively to individuals – not to corporations or legal entities. Your Greek company pays the standard 22% corporate tax on its profits regardless of whether you hold non-dom status.
Where the non-dom regime benefits business owners is on the personal side. As an individual with non-dom status, you pay a flat EUR 100,000 annually on your foreign-source personal income for 15 consecutive years. This covers dividends from foreign companies, foreign investment returns, rental income from overseas property, and other personal income sourced outside Greece.
The practical application works like this. You incorporate in Greece and your company pays 22% corporate tax on its profits – that’s non-negotiable. But if you also hold foreign investments, receive dividends from companies outside Greece, or earn rental income abroad, that personal foreign income falls under the flat EUR 100,000 annual tax instead of progressive Greek income tax rates (which can reach 44%).
For high-net-worth individuals with significant foreign investment portfolios, the savings are substantial. Someone receiving EUR 500,000 in foreign dividends and investment returns would pay EUR 100,000 flat instead of up to EUR 220,000 under standard progressive rates. The regime locks in for 15 years once established.
To qualify, you must not have been a Greek tax resident for seven of the previous eight years, you must invest at least EUR 500,000 in Greek real estate, businesses, or securities within three years, and you must maintain tax residency (183+ days annually). This makes Greece attractive for entrepreneurs who want an EU base for their company while sheltering their personal foreign investment income.
Personal Income Tax Considerations
When you establish a Greek company and take a salary, personal income tax applies. Greece uses a progressive bracket system.
2026 rates are approximately 9% on first EUR 10,000, 18% from EUR 10,001-30,000, 28% from EUR 30,001-100,000, and 44% above EUR 100,000. (These brackets adjust annually.)
If you pay yourself EUR 40,000 annually, you’re looking at roughly EUR 5,500 in personal income tax after deductions. Combined with employer contributions (EUR 8,716), the total cost to you is EUR 54,216.
This is why many foreign owners of Greek companies choose to take dividends instead of salary once the company is profitable. Dividends trigger 5% withholding tax versus progressive income tax rates up to 44%.
Banking and Compliance When You Incorporate in Greece
Opening a bank account after you incorporate in Greece is straightforward. Greek banks are EU-regulated and offer business accounts.
The major institutions – Alpha Bank, Eurobank, National Bank of Greece, Piraeus Bank – all handle foreign-founder companies. Processing takes 3-7 business days. You need your GEMI certificate, articles of association, and ID documentation.
Some fintech alternatives like Wise Business or N26 for business serve foreign entrepreneurs, though support is sometimes limited for Greece-specific requirements like AADE integration.
Annual compliance is minimal if you keep things clean. You file annual tax returns. You file VAT returns quarterly (if VAT-registered) or annually. You file employment records if you have staff. That’s essentially it.
Accounting requirements: if revenue exceeds EUR 500,000, you need a formal accountant and auditor (AEO). Below that threshold, a simpler system applies. Many IKE operators use simplified bookkeeping and file their own returns (though hiring an accountant for EUR 1,000-1,500 yearly is prudent).
EU Market Access – The Real Prize of Incorporating in Greece
When you incorporate in Greece, you get instant access to the European Union’s single market. This is not theoretical. It’s genuinely valuable.
Your company can open subsidiaries or branch offices in any EU member state. You can hire employees across Europe. You can invoice in euros. You can move capital between accounts. No tariffs. No regulatory barriers. No special permissions required.
Approximately 450 million consumers live in the EU. A Greek company can market, sell, and operate across all of them using a single legal entity.
Compare this to incorporating in, say, the US. A US LLC can expand to Europe, but it requires separate entity registration, local accounting, local reporting, and tax complexity. Greece flips that script. Your base is already inside the largest economic bloc on Earth.
This is especially valuable if you’re building a European SaaS company, service business, or product operation. One legal home. One currency. One regulatory framework (mostly). Full market access.
Greece also participates in 65+ double taxation agreements. This means if you incorporate in Greece and operate in another treaty country, you typically don’t pay tax twice on the same income. The home country taxes it, the treaty handles coordination, and you avoid duplication.
Common Mistakes People Make When They Incorporate in Greece
Having incorporated in Greece ourselves and reviewed hundreds of founder setups, we’ve seen patterns.
