Business Setup in Greece for UK Nationals

Start a Business in Greece and Expand Across Europe

Greece provides a strategic gateway to the European market. We help entrepreneurs, investors, and international businesses establish the right structure with clear guidance on incorporation, compliance, and long-term growth.

EU SINGLE MARKET ACCESS

CORPORATE TAX RATE

0 %

WEEK TYPICAL BUSINESS SETUP

0 1–04

Foreign Ownership

0 %

Why Greece Is Attracting Entrepreneurs

EU Membership

Access the European market from an established EU jurisdiction with opportunities for cross-border growth and expansion.

Lower Operating Costs

Benefit from competitive operating costs while maintaining access to European customers and markets.

Established Industries

Explore opportunities across tourism, shipping, technology, logistics, renewable energy, and real estate.

Starting a Business in Greece: 5 Key Requirements Before Registration

Our specialists help you establish the right foundation before registration, helping reduce delays and compliance issues later.

Tax Identification Number (AFM)

Every business and shareholder will typically require a Greek Tax Identification Number (AFM) before key registration procedures can be completed.

Business Structure

Selecting the appropriate structure, such as an IKE or Branch Office, affects liability, taxation, governance, and future expansion plans.

Registered Office

A registered business address in Greece is required for company registration and official correspondence.

Corporate Bank Account

A business bank account is often required for operational purposes and may be needed depending on the company structure and activities.

Compliance & Registrations

Businesses may need tax registration, accounting arrangements, and sector-specific licences before commencing operations.

From Business Formation to Market Entry in Greece

A practical framework designed to help entrepreneurs establish, operate, and grow their business within the Greek market.

Choose the Right Structure

Evaluate whether an IKE, SA, Branch Office, or another structure aligns with your commercial objectives.

Complete Registration Requirements

Obtain tax registrations, prepare incorporation documents, and complete the formal setup process.

Establish Local Operations

Set up banking, accounting, compliance procedures, and the operational foundations required for business activity.

Expand Across Greece and Europe

Use your Greek business as a platform to serve domestic customers and access wider European opportunities.

Choosing the Right Business Structure in Greece

PRIVATE COMPANY (IKE)

€1

Minimum Capital Requirement

One or more shareholders
Limited liability protection
Flexible management structure
Suitable for most commercial activities
Scalable for future growth
Popular with entrepreneurs and SMEs

Best for:

New businesses establishing a presence in Greece

BRANCH OFFICE

22%

Corporate Tax on Greek Profits

Operates under the parent company
Liability linked to the parent entity
Local representative required
Extension of existing operations
Supports market entry and expansion
Popular with overseas companies

Best for:

Existing businesses entering the Greek market

What Our Greece Business Startup Service Includes

Business Structure Advisory

Guidance on selecting the most suitable Greek business structure based on your objectives, ownership requirements, and growth plans.

Company Formation & Registration

End-to-end support with company incorporation and registration with the relevant Greek authorities.

Tax Registration & Compliance Setup

Assistance with obtaining a Greek Tax Identification Number (AFM) and completing initial tax registrations.

Corporate Bank Account Support

Guidance through banking requirements and account opening procedures for your Greek business.

Registered Office & Local Requirements

Support in meeting registered address and administrative requirements for company formation.

Licensing & Regulatory Guidance

Assistance with identifying and addressing industry-specific licensing and regulatory obligations.

Accounting & Ongoing Compliance

Support with ongoing filing obligations, corporate compliance, and operational requirements.

Cross-Border Business Advisory

Strategic guidance for entrepreneurs, investors, and international businesses operating between Greece and other jurisdictions.

Is Greece the Right Move for You?

WHY GREECE?

Strong Fit If You Are

EU Opportunity

Looking for a practical way to establish a business presence within the European Union.

Business Strategy

Considering Greece as part of a broader business or investment strategy.

Key Sectors

Exploring opportunities in tourism, logistics, technology, property, or professional services.

Long-Term Objectives

Planning to build long-term commercial interests rather than a short-term venture.

Suitable For

Entrepreneurs, investors, and businesses seeking a European presence.

Plan Carefully If

Setup Decisions

You are choosing a structure based only on initial setup costs.

Ownership Planning

Your future ownership plans are still unclear.

Compliance Requirements

You have not reviewed the ongoing reporting and compliance obligations.

Future Growth

Expansion, succession, or future investment plans have not been factored into the decision.

Consideration

Proper planning before incorporation can help avoid costly restructuring later.

How Lanop Works: A Structured 3-Phase Process

01 Planning & Business Structuring

Weeks 1–2

Understand your business objectives
Assess the most suitable legal structure
Review ownership and shareholder arrangements
Consider tax and compliance requirements
Identify licensing or regulatory obligations

YOU RECEIVE:

A clear business setup strategy, recommended structure, and implementation roadmap.

02 Company Formation & Registration

Weeks 2–6

Company incorporation support
Greek tax number (AFM) registration
Registered business address assistance
Corporate banking preparation
Submission of incorporation documentation

YOU RECEIVE:

A legally established Greek company prepared for operational setup.

03 Ongoing Compliance & Support

Year 1 Onwards

Accounting and bookkeeping coordination
Corporate tax and VAT compliance
Annual filing requirements
Regulatory and reporting support
Guidance as the business grows

YOU RECEIVE:

Ongoing support to help maintain compliance and keep the business operating efficiently.

WHY LANOP?

How Lanop Supports Business Setup in Greece ?

Common Challenge

LANOP Support

Outcome

Structure Selection

Business Structure Advisory

Greater setup confidence

AFM, GEMI & VAT Requirements

Regulatory Compliance Support

Improved visibility

Registration Procedures

Formation Process Management

Smoother incorporation

Multiple Advisors

Centralised Project Coordination

Better efficiency

Ongoing Obligations

Ongoing Compliance Support

Long-term business support

FAQs: Starting a Business in Greece

Can a foreigner start a business in Greece?

Yes. Greece welcomes foreign entrepreneurs, and full ownership is possible in most sectors. Non-EU nationals go through a few extra steps, but nothing that makes it unworkable. The right support makes the whole thing much more manageable.

What type of company suits a small business in Greece?

Most people setting up a small or medium-sized business go with an IKE, which stands for Private Capital Company. The capital requirement is low, the structure is flexible, and it fits a wide range of business types. It is the most practical starting point for most founders.

How long does company registration take in Greece?

When everything is in order, most registrations wrap up within one to three weeks. The timeline stretches when documents are incomplete or tax office queues are long. Getting your paperwork right from the start saves a lot of back and forth.

What taxes does a Greek company need to pay?

Greek businesses deal with corporate income tax, VAT, and employee social contributions. Filings happen at regular intervals throughout the year. Most founders find it far easier to hand this over to a local accountant rather than navigate it alone.

Start a Business in Greece and Expand Across Europe