Thinking of starting a business in Greece? 🇬🇷 One of the most important decisions you’ll make is choosing the right legal structure. Whether you’re launching a startup, opening a branch office, or investing in real estate, the right entity can help minimize taxes and simplify operations.
This guide breaks down the key legal entity types in Greece — including SA (Société Anonyme), IKE (Private Company), and other options — so you can make an informed choice.
⚖️ Types of Legal Entities in Greece
1. IKE (Ιδιωτική Κεφαλαιουχική Εταιρεία – Private Company)
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Ideal for small to medium businesses and startups
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Requires a minimum capital of just €1
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No notarial deed required unless real estate is involved
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Flexibility in internal structure and management
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Limited liability for shareholders
2. AE or SA (Ανώνυμη Εταιρεία – Société Anonyme)
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Suitable for large enterprises and public companies
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Minimum share capital: €25,000
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Requires a notary and publication in the Government Gazette
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Mandatory board of directors and corporate governance
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Limited liability for shareholders
3. OE and EE (General and Limited Partnerships)
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OE: Partners have unlimited liability
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EE: At least one partner has limited liability
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Less formal structure, fewer disclosure requirements
4. Branch Office of a Foreign Company
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Enables foreign companies to operate in Greece
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Requires registration with the General Commercial Registry (GEMI)
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Must appoint a tax representative
🧾 Tax and Accounting Considerations
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Corporate Tax Rate: 22%
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VAT: 24% (some exceptions)
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Annual financial reporting is mandatory
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Audit obligations may apply depending on company size and type
🚀 Choosing the Right Structure
✅ IKE – best for tech startups, small business owners
✅ SA – suited for large capital-intensive companies
✅ Branch – perfect for expanding an existing international business
✅ Partnerships – good for family businesses and local joint ventures
A legal advisor can help evaluate the tax and legal implications for each structure.
📌 Required Steps to Register a Company
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Choose a company name and legal form
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Draft the Articles of Association
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Submit documents to GEMI
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Obtain a Greek tax number
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Open a corporate bank account
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Register with the social security system (EFKA)
🗣️ Call to Action
Need help registering your business in Greece?
📞 Our legal experts can guide you through every step — from entity selection to tax compliance and regulatory filings. Let’s build your cross-border success.