Why You Need a Greek Business Bank Account

Once you’ve registered your company in Greece, opening a Greek business bank account is essential for:

✅ Receiving payments and invoices
✅ Paying taxes and salaries
✅ Accessing digital banking and credit services
✅ Complying with local business laws
✅ Applying for VAT and EIN registrations

Whether you’re in Greece or abroad, we explain how to open a business bank account legally and efficiently.

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🌍 Can Foreigners Open a Greek Business Account?

Yes — both EU and non-EU citizens can open Greek business accounts if:

• You’ve registered a Greek company (IKE, AE, etc.)

• You have a Greek tax number (AFM)

• You submit proper KYC and corporate documents

You don’t need to visit Greece — we can do the process remotely via Power of Attorney (POA).

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📝 Required Documents to Open a Business Account

Greek banks follow strict KYC (Know Your Customer) and AML (Anti-Money Laundering) rules. You’ll need:

🔹 Company Documents:

• Company registration certificate from GEMI

• Articles of Association

• Greek AFM and VAT number

• Corporate resolution (if multiple shareholders)

• EIN (Employer Identification Number), if applicable

🔹 Individual Documents (for all shareholders/directors):

• Passport or EU ID

• Proof of tax residence (e.g. utility bill, tax return)

• Greek AFM

• POA document (if using legal rep)

• Signed bank application forms

📌 All non-Greek documents must be officially translated and legalized (apostille or Greek consulate).

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🏦 Best Banks in Greece for Business Accounts

We work directly with all major banks and recommend based on your business size, activity, and location.

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📋 Step-by-Step: How to Open a Greek Business Account

1. ✅ Company Formation

Before you open the account, your company must be fully registered with GEMI and have a Greek AFM.

2. 🗂️ Gather Documents

We prepare and translate all necessary documents, including:

• Shareholder IDs

• Articles of Association

• AFM and EIN registration

• POA (if applicable)

3. 🏛️ Submit Application

Your lawyer or accountant (with POA) submits your documents to the bank.

Some banks require:

• In-person visit

• Or a video KYC interview

• Or corporate POA approval

4. 🧾 Account Approval & Activation

Once approved, you’ll receive:

• IBAN (international bank account number)

• Corporate debit card (by mail)

• Online banking login credentials

• Access to SEPA payments, tax payments, payroll tools

⏱️ Timeline: 5–15 business days, depending on the bank and your nationality.

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🌐 Can You Open a Greek Business Account Remotely?

Yes — many of our clients open accounts without visiting Greece using:

✅ Power of Attorney (POA)
✅ Translated and legalized documents
✅ Video call or recorded KYC (when required)

We handle the entire process, including pre-approval screening with the bank.

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💶 Fees & Minimums

Some banks waive fees for new companies or startups for the first year.

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❗ Common Issues (and How We Solve Them)

• ❌ Application rejected due to poor documentation → we provide complete file

• ❌ No POA → we draft and notarize for you

• ❌ Missing AFM or VAT → we register these before applying

• ❌ Foreign passport only → we add proof of Greek company registration

• ❌ Delays in translation → we use certified translators with 24h delivery

✅ Borderless Lawyers ensures your account opens smoothly — no errors, no wasted time.

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📑 Example: Canadian Startup Registers in Thessaloniki

Liam, a Canadian entrepreneur, forms a Greek IKE for his tech business. From abroad, we:

• Obtained his AFM

• Registered the company

• Drafted a POA for account opening

• Submitted the application to Alpha Bank

• Activated the account in 12 days

Liam receives full online banking, EU payments, and access to Greek business credit — without ever flying to Greece.

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🧑‍💼 How Borderless Lawyers Helps

We provide:

✅ POA-based account opening
✅ Full document preparation & translation
✅ Bank pre-screening
✅ Fast AFM & EIN setup
✅ Coordination with your Greek accountant
✅ Legal representation before the bank
✅ Support for Visa/Startup Residence options

💼 Bundle with our company formation service for a full launch package.

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❓ FAQ – Greek Business Bank Accounts

Q: Can I open a bank account before the company is registered?
A: No — company formation must be complete first, with AFM and GEMI certificate.

Q: Can I open a personal and business account together?
A: Yes, but they are separate processes. We can handle both.

Q: Will the bank need to know my business activity?
A: Yes — banks require a brief description and projected income.

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🚀 Launch Your Business in Greece with a Full Banking Solution

Opening a Greek business bank account is a key step for any foreign entrepreneur. We help you do it remotely, quickly, and legally.

👉 Contact Borderless Lawyers to open your Greek business account — with full company setup, tax registration, and legal support.