In short
Most foreign founders use an IKE (private company): capital from €1 (even zero), and no notary when you use the standard articles. Every founder and manager needs a Greek tax number (AFM), which non-residents can get online with a video call. Formation through the One-Stop Shop takes about 3 days and costs €18 in GEMI fees online, but the online route needs TAXISnet codes and, for non-EU founders, often a residence permit — non-residents usually form through a lawyer or a One-Stop Shop point. Corporate tax is 22% and dividends are taxed at 5% (the 1950 US treaty does not reduce it). An IKE manager or sole partner must pay EFKA social insurance (from €250.77 a month in 2026) unless covered in the US, and an Athens company pays a €1,000 yearly business levy.
Greek company: key facts
Last verified 28 September 2026| Usual company type | IKE (private company): capital from €1 or even zero; no notary needed with the standard articles# Source: Law 4072/2012 art. 43: IKE capital · Law 4072/2012 art. 49: IKE formation document |
|---|---|
| Registration | Online One-Stop Shop (e-YMS) in about 3 days with €18 GEMI fee — needs AFMs and TAXISnet codes; non-resident founders often use a lawyer or notary# Source: Mitos (gov.gr): forming an IKE through the One-Stop Shop |
| Tax number (AFM) | Free; non-residents can apply online with a myAADE video call — before you move# Source: AADE: tax number (AFM) for non-residents · AADE: tax guide for non-residents (Jul 2025) |
| Other companies | EPE: no minimum capital (since 2012); AE: €25,000 fully paid up# Source: Law 3190/1955 art. 4: EPE capital · Law 4548/2018 art. 15: AE minimum capital |
| Corporate tax | 22%# Source: PwC Tax Summaries: Greece — corporate income tax |
| Dividend withholding | 5%; the 1950 US–Greece treaty does not reduce it# Source: PwC Tax Summaries: Greece — withholding taxes · IRS: US–Greece income tax convention (1950) |
| VAT | 24% (13%, 6% reduced); every business registers from the start; under €10,000 turnover you can opt out of charging VAT# Source: PwC Tax Summaries: Greece — other taxes (VAT) · AADE: VAT small-business scheme (art. 39) |
| Social insurance for managers | IKE managers and sole partners must pay EFKA: from €250.77 a month (2026), €150.46 for the first 5 years, plus €10# Source: e-EFKA circular 6/2026: self-employed contributions 2026 · Law 4387/2016 art. 39: contributions of company managers |
| US–Greece Social Security agreement | Self-employed people are covered only in their country of residence — a US resident can stay in US Social Security# Source: SSA: US–Greece Social Security agreement |
| Business levy | €1,000 a year for a company based in Athens (€800 in smaller towns); abolished for freelancers from 2025# Source: TaxRevenue.gr: business levy in 2026 and announced abolition |
| Beneficial owners | Central Register of Beneficial Owners via TAXISnet; changes within 60 days# Source: Law 4557/2018 art. 20: Central Register of Beneficial Owners |
| US anti-deferral tax | GILTI renamed NCTI from 2026; Greece's 22% is above the 18.9% high-tax threshold# Source: 26 U.S. Code §951A: net CFC tested income · eCFR: 26 CFR §1.951A-2 (high-tax exception) |
Not American?
Canadians, Australians, Brits and other non-EU citizens: the same rules apply
Greek company law is the same for every foreign founder, so Canadians, Australians, New Zealanders and Brits register a Greek company exactly as described here. Only a few points differ:
- Canada
- Australia
- New Zealand
- United Kingdom
- Japan
- South Korea
- + other visa-free countries
| Living in Greece | A company does not give you residence. Non-EU founders who want to live in Greece need a residence permit of their own. |
|---|---|
| Home-country tax | US citizens are taxed on worldwide income and have extra filings (Form 5471, FBAR, NCTI). Other nationals usually aren't taxed this way. |
| Social security | The US–Greece agreement lets a US-resident self-employed owner stay in US Social Security; other countries have their own agreements or none. |
| Documents from abroad | Need an apostille; the US, Canada (since 11 Jan 2024), the UK, Australia and NZ issue them.Source: HCCH: Apostille Convention status table |
At a Glance
Greek Company Formation in Numbers
Why Greece
Why Americans Register Companies in Greece
Greece has modernised its company law: the IKE (since 2012) can start with almost no capital, the standard articles need no notary, and formation and filings run through the GEMI register and online tax services.
