Business registration guide: A complete walkthrough
Registering your business is the first step toward a smooth and legally compliant start. This guide walks you through the entire process, covering key stages, required documents, and essential tax and legal obligations.
1. Choosing the right legal structure
Before registering, you must determine the legal structure of your business. The choice depends on your business activity, available capital, tax implications, and the level of liability you are willing to assume.
Common business structures in Greece:
Sole Proprietorship (SP): Ideal for freelancers and small businesses. Easy to set up but involves personal liability for debts.
General Partnership (GP): Partners share unlimited liability.
Limited Partnership (LP): Some partners have limited liability.
Limited Liability Company (LLC): A hybrid between a sole proprietorship and a corporation.
Private Capital Company (PCC): Flexible, suitable for startups and SMEs, with a minimum capital of €1.
Public Limited Company (PLC): Best suited for large businesses, with stricter regulations and requirements.
Branches of foreign companies: Ideal for international businesses seeking expansion without establishing a new legal entity.
Joint ventures: Partnerships between companies that share responsibilities and profits based on an agreement.
Tip: Before proceeding, consult an accountant or legal expert to choose the most suitable structure and ensure compliance with all necessary procedures.
2. Steps to register your business
A. Required documents
The main documents required include:
Business registration application (submitted to the General Commercial Registry – GEMI for companies, or the Tax Office for sole proprietorships).
Tax Identification Number (ΤΙΝ, known as AFM in Greece), activation code (kleidarithmos), and access credentials from TaxisNet or the Tax Office.
Articles of Association/Incorporation (for companies).
Certificate of company name, distinctive title, and Activity Code Number (KAD).
Lease agreement for the business premises or proof of ownership.
Electronic identification credentials (GEMI or eID).
B. Registration process
Sole proprietorships: Registered at the Tax Office.
Companies: Registered with the General Commercial Registry (GEMI) and the Tax Office.
Online registration: For IKE, GP, LP, EPE, and AE, registration is processed through the One-Stop-Shop of GEMI.
3. Financial & Legal obligations
Tax identification & Fiscal obligations
All businesses must obtain a Greek Tax Identification Number (TIN, AFM in Greece), and access credentials for TaxisNet.
Both sole proprietors and companies must declare business activity at the Tax Office.
All businesses must keep accounting records (single-entry or double-entry, depending on their legal form).
Mandatory registration with the Greek Social Security Fund (EFKA, Greece’s national insurance system) for insurance contributions.
Licenses & Certifications
Depending on your business activity, you may need additional licenses, such as:
Operating licenses for businesses in the food and hospitality sector.
Professional licenses (e.g., pharmacies, technical professions).
ISO certifications for industrial or export-oriented businesses.
4. Timeline & Costs*
How long dDoes it take?
Sole Proprietorship: 1-2 business days.
PCC, GP, LP: 2-5 business days via GEMI.
PLC, LLC: 7+ business days due to additional documentation requirements.
Registration costs
Sole Proprietorship: €50-100
PCC, GP, LP: €100-150
LLC, PLC: €300 and above (including legal fees)
Additional costs for GEMI registration & publication in the Government Gazette (if required)
Note: Registration time and costs may vary depending on the business type and legal structure. Contact the relevant authorities or professional advisors for accurate and up-to-date information.
* This information is based on available data as of February 2025 and is subject to change, depending on complexity and specific requirements.
5. Resources & Support
For further information and support, you can refer to:
General commercial registry (GEMI): gr/ / businessportal.gr
Independent Authority for Public Revenue (AADE – Tax Issues): gr
Greek Social Security Fund (EFKA – Insurance Issues): gov.gr
National Administrative Process Registry “Mitos”: gov.gr
Greek Chambers of Commerce: Guidance and support for new businesses.
One-Stop-Shop GEMI: Online registration for companies. /
businessportal.gr
6. Useful tips
Consult an accountant before starting to ensure you choose the right legal structure and comply with all obligations.
Check the tax implications of each business type, as social security contributions (EFKA) and tax rates can affect your profitability.
Develop a business plan that includes cost estimates, potential funding sources, and a competitive analysis.
Utilize digital services like gov.gr and GEMI to streamline the process and avoid bureaucratic delays.
Look for grants or support programs that could help reduce your startup costs.
Useful Business Templates
A template used to identify the difference between the current and the desired state, identifying improvement actions.
A template for evaluating employees' performance, recording skills, achievements, and areas for improvement.
A structured plan outlining how your business will promote, sell, and deliver its products or services to meet revenue goals.
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