Mistake 1: Choosing the wrong structure. Founders sometimes incorporate in Greece using an SA (public company) when an IKE or EPE would suffice. This adds cost and complexity. Start lean. You can upgrade later.
Mistake 2: Underestimating professional help costs. Yes, government fees are EUR 18-60. But proper incorporation requires notarization (if you’re using an EPE), tax registration, and often a local accountant to handle filings. Budget EUR 1,500-3,000 for a complete setup. Trying to DIY below that often means rework.
Mistake 3: Not understanding non-dom eligibility before you incorporate in Greece. The non-dom regime applies to you as an individual – not to your Greek company. Your company pays 22% corporate tax regardless. The personal non-dom benefit requires that you were not a Greek tax resident for seven of the previous eight years, that you invest EUR 500,000 in Greece within three years, and that you maintain 183+ days residency. Confirm eligibility before structuring.
Mistake 4: Assuming English support exists everywhere. Greek government services increasingly offer English-language support, but not all agencies do. GEMI documentation is in Greek. Some bank forms are Greek-only. Hire someone bilingual. It costs EUR 100-200 and prevents headaches.
Mistake 5: Ignoring VAT thresholds.) If you’ll exceed EUR 10,000 in annual turnover, VAT registration is mandatory. People sometimes miss this until they file their first return and owe unexpected taxes. Plan ahead.
Mistake 6: Not opening a Greek bank account quickly enough. You can establish a Greek company, but you need actual banking to operate. Don’t delay this step. Open the account in week 1 after registration completes.
Comparison – Greece vs Other European Incorporation Jurisdictions
How does Greece stack up against other popular European jurisdictions for business formation?
| Jurisdiction | Min Capital | Setup Cost | Corporate Tax | Non-Dom Regime | EU Market Access |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Greece | EUR 1 | EUR 1,500-3,000 | 22% | EUR 100K flat (15yr) | Full |
| Cyprus | EUR 1 | EUR 2,000-4,000 | 28% (reduced) | No formal regime | Full |
| Malta | EUR 1 | EUR 3,000-5,000 | 35% (refund structure) | No formal regime | Full |
| Estonia | EUR 2,500 | EUR 2,500-4,000 | 20% | No formal regime | Full |
| Bulgaria | BGN 1 (~EUR 0.50) | EUR 1,000-2,000 | 10% | No formal regime | Full |
| Portugal | EUR 1 | EUR 2,000-4,000 | 21% | NHR regime (10yr) | Full |
Here’s the analysis. Bulgaria has the lowest corporate tax rate (10%) but faces EU regulatory scrutiny and fewer advanced services. Malta and Cyprus offer EU access but higher corporate taxes and less favorable personal tax planning. Estonia is efficient but expensive to set up and less tax-friendly for digital businesses. Portugal’s NHR regime is attractive for individuals but less structured for business income.
Greece? It’s the sweet spot. Low setup costs, competitive corporate tax, an actual non-dom regime for business income, full EU access, and modern infrastructure. Not the absolute cheapest (Bulgaria), not the fanciest (Malta), but the best overall value for most founders.
How to Incorporate in Greece If You Don’t Speak Greek
Here’s the thing. You don’t need to be fluent in Greek to incorporate in Greece. You don’t even need to visit.
The process works remotely. The e-One Stop Shop is online. GEMI registration is digital. Bank account opening can happen mostly digitally (though you might need a video call for identity verification). You can hire a local accountant or English-speaking lawyer to handle the Greek-language portions.
Typical approach: (1) Engage a local professional (EUR 500-1,000 to coordinate the process), (2) provide your documentation and shareholder information, (3) they file through e-YMS, (4) you receive your GEMI certificate and tax number via email, (5) they coordinate bank account opening.
Total time: 2-4 weeks. Total your involvement: maybe 3-4 hours on video calls and document signing.
The language barrier is real but not fatal. It’s a one-time friction point.
Strategic Advantages – Why Founders Are Waking Up to Greece
Several macro trends are making Greece more attractive than the average person realizes.
First, the Schengen visa situation. If you establish a Greek company and establish a business presence there, you can apply for business residency permits. These are easier to obtain than traditional tourist visas or remote work visas. The Greeks want entrepreneurs.
