Greece allows domestic and foreign entrepreneurs to establish businesses under Greek commercial and company law. Business decisions depend on business activity, ownership structure, tax considerations, employment plans, residency status and regulatory requirements, with common reasons for establishing a business including operating a local company, serving Greek customers, hiring employees or managing European operations.
- Business ownership and the right to personally work in Greece are legally separate matters. - Operating a foreign company while living in Greece may still create Greek tax considerations. - Choosing the wrong company structure has lasting consequences for liability, taxation and administrative burden.
The IKE (Private Company) is a commonly used structure offering a separate legal entity, flexible ownership and suitability for small and medium businesses. The EPE (Limited Liability Company) provides separate legal personality and a limited liability framework. The AE (Société Anonyme) structure is generally used for larger companies, featuring a share capital structure and corporate governance requirements. Individuals may also operate as sole proprietorships under self-employed structures, with requirements depending on professional activity, tax registration and licensing.
The process follows: selecting the business structure (considering liability, tax treatment, administration requirements and growth plans); preparing company information (name, business purpose, ownership details, registered address, founding documents); registering the business through the relevant Greek commercial authorities; and completing tax registration, accounting arrangements and compliance procedures. Required documentation may include identification documents, company formation documents, ownership information and registered address details — foreign documents may require Apostille/legalisation and official translation.
Greek businesses generally require accounting compliance covering bookkeeping, tax filings, financial records and professional accounting support. Businesses may have VAT obligations depending on activity, revenue and applicable rules, which should be confirmed with AADE. Businesses hiring workers must comply with employment regulations, social security obligations and labour reporting requirements. Companies generally require banking arrangements for payments, payroll and business transactions, with banks requesting company documents, ownership information and tax details.
Foreign nationals may establish businesses in Greece subject to Greek commercial law, tax regulations and immigration requirements where applicable — business ownership and the right to personally work in Greece are separate issues. Remote business owners should evaluate immigration status, tax residency, company location and international obligations, since operating a foreign company while living in Greece may create Greek tax considerations. Athens offers the largest business ecosystem and international connections; Thessaloniki offers a university-linked technology and business ecosystem; smaller cities offer lower operating costs but smaller business networks.