🌍 Why Start a Non-Profit in Greece?
Greece is home to a vibrant nonprofit sector, especially in areas like:
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Refugee and humanitarian aid
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Environmental protection
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Arts and cultural heritage
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Education and health
Foreign founders and international donors often choose Greece for its EU presence and civic needs.
⚖️ Legal Forms for Non-Profits in Greece
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Civil Non-Profit Company (AMKE)
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Most common form for charitable, cultural, or educational purposes
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Requires minimum 2 partners
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No share capital requirement
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Associations (Somateio)
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Ideal for member-based organizations
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Requires at least 20 founding members
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Legal personality granted by court registration
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Foundations (Idryma)
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Structured for large donations or legacy projects
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Requires endowment and strict governance
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📄 Registration Process
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Draft founding documents (articles of association, mission, bylaws)
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Notarize and translate documents if needed
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Apply for registration with the local court or civil registry
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Obtain a Greek tax number (AFM)
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Open a local bank account
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Register with the General Commercial Registry (GEMI) if applicable
💸 Tax & Legal Benefits
✅ Exemptions from VAT on many activities
✅ Donors may receive tax deductions (with compliance)
✅ Recognition as public benefit organization after review
✅ Eligibility for local or EU grants
🔐 Challenges to Prepare For
⚠️ Delays in registration and bureaucracy
⚠️ Annual reporting obligations
⚠️ Inspections for public funds or donations
⚠️ Legal updates affecting charity status
✋ How Borderless Lawyers Can Help
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Draft and file NGO incorporation documents
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Ensure compliance with Greek charity laws
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Register for tax, insurance, and legal status
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Provide long-term legal and accounting support
🤝 Turn Your Vision Into a Legal Entity
Whether you aim to give back or build an international philanthropic presence,
our legal team ensures your Greek NGO is compliant, credible, and impact-ready.