Second, the Greece passport value. If you establish tax residency in Greece (the most common path after establishing a Greek company), you can eventually apply for Greek citizenship after meeting residency and investment requirements. The Greek passport ranks number 4 globally (global passport index) and provides 185 visa-free destinations. For digital entrepreneurs and nomadic founders, this is substantial.
Third, the real estate angle. Greece has been recovering economically for years. Real estate prices are rising again. If you incorporate in Greece using an EPE or IKE to hold property, you get favorable capital gains treatment (historically), business-friendly entity treatment, and the ability to mortgage through a company (avoiding personal debt on your personal credit report).
Fourth, the EU passporting advantage. Your Greek company can instantly serve the entire EU market. That’s 450 million people. No separate entity registrations. No country-by-country compliance. One business, 27 countries.
Fifth, the cost of living. If you’re planning to relocate to work in your Greek business, Greece is inexpensive compared to Nordic countries, Western Europe, or major US cities. EUR 2,000-3,000 monthly covers a comfortable life for one person in Athens or other major towns.
Practical Example – How a Founder Would Incorporate in Greece
Let’s say you’re a SaaS founder with EUR 300,000 in annual revenue from international clients. You’re working from Portugal but want to establish a Greek company for tax optimization. Here’s how it works:
Week 1: You hire a Greek accountant (EUR 500-800). You provide your business plan and ownership structure. They draft articles of association for an EPE (Limited Liability Company).
Week 2: The accountant files your company registration through e-YMS. You receive your GEMI registration number and tax identification (AFM). Cost: EUR 150-300. Time to process: 2-5 business days.
Week 3: You open a business bank account with Alpha Bank or Eurobank. You complete a video identity verification call. You fund the account with EUR 1 to satisfy capital requirements.
Week 4: You apply for the non-dom regime through AADE (the tax authority). You file a declaration explaining that your EUR 300,000 revenue comes from international clients. The regime activates. Your annual tax on that foreign income is now EUR 100,000 flat (not EUR 66,000 at 22%).
Total cost: EUR 1,500-2,500 including accountant, government fees, notarization. Total time: 4 weeks. Annual tax savings: EUR 0 (you’re paying EUR 100,000 under non-dom vs EUR 66,000 standard rate, so it’s a wash at EUR 300K revenue).
But here’s why you still do it: the framework is in place. If your revenue grows to EUR 500,000, you’re paying EUR 100,000 versus EUR 110,000 (saving EUR 10,000). At EUR 1,000,000 revenue, you save EUR 120,000 annually. The non-dom regime becomes increasingly valuable as your business scales.
Plus, you now have legitimate tax residency in Greece, you have a European business address, you have EU market access from your company, and you’re on path to Greek citizenship if desired.
Incorporating in Greece opens EU market access immediately. But you need the right structure. Explore how to incorporate in Greece as part of your broader international offshore planning strategy.
Banking and Compliance for Your Greek Company
Once you establish a Greek company, practical banking and compliance matter.
Bank account options: The major Greek banks (Alpha, Eurobank, National Bank, Piraeus) handle foreign founder accounts. Processing is straightforward. You need GEMI certificate, articles, and ID. Some newer fintech options (Wise Business, N26 Business) have started serving Greece, though they sometimes struggle with AADE integration (the tax authority system).
Accounting and bookkeeping: If you incorporate in Greece and stay under EUR 500,000 revenue, you can use simplified bookkeeping. Most founders hire a part-time accountant (EUR 100-200 per month) to keep records clean and file correctly. This is cheap insurance.
Annual filings: Every year, you file tax returns to AADE. VAT returns are quarterly (if VAT-registered) or annual (if not). Employment records if you have staff. Dividend distributions (if any) are reported. This typically requires 2-3 hours of accountant time monthly.
CFC rules: Greece doesn’t have aggressive Controlled Foreign Company rules that penalize passive income. This is another advantage if you establish a Greek company as a holding vehicle for foreign investments. You can accumulate foreign passive income without current tax liability (subject to non-dom rules if applicable).
The compliance regime is genuinely lighter than the US, UK, or Germany.
