A project in Greece?
Greece isn't yet part of our established network of local contacts. We assess every project case by case, though, and can bring in a trusted local partner (lawyer, accountant) if needed to create and direct your structure.
The path to creating a IKE in Greece, step by step
These timelines assume a complete file (ID documents, supporting evidence, governance decisions made): an incomplete file is the single most common cause of delay, ahead of the administrative timelines themselves. Once the file is genuinely complete, expect generally 1 to 7 days for the legal process itself.
Minimum share capital: €1.
Project scoping & complete file
Gathering ID documents, mandate, governance decisions and choice of bank — the essential groundwork for the legal timelines below to actually start running.
No notary for standard articles
Incorporation via the e-YMS service with standard articles is done without a notary, in 1 to 3 business days.
Notary if real-estate contribution
A notarial deed becomes mandatory only if a shareholder contributes a real right over property to the capital.
Incorporation via a lawyer
For customised articles, a lawyer is involved and the timeframe extends to 5-7 days.
Bank account and start of activity
A bank account is essential for running the company; the start-of-activity declaration is mandatory within one month of incorporation.
Safety margin — opening the bank account
On top of the legal timelines above, allow one week of banking margin: KYC checks, extra documentation or a branch appointment can extend account opening, particularly for a non-resident director.
VAT
| Taux | ||
|---|---|---|
| Standard rate | 24% | |
| Reduced rates | 13% | certain socially important goods, transport |
| Reduced rates | 6% | medicines, school books, press, event tickets |
Corporate tax
22%.
Is a visa required?
No for an EU/EEA national. A non-EU national wishing to reside in Greece to run the company must obtain a residence permit suited to that role.
Information provided for guidance (July 2026), subject to change depending on local regulation, the bank and the relevant authority. We confirm the precise timeline with you during the initial assessment of your project.
Opening a bank account
Is presence in Greece required?
Non-EU founders who reside or wish to reside in Greece, or who will hold a director role implying residence, must hold a suitable temporary or permanent residence title.
Observed timeframe to open the account
A few days to 1 month: the bank account is essential from incorporation, with a mandatory start-of-activity declaration within the following month.
Share capital deposit
Minimum share capital: €1.
Ultimate Beneficial Owner (UBO) register
Every director or shareholder must be declared as an Ultimate Beneficial Owner (UBO) in the national register — a requirement stemming from EU anti-money-laundering directives (or equivalent standards outside the EU). Bank scrutiny is heightened in two situations common among international clients: when a shareholder or director is a US citizen or US tax resident (FATCA then imposes extra reporting obligations on the bank, which can slow down or complicate account opening); and when a shareholder is based in an African country rated higher-risk by the FATF (extra proof of the origin of funds, longer KYC validation times). We anticipate this with you from the initial assessment if your structure involves such profiles.
Information provided for guidance (July 2026), subject to change depending on local regulation. We confirm the applicable detail with you during the initial assessment of your project.
Selling on-site and clearing customs
Securing a premises or retail location
Commercial lease and an operating licence (άδεια λειτουργίας) from the municipality for shops open to the public.
On-site sales & till
A certified fiscal cash register is mandatory for retail trade, with electronic transmission of receipts to the tax authority.
Cash register suppliers
- SumUp
- Zettle (PayPal)
- Viva.com
- myPOS
- Shopify POS
Payment providers for small businesses
- Viva.com
- Stripe
- PayPal Business
- Adyen
- Worldline
Indicative, non-exhaustive list of examples of solutions present on the local market — availability and terms change quickly; we help you select the best-suited offer during the assessment of your project.
Customs & ATA carnet
To exhibit or sell equipment at a trade fair, the ATA carnet allows temporary import of goods — professional equipment, samples, stand fittings — without advancing customs duties or import VAT, provided they are re-exported within the allotted period (generally 12 months, sometimes 6 months for fair equipment). The carnet is issued by the chamber of commerce in the country of departure and recognised across the international network of ATA Convention countries, a network that covers Greece.
Importing products from outside the European Union
To import goods from a non-EU country (China, the US, etc.), an EORI number is essential for any customs procedure. Customs duties depend on the tariff code (combined nomenclature) and the product's origin; import VAT is then due at the rate applicable in the destination country, generally recoverable if the business is VAT-registered. Depending on trade agreements in force, some products benefit from reduced or zero duties on presentation of a certificate of origin. The competent authority for these procedures is Independent Authority for Public Revenue (AADE) — Customs.
On-site consumer rules
A sale concluded in person at a stand during a trade fair that is not your usual place of business is generally classed as an "off-premises" contract under the EU Consumer Rights Directive (2011/83/EU): the customer then has a 14-day right of withdrawal, subject to exceptions (personalised, perishable or sealed goods). This principle, harmonised across the EU/EEA, applies in Greece — we check the local details with you based on your sales activity.
Information provided for guidance (July 2026), subject to change depending on local regulation. We confirm the applicable detail with you during the initial assessment of your project.