How to Start a Business in Greece (Complete Guide)
- GetGreece
- Nov 11
- 8 min read
Starting a business in Greece is now more accessible than ever, even if you live abroad. Over the past several years, Greece has modernized how companies are formed, registered, and managed. Many processes can now be completed online, including company registration, tax setup, and ongoing accounting. This means you can start a business in Greece even if you do not currently live in the country.
Greece is also entering a growth period. Entrepreneurship is increasing, new businesses are opening, and large-scale developments such as the new Hellenikon community project are transforming both the Athens coastline and the national economy. Interest in Greece as a place to live, invest, and build is rising from both Greeks abroad and non-Greeks who want to connect with the European market.
This guide explains how business formation in Greece works, who can start a company, what structures are available, what documents and steps are required, and how to manage your business remotely. If you would like professional assistance, GetGreece provides complete business formation services from start to finish. It all begins with a consultation call where we review your plan and handle everything for you.
Why Start a Business in Greece Right Now
Greece has become an attractive environment for new businesses. The reasons include:
A simplified digital business registry system.
Transparent tax structures.
Remote-friendly administrative workflows.
Lower overall cost of living compared to many European countries.
Access to the EU market.
Growth in technology, hospitality, tourism, imports, exports, and online services.
In addition, Greece is seeing long-term development investment. The Hellenikon community project in Athens is planned to be one of the largest coastal redevelopment projects in Europe, including business districts, housing, culture, and green spaces. As projects like this continue, demand for services, hospitality, real estate management, tourism, e-commerce, construction, and professional services will continue to rise.
Entrepreneurs are choosing Greece because it offers both lifestyle and opportunity. Whether you want to operate in-person, online, or both, the environment today is far more supportive than a decade ago.
Who Can Start a Business in Greece
You do not need to be a Greek citizen to start a business in Greece. The following individuals are eligible:
Greek citizens living abroad.
Dual citizens.
Foreign nationals with no Greek ancestry.
Citizenship is not required to form a company. The main requirement is obtaining a Greek tax number and, if you are not a resident, assigning a tax representative to act on your behalf for filings. This is something GetGreece can handle for you.
Business Structures in Greece
Different business types work better for different goals. Here are the most common options.
Sole Proprietorship (Ατομική Επιχείρηση)
This is a simple structure for individuals doing freelance work, small services, or personal business activity. It is straightforward to operate, but there is no separation between personal and business liability.
Best for:
Freelancers
Small local service providers
IKE (Private Company)
This is the most common modern structure for business formation in Greece. The IKE offers liability protection, flexible ownership, and the ability to form and manage the company online. It is similar in function to an LLC in the United States.
Best for:
New companies
Partnerships
Online businesses
Businesses planning to operate long-term
AE / SA (Corporation)
This is a public corporation structure intended for larger operations. It requires share capital and formal reporting. It is typically used by companies planning to scale or attract external investment.
Best for:
Larger companies
Organizations with executive structure
Businesses seeking investors
What You Need Before You Begin
Before forming the business itself, there are key setup steps.
Greek Tax Number (AFM)
Everyone involved in the business must have an AFM. This can be obtained remotely.
TAXISnet Access
TAXISnet is your secure login to the digital tax and business management system in Greece. It is required for signing forms, filing taxes, and authorizing your accountant.
Greek Business Bank Account
A business bank account is required to operate legally. Some banks require a presence to open the account, while others allow remote or guided setup. GetGreece can assist in coordinating banking setup.
Accountant
Every business in Greece must have an accountant. They handle your monthly bookkeeping, submit your required tax filings, and maintain compliance.
Tax Representative (if you are not a resident)
Non-residents must appoint a tax representative. GetGreece can act as your tax representative.
Step-by-Step Process to Start a Business in Greece
Starting a business in Greece follows a clear sequence of administrative steps. Each part must be done in the correct order, and the majority can be completed remotely with proper representation.
Choose a business structure
This is based on how you plan to operate, whether you will work alone or with partners, and how much liability protection you want. Most new businesses form an IKE because it is flexible and provides limited liability.
Obtain an AFM for each owner
Every person connected to the business needs a Greek tax number. This can be issued remotely with the required identification documents.
Set up TAXISnet access
TAXISnet is the secure online portal used for tax and business management in Greece. Access is required for electronic signatures, filings, and administrative communication.
Prepare the company founding documents
Founding documents outline the company’s purpose, ownership structure, responsibilities, and legal standing. These documents are drafted and reviewed before filing.
Register the business with the GEMI Commercial Registry
GEMI is the official registry of all businesses in Greece. Once the company is entered into GEMI, it legally exists and can proceed to financial and operational setup.
Register the business with the tax office
This step authorizes the business to issue invoices, receive payments, and operate commercially. The business is assigned its official tax status at this stage.
Set up your accountant for monthly filings
Greece requires ongoing bookkeeping and tax reporting. An accountant is mandatory for submitting monthly financial records, VAT filings when applicable, payroll if needed, and annual statements.