Real Estate and Property Holding Through a Greek Company
One underrated reason to establish a Greek company is property holding. Greeks have historically incorporated SPVs to hold real estate. Here’s why it makes sense:
When you hold property in a Greek company (rather than personally), you shield your personal assets if litigation occurs. A tenant injury claim, a construction defect, a contract dispute – these hit the company, not your personal estate. That’s meaningful asset protection.
You also get financing flexibility. You can mortgage the company (not yourself personally), avoiding personal debt on your credit file. This matters if you plan multiple property holdings.
Capital gains when you sell are taxed at 15% at the company level (though this was set to change at the end of 2026 for real estate). Personal capital gains on property are higher.
Operating expenses (maintenance, property management, utilities) reduce taxable profit, lowering your corporate tax burden.
This is why real estate investors often incorporate in Greece using an EPE or IKE as a property holding vehicle.
Digital and Service Businesses – The Ideal Fit for Greek Companies
If your business is digital – SaaS, digital marketing, content creation, software development, consulting – Greece is especially suited.
Your customers are global. Your revenue comes from international clients. When you incorporate in Greece, you qualify for the non-dom regime (EUR 100,000 flat annual tax on foreign income for 15 years). This is tailor-made for digital entrepreneurs.
You don’t have inventory to ship from Greece. You don’t need local suppliers. You don’t need Greek customers. The company is a legal vehicle and tax optimized entity.
Many digital founders operate this way: they establish a Greek company for tax efficiency, they maintain their current location or relocate to another European country as needed, and they file taxes according to their personal residence country rules. Greece just provides the company structure.
This arrangement works beautifully if you’re designing a tax-efficient international business.
Questions About the Non-Dom Regime
The non-dom regime (Article 5A) generates questions. Let’s address the main ones.
Q: How do you prove foreign income? You file a declaration (OPP) with the tax authority showing your revenue sources. Bank statements showing international deposits help. Contracts with foreign clients substantiate claims. The bar isn’t extremely high – AADE is looking for genuine foreign-source income, not a scheme.
Q: What if you have mixed income (foreign and Greek)? The non-dom regime applies only to foreign-source income. Greek-source income is taxed at the standard 22% corporate rate. You calculate and segregate the two. It’s workable but requires careful bookkeeping.
Q: Can you use the non-dom regime for a holding company? Theoretically, yes, though the rules are complex. If your holding company receives foreign dividends or interest, that’s foreign-source income under the regime. But structuring this correctly requires professional tax advice. Not a DIY scenario.
Q: What happens after 15 years? The regime expires. You revert to standard 22% corporate taxation on all income. Plan ahead if your business will extend beyond 15 years. You might restructure or move the entity as the deadline approaches.
What About Employees in Greece?
If you incorporate in Greece and want to hire staff, here’s the framework.
Employment contracts are governed by Greek labor law. You need written contracts specifying salary, hours, duration, benefits. Minimum wage applies (around EUR 900-1,000 monthly for 2026).
Social security registration (EFKA) is required before you hire. This is automatic once you incorporate in Greece, but you must formally activate it.
Payroll taxes combine. Employees pay 13.37% in contributions. You (employer) pay 21.79%. Total: 35.16% of payroll costs.
Hiring is not difficult if you’re prepared. Having an accountant manage payroll is prudent (they handle calculations, filings, and compliance). Cost: EUR 20-40 per employee per month.
Severance and termination rules exist in Greece. You can’t fire someone without cause without penalty. Having a proper contract and HR practices matters.
Getting Help to Incorporate in Greece
Setting up a Greek company involves navigating local bureaucracy, tax registration, and legal compliance. Working with professionals who understand both the Greek system and international structuring makes the process significantly smoother.
Liberty Mundo helps clients incorporate in Greece and in most jurisdictions worldwide. Our team handles the full formation process – from selecting the right entity type (IKE, EPE, or AE) to GEMI registration, tax number setup, and ongoing compliance. We work with local Greek legal and accounting professionals on the ground, so you get both international perspective and local expertise without managing multiple relationships yourself.
Whether you’re forming a single Greek entity or building a multi-jurisdiction structure with Greece as your EU base, we can advise on the optimal approach for your situation. The key is getting the structure right from day one – restructuring later is expensive and time-consuming.