The case is strongest for services, tourism and hospitality, real estate, shipping and tech businesses that want a Eurozone base with lower costs than Western Europe. Plan for the fixed yearly costs — EFKA for the manager, the business levy and an accountant.
Business Structures
Which Entity Type Is Right for You?
Private Company
IKE — Ιδιωτική Κεφαλαιουχική Εταιρεία
The usual choice for founders. Capital from €1 — or zero with guarantee or service contributions. One shareholder is enough, and the manager can be any nationality and live anywhere. Articles may be in English alongside Greek, but the Greek text prevails.
- Min. capital
- €1 (even zero)
- Notary
- Not needed with standard articles
- Liability
- Limited to contributions
Limited Liability Company
EPE — Εταιρεία Περιορισμένης Ευθύνης
The older limited company. There is no minimum capital any more, and it can be formed with standard articles through the One-Stop Shop or by notarial deed.
- Min. capital
- None
- Management
- Manager(s)
Public Limited Company
AE — Ανώνυμη Εταιρεία
For larger companies and listings, with a board of directors. €25,000 of capital, fully paid up at formation.
- Min. capital
- €25,000
Freelancer / Sole Trader
Ατομική Επιχείρηση
Simple, but with unlimited personal liability. Freelancers are taxed on at least a minimum income (€12,320 for 2025) unless they rebut it; this does not apply in the first 3 years of activity. Needs a Greek residence permit that allows self-employment.
- Min. capital
- None
- Liability
- Unlimited
Tax Environment
Greece's Corporate Tax Framework (2026)
Greek companies pay 22% corporate tax (down from 29% in 2018). Dividends are taxed at 5% at source, for residents and non-residents alike.
The US–Greece income tax treaty was signed in 1950 and does not limit Greek tax on dividends, so Greece's 5% applies. There is no VAT registration threshold — every business is registered when it starts; businesses with turnover up to €10,000 can opt out of charging VAT. Under the US–Greece Social Security agreement, a self-employed person is covered only in their country of residence, so a US-resident owner can stay in US Social Security with a certificate of coverage.
US citizens and Green Card holders are taxed on worldwide income. Owning a Greek company usually means Form 5471 and an FBAR if your foreign accounts exceed $10,000 in total. From tax years starting in 2026, GILTI has been renamed net CFC tested income (NCTI). Greece's 22% is above the 18.9% high-tax threshold, so the high-tax exclusion is usually available. Consult a US international tax adviser.
Step-by-Step Process
How to Register a Company in Greece
An IKE with standard articles is formed through the One-Stop Shop (Υπηρεσία Μίας Στάσης) of the GEMI register — online through the business portal or at a One-Stop Shop point such as a chamber, a notary or a lawyer. The online route needs Greek tax codes (TAXISnet) for every founder and, for non-EU nationals, may require a residence permit.
Choose your structure Decision
For most foreign founders an IKE. Use custom articles or a notary only if you need special terms or contribute real estate.
Get your AFM Required first step
Every founder and manager needs a Greek tax number. Non-residents apply online through myAADE and confirm their identity by video call — free — or use a representative with power of attorney. Non-residents also appoint a tax representative or accept electronic service of tax notices.
Check the company name GEMI check
The name must be unique in GEMI and include IKE (ΙΚΕ). Names can use Greek or Latin letters.
File with the One-Stop Shop About 3 days
Submit the standard articles and founder details online (e-YMS) or through a One-Stop Shop point. Online formation takes about 3 days and costs €18 in GEMI fees; chamber fees may apply.
Receive your GEMI number and tax number Registration
The company is registered in GEMI and receives its own AFM. Publication is in GEMI — not in the Government Gazette.
Register beneficial owners Online
Declare owners above 25% in the Central Register of Beneficial Owners through TAXISnet, and update it within 60 days of any change.
