If you’re planning to open a business in Greece, choosing the right legal structure is critical for:
✅ Tax efficiency
✅ Personal liability protection
✅ Regulatory requirements
✅ Ability to attract investors or partners
✅ Visa and residency options
This article explains the most common Greek company types used by both locals and foreigners, and when each is best.
📦 Overview of Greek Legal Entities
| Legal Form | Full Name | Ideal For |
|---|---|---|
| IKE | Private Company (Ιδιωτική Κεφαλαιουχική Εταιρεία) | Startups, SMEs |
| AE / SA | Société Anonyme (Ανώνυμη Εταιρεία) | Large businesses, investors |
| OE | General Partnership (Ομόρρυθμη Εταιρεία) | Small businesses with Greek partners |
| EE | Limited Partnership (Ετερόρρυθμη Εταιρεία) | Passive investors in partnerships |
| Sole Proprietorship | Ατομική Επιχείρηση | Freelancers, solo entrepreneurs |
| Branch of Foreign Company | N/A | Expanding an existing company to Greece |
🔹 IKE – Private Company
Best for: Foreign entrepreneurs, digital businesses, tech startups
Advantages:
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No minimum capital required
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Shareholders have limited liability
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Flexible corporate governance
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Recognized across the EU
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Fast online registration via GEMI
Drawbacks:
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Requires annual financial statements
-
Only one shareholder allowed at minimum
📌 Most foreign clients of Borderless Lawyers choose IKE for simplicity and cost-efficiency.
🔹 AE (SA) – Société Anonyme
Best for: Medium to large businesses, investors, export firms
Advantages:
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Suitable for public companies or large private enterprises
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Shares are transferable or publicly traded
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Strong brand and investor recognition
Drawbacks:
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Minimum capital: €25,000
-
Requires 2+ shareholders
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Mandatory board of directors
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Higher compliance and annual audit obligations
🧾 Ideal for serious investors or regulated businesses.
🔹 OE – General Partnership
Best for: Small local businesses or family-run ventures
Advantages:
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Simple formation
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Shared management between partners
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Less formal than corporations
Drawbacks:
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Unlimited liability for all partners
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Partners jointly liable for debts and taxes
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Not ideal for foreign investors or high-risk sectors
🔹 EE – Limited Partnership
Best for: Partnerships with passive investors
Advantages:
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Only one partner has unlimited liability
-
Silent partners limit risk to their contribution
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Good for joint ventures
Drawbacks:
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Still exposes one partner to personal risk
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May not be optimal for foreign-owned businesses
🔹 Sole Proprietorship
Best for: Freelancers, solo professionals, consultants
Advantages:
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Simple to set up
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Full control of the business
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Low setup and accounting costs
Drawbacks:
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Unlimited personal liability
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Personal and business taxes combined
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Less professional appearance to clients or partners
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Not ideal for residency visas or external investment
⚠️ Recommended only for EU citizens or freelancers with limited risk exposure.
🔹 Branch of a Foreign Company
Best for: International companies expanding into Greece
Advantages:
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Keeps legal identity of parent company
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Operates under foreign branding
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Useful for MNCs, banks, or agencies
Drawbacks:
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Complex registration
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Requires foreign documentation
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Parent company bears full liability
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Ongoing reporting to both Greek and foreign authorities
📑 Comparison Table: Greek Company Types
| Type | Liability | Min Capital | Ideal For | Visa Eligibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| IKE | Limited | €0 | Startups, SMEs | ✅ |
| AE (SA) | Limited | €25,000 | Large firms | ✅ |
| OE | Unlimited | €0 | Locals, small business | ❌ |
| EE | Mixed | €0 | Passive investors | ❌ |
| Sole Prop | Unlimited | €0 | Freelancers | Limited |
| Branch | Parent liable | N/A | Multinationals | ✅ |
📋 How to Choose the Right Structure
Ask:
-
Will I seek investment or sell shares? → AE
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Do I want low-risk, low-cost setup? → IKE
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Am I freelancing alone? → Sole Proprietorship
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Am I part of a joint venture? → EE or OE
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Am I expanding a global business? → Branch
Still unsure? Borderless Lawyers advises you based on your nationality, visa status, tax goals, and business activity.
🧑💼 How Borderless Lawyers Helps
We offer:
✅ Legal structure selection
✅ POA-based remote registration
✅ Translation and certified documents
✅ GEMI registration + AFM setup
✅ VAT, EIN, accounting & legal support
✅ Advice on visa + tax implications for each structure
❓ FAQ – Greek Company Types
Q: What’s the most common Greek company for foreigners?
A: IKE – it offers flexibility, no capital requirement, and limited liability.
Q: Can I open a Sole Proprietorship without living in Greece?
A: Not easily. This structure is best for EU citizens who live in Greece.
Q: Is it possible to convert an OE to an IKE later?
A: Yes, though it requires formal restructuring. We can assist.
💼 Get the Right Foundation for Your Business in Greece
Choosing the wrong company type can create tax problems, block investments, or delay visa processing. We help you pick the best Greek legal structure — from the start.
👉 Contact Borderless Lawyers for expert company setup in Greece — fully remote, fully compliant.