Can You Start a Greek Business Without Being in Greece?

Yes β€” it is 100% legal and common for foreigners to start a business in Greece remotely using a Power of Attorney (POA).

This option is ideal if you want to:

βœ… Avoid international travel costs
βœ… Register quickly from abroad
βœ… Stay compliant while launching your business
βœ… Apply for residency or a visa later

Borderless Lawyers helps clients from the US, UK, Canada, UAE, and across Europe form companies remotely in Greece.


πŸ–‹οΈ What Is a Power of Attorney (POA) in Greece?

A Power of Attorney (πληρΡξούσιο) is a legal document that authorizes a representative (lawyer or accountant) to act on your behalf.

With a POA, your legal rep can:

  • Apply for your Greek tax number (AFM)

  • Register your company with GEMI

  • Open a Greek business bank account

  • Submit VAT and EIN registrations

  • Sign official documents with Greek authorities

You maintain full ownership and control β€” your representative only handles the process.


πŸ“‘ What Does the POA Include?

A typical POA for remote company formation includes authorization for:

βœ… Greek AFM registration
βœ… Company registration (IKE, AE, etc.)
βœ… Bank account opening
βœ… VAT & EIN registration
βœ… Filing with GEMI and AADE
βœ… Accountant appointment
βœ… Optional residency or visa application

βš–οΈ We draft POAs tailored to your nationality, business type, and goals β€” in Greek + your native language.


πŸ›‚ How to Legalize a POA From Abroad

Depending on your location, you can sign and legalize the POA via:

Location Method
EU countries Notarize + Greek translation
Hague Convention countries (e.g. US, UK, Canada) Notarize + Apostille
Non-Hague countries (e.g. UAE, China) Notarize + legalization via Greek consulate

We provide:

βœ… POA draft in Greek and English
βœ… Legalization instructions based on your country
βœ… Templates for your notary or consulate
βœ… Courier return instructions


πŸ“‹ Step-by-Step: How to Start a Business in Greece Remotely

1. πŸ“ Initial Consultation

We assess your business plan, nationality, tax residence, and legal structure needs.

2. πŸ“„ POA Drafting

We prepare a customized bilingual POA based on:

  • Company type (IKE, AE, etc.)

  • Number of founders

  • Services needed (bank account, visa, etc.)

3. πŸ–‹οΈ Notarization & Legalization

You sign and legalize the POA in your country and send us the original via courier.

4. 🧾 Tax Number & Registration

Once we receive the POA, we:

  • Get your AFM (Greek tax ID)

  • Register your company with GEMI

  • Apply for VAT/EIN

  • Coordinate with a Greek accountant

5. 🏦 Bank Account & Activation

We open your Greek business bank account, set up online access, and finalize company activation.


πŸ“¦ What You Can Do Remotely with POA

βœ… Open and register a Greek company
βœ… Apply for tax and social security numbers
βœ… Open a business bank account
βœ… Hire a Greek accountant
βœ… Appoint a resident director (if needed)
βœ… Apply for a business visa or residency permit later


πŸ§‘β€πŸ’Ό Example: American Entrepreneur Launches in Athens

Emma, a US-based digital nomad, wanted to launch her e-commerce business in Greece.

From the US, she:

  • Signed a bilingual POA

  • Sent it to us via DHL

  • We formed her IKE remotely

  • Opened a business bank account with Eurobank

  • Registered her for VAT and EIN

  • Helped her later apply for a Digital Nomad Visa

All without her setting foot in Greece.


πŸ’Ά What Are the Costs?

Service Cost (Est.)
POA drafting €200 – €300
Notarization & apostille (your country) Varies
Courier to Greece ~€60
Full setup (company + tax + bank) From €1,800
Optional: visa application Add-on

We offer bundled pricing for remote setup + legal services.


❗ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • ❌ Sending POA without notarization

  • ❌ Missing Apostille/legalization

  • ❌ Wrong or outdated POA format

  • ❌ Trying to DIY without a Greek lawyer

  • ❌ Delays due to poor translations

βœ… We provide everything you need β€” correctly formatted, translated, and ready for Greek authorities.


πŸ§‘β€βš–οΈ How Borderless Lawyers Helps

We offer full-service remote company formation in Greece:

βœ… POA drafting (bilingual)
βœ… Apostille/legalization guidance
βœ… Tax registration (AFM, VAT, EIN)
βœ… Bank account opening
βœ… Legal representation before GEMI & AADE
βœ… Optional residency/visa applications
βœ… Ongoing accounting & legal support

πŸ’Ό Start your Greek business without booking a flight β€” we’ll handle the rest.


❓ FAQ – Remote Company Formation in Greece

Q: Can I own 100% of the Greek company if I’m abroad?
A: Yes. Greek law allows full foreign ownership, even remotely.

Q: Can I add multiple shareholders with POA?
A: Yes, each shareholder provides a separate POA.

Q: Will the Greek authorities accept a scanned POA?
A: No. Originals must be mailed in hard copy with proper legalization.


πŸš€ Ready to Launch Your Greek Business Without Leaving Home?

Thousands of entrepreneurs start companies in Greece from abroad. With the right legal partner, it’s fast, secure, and 100% compliant.

πŸ‘‰ Contact Borderless Lawyers to register your Greek company remotely with Power of Attorney β€” complete setup in one smooth process.

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