EFKA and bank account Banking & insurance
Register the manager or sole partner with EFKA (or get a US certificate of coverage) and open a bank account — Greek banks run detailed checks on non-resident founders.
Want to run the company from Greece? A company does not give you residence — see the routes on our Greece page.
Costs & Fees
What Does It Cost to Register and Run a Company in Greece?
| Cost item | Notes | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| GEMI fee (online IKE) | One-Stop Shop formation with standard articles. | €18 |
| Share capital | Legal minimum for an IKE. | from €1 |
| Notary | Only for custom articles or real-estate contributions. | optional |
| EFKA (manager / sole partner) | Monthly, 2026 — category 1 to 6; €150.46 in the first 5 years of insurance; plus €10. | €250.77–675.87 |
| Business levy | Yearly, for a company based in Athens (€800 in smaller towns). | €1,000 |
| Lawyer / accountant | Formation, bookkeeping and tax returns (market estimate). | varies |
Official fees and 2026 contribution rates. Source: Mitos: IKE through the One-Stop Shop · e-EFKA circular 6/2026 · Business levy 2026
Ongoing Obligations
Post-Registration Requirements
Annual accounts and tax return
Keep books under Greek Accounting Standards, file the corporate tax return by the end of the 6th month after year-end (30 June for calendar years) and publish the accounts in GEMI.
Manager
An IKE can be managed by any person — no nationality or residence rule. Appointing or changing the manager is published in GEMI.
Audit
Small companies are generally exempt from statutory audit; confirm the current limits with your accountant.
Beneficial owners
Keep the Central Register of Beneficial Owners up to date — changes within 60 days.
Business levy
€1,000 a year for an Athens company in 2026. The government has announced its abolition for companies, but it is not yet law.
Expert Notes
What Americans Should Know Before Registering in Greece
EFKA is compulsory for IKE managers
The manager of an IKE and the sole partner of a single-member IKE must pay EFKA as self-employed — at least €250.77 a month in 2026 (€150.46 in the first 5 years of insurance), plus €10. If you live in the US, a US certificate of coverage under the Social Security agreement can exempt you.
The online route is built for residents
e-YMS needs TAXISnet codes and, for non-EU founders, may ask for a residence permit. Non-resident Americans often form through a lawyer with power of attorney or a One-Stop Shop point.
VAT starts on day one
Every business is registered for VAT when it starts. Under €10,000 turnover you can choose not to charge VAT; above it, the standard rate is 24%.
A company does not give you a golden visa
The golden visa needs €400,000–€800,000 in property, or €500,000 invested in a Greek company or other routes. See our golden visa guide.
The 50% tax relief is for people who move
Founders who move to Greece and run a business there may qualify for 50% income tax relief for 7 years — it covers Greek business income, not foreign remote work.
Registering a Greek company is right for you if…
- You want a Eurozone company with lower running costs than Western Europe.
- You are targeting Greece, tourism, real estate, shipping or the Eastern Mediterranean.
- You have budgeted for EFKA (or a US certificate of coverage), the business levy and an accountant.
- You have US tax advice on Form 5471 and NCTI.
We work with Greek lawyers and accountants who form companies for non-EU founders — from the AFM to GEMI, EFKA and ongoing filings. Directories like LocalVouch can help you find more.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
What is the best company structure for Americans in Greece?
Usually the IKE (private company) — capital from €1, one shareholder is enough, the manager can live abroad, and no notary is needed with the standard articles.
Do I need a notary to form a Greek company?
Not for an IKE (or EPE) using the standard articles through the One-Stop Shop. A notary is needed only for custom articles in some cases or when real estate is contributed.
How long does registration take?
About 3 days online once every founder has an AFM and TAXISnet codes, with a GEMI fee of €18. Non-residents using a lawyer or One-Stop Shop point should allow longer.
What are the yearly fixed costs?
EFKA for the manager or sole partner (from €250.77 a month in 2026 unless covered in the US), the €1,000 business levy for an Athens company, and accounting fees.
When do I need to register for VAT?
From the start — Greece has no registration threshold. Businesses with turnover up to €10,000 can opt not to charge VAT.
Greece
Everything about moving to Greece
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