The typical timeline from engagement to a fully operational Greek company is 4-8 weeks, depending on entity type and complexity of your situation. We handle the paperwork, coordinate with Greek authorities, and ensure your company is properly set up for both local operations and international business from the start. Get in touch with our team to discuss your Greek incorporation.
One thing to prioritize regardless of who helps you: get your accountant (who you’ll need for annual filings anyway).
Red flag: anyone quoting less than EUR 800 for full incorporation (including GEMI registration, notarization, and tax registration) is cutting corners. It’s a loss leader or they’re not doing the work properly.
Establishing a company in Greece is one piece of a comprehensive plan. Explore tax planning strategies that work across borders and jurisdictions.
FAQ – Common Questions About Incorporating in Greece
How long does it take to incorporate in Greece?
Do I need to be present in Greece to establish a company there?
Can I have 100% foreign ownership when I establish a Greek company?
What’s the minimum capital requirement when establishing a Greek company?
Can I use a nominee or agent as company director?
Is the non-dom regime guaranteed for 15 years when I establish a Greek company?
What happens if I want to move my Greek company to another country?
Are there annual fees to maintain my Greek company after establishing it?
Can I dissolve my Greek company easily if plans change?
If I establish a Greek company, do I need to file taxes in my home country too?
The Bottom Line on Incorporating in Greece
Lost the plot if you think Greece is just a vacation destination. The country has built a genuinely attractive business environment for foreign entrepreneurs.
When you incorporate in Greece, you get:
- Ultra-low setup costs (EUR 1,500-3,000)
- Minimal capital requirements (EUR 1 for IKE)
- Competitive corporate tax (22%)
- A powerful non-dom regime (EUR 100,000 flat tax on foreign income for 15 years)
- Full EU market access (450 million consumers)
- 100% foreign ownership permitted
- Remote-friendly incorporation (no visit required)
- Light compliance burden (especially for small companies)
- Multiple legal structures to fit your needs
- A credible pathway to Greek residency and citizenship over time
Is Greece perfect? Not even close. Greece has bureaucratic inefficiency in some areas. Banking can be slow. Finding English-language support takes effort. The property market has risks. The economy has structural challenges.
But for the specific goal of incorporating a business with tax efficiency and EU market access, Greece is currently excellent.
Start with an IKE if you’re bootstrapping. Upgrade to EPE as you scale. Use the non-dom regime if your income is international. Establish bank accounts and accounting relationships early. Hire local help for Greek-language requirements. Plan your personal tax residency if you’re serious about long-term presence.
The process is straightforward. The costs are reasonable. The benefits are real. That’s why more entrepreneurs are waking up to the opportunity.
Related Strategies and Resources
Establishing a Greek company works best as part of a larger international plan. Consider these related areas:
Offshore planning: Structure your business and assets across multiple jurisdictions for tax efficiency and asset protection. Greece is one piece of the puzzle.
Tax planning: Use the non-dom regime and corporate structure strategically. European tax planning is complex but worth mastering.
Asset protection: Holding assets in a Greek company provides basic liability protection. Combine this with additional strategies for comprehensive security.
Tax-free EU residency: If you establish tax residency in Greece, you unlock additional planning opportunities. Other EU countries have similar programs.
Residency planning: Consider establishing business residency or personal residency in Greece alongside company incorporation.
CFC rules: Greece’s treatment of foreign subsidiary income is favorable. Understand how this affects your planning.
Second citizenship: Greek citizenship becomes relevant after long-term residence. Plan your path forward.
Sources and References
- PwC, Corporate Income Tax Summary (2026)
- Chambers Global, Corporate Tax Guide – Greece 2026
- Greek Ministry of Economy, GEMI Registration Guidelines
- Greek Ministry of Finance, Article 5A Non-Dom Regime Documentation
- European Commission, Freedom of Establishment in the EU
- Hellenic Parliament, Law 4072/2012 – Private Capital Companies (IKE)
- Hellenic Parliament, Law 3190/1955 – Limited Liability Companies (EPE) and Public Companies (SA)
- AADE, Corporate Tax Administration Procedures
- Greek Government, e-One Stop Shop (e-YMS) – Digital Company Registration System
- Greek Banking Sector, Alpha Bank, Eurobank, Piraeus Bank – Business Account Documentation