Open the business banking account
A Greek business bank account is required for receiving payments and managing expenses. Documentation and identification must match the formation records. Some banks allow remote completion, while others require a short scheduled appointment.
Begin operations and invoicing
Once the business is active and the invoicing platform is configured, you can begin offering services, issuing receipts, receiving payments, and conducting normal business operations.
Every step in this process can be handled remotely when you have proper authorization and representation in Greece.
Taxes and Ongoing Responsibilities
Once your business is active, it must maintain compliance. This includes:
Corporate income tax.
VAT where applicable.
Social security contributions when hiring or paying yourself as an employee.
Monthly bookkeeping review.
Annual statements and returns.
Your accountant manages all filings on your behalf.
Can You Operate the Business Remotely
Yes. Greece allows full remote operation provided your accountant and tax representative file on schedule. Documents are signed digitally. Banking can be coordinated with proper authorization. There is no requirement to physically live in Greece to own or operate the business.
Running a Business in Greece While Living Abroad
You can operate a business in Greece even if you do not live in the country. Greece uses digital systems for tax filings, invoicing, and business documentation, which makes remote operation straightforward when your accountant and tax representative are properly set up.
Most administrative tasks are handled online. Tax filings are submitted digitally, documents can be signed electronically, and your accountant communicates with you by email or scheduled calls. You are not required to be physically present in Greece to approve financial activity or manage operations.
Your business banking can also be managed remotely. Bank accounts include online banking access, allowing you to receive payments, pay suppliers, handle payroll if needed, and track your balance from abroad. If an in-person bank appointment is ever required, GetGreece will guide and coordinate that process.
Your business operates in Greece, but your day-to-day management can take place from anywhere. This is why many entrepreneurs abroad are choosing Greece as a place to establish companies that blend lifestyle, flexibility, and access to the European market.
Case Study Example
A client wanted to launch a tourism experience company offering guided day activities, cultural outings, and local food-based experiences. They live outside of Greece and planned to operate seasonally, spending part of the year abroad and part of the year in Greece.
During the consultation, we discussed how the business would function, the expected number of clients per week, whether additional staff or collaborators would be involved, and how payments would be accepted. Based on their goals, we recommended forming an IKE so the business would have liability protection and the flexibility to expand later.
We obtained the client’s Greek tax number remotely and created their TAXISnet access. We prepared and filed the company formation documents and registered the business with the GEMI Commercial Registry. We then introduced the client to an accountant who handles monthly financial submissions and ongoing compliance.
We also guided the setup of a Greek business bank account and an electronic invoicing platform approved for use in Greece. The business now invoics legally, receives payments through its business account, and maintains full compliance each month through the accountant.
The client operates the business in Greece during peak season and manages bookings, communication, and general planning from abroad during the remainder of the year. The business is fully legal, properly registered, and able to accept payments and issue invoices professionally.
How We Help
GetGreece handles the full business formation process from start to finish. This includes obtaining tax numbers, preparing and submitting formation documents, coordinating accountant setup, and guiding the banking process. You do not need to learn Greek administrative procedures or manage government filings yourself. We complete the entire formation remotely on your behalf, and we remain available for ongoing support after the business is active.
Book a Business Formation Consultation with GetGreece
We offer complete business formation solutions in Greece, and it begins with a consultation call with GetGreece. The consultation helps us understand your business idea and determine the exact steps needed to establish your company.
During the call:
We discuss the type of business you want to operate.
We identify the business structure that fits your goals.
We explain whether a tax representative is required.
We walk through all legal and administrative steps involved in forming the business, so you understand how the process unfolds from start to finish.
We outline the formation timeline and document requirements.
We review how accounting and ongoing compliance will work once your business is active.
You can ask any questions at any point.
If you decide to move forward, we handle the entire formation for you.
Everything can be completed remotely. You can open and operate your business in Greece from anywhere in the world, and we manage the process on your behalf.
Consultation details:
The consultation is $249 and lasts 30 to 60 minutes.If you proceed with the formation, the $249 is credited toward your formation cost.If GetGreece cancels or does not appear for the consultation, you receive a full refund.
Book a consultation today.
GetGreece maintains an A+ Rating with the Better Business Bureau.
To book a consultation visit getgreece.com/startbusiness or call GetGreece today at 1-833-694-7332
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to live in Greece to start a business?
No. You can operate remotely.
Do I need to be a Greek citizen?
No. Foreign nationals can form businesses in Greece.
How long does the process take?
In many cases, formation can be completed in several weeks.
Can the business own property?
Yes. Your company can hold real estate and assets.
Can I hire employees?
Yes. Your accountant will manage payroll and contributions.
Can I sell worldwide?
Yes. You can sell in Greece, the EU, or internationally.
Conclusion
Starting a business in Greece is now practical, remote-friendly, and supported by a growing economic environment. Whether you are building a small local business, an online company, or a larger operation, the pathway is clear and manageable with proper guidance and representation.
If you are ready to begin, schedule your consultation to discuss your business goals and let us handle the formation process for you.
This article was prepared and written by GetGreece and Founder, Tony Kariotis.
