Doing Business in Greece (2025): Official Sites, Policies, and Practical Steps for Overseas Companies

This guide compiles the principal Greek government and departmental websites foreign companies need in 2025 — covering company registration, tax reporting, labor compliance and visa procedures. It also summarizes key policy directions, practical step-by-step procedures, real-world examples, and Notes (precautions). For hands-on overseas HR and immigration support, consider SailGlobal.

Quick reference: Government and departmental websites

Key 2025 policy themes and official interpretations

Greek policy in 2025 emphasizes digitalization, investor facilitation, and compliance. Authorities continue to expand e‑services (GEMI, TAXISnet, ERGANI) to shorten processing times. Simultaneously, anti‑money‑laundering and tax transparency measures are reinforced, with increased scrutiny on cross‑border transactions and transfer pricing documentation. Incentive programs remain available for strategic investments, with priority sectors often including renewable energy, tech, logistics and tourism.

Interpretation tips:

• Electronic submissions are increasingly mandatory — digital signatures and certified e‑documents speed approvals.
• Residence and work authorizations for non‑EU nationals typically require parallel actions by employer (work permit application) and employee (consular visa application).
• VAT and corporate tax rules are strictly enforced; late filings attract penalties and interest.

Step‑by‑step: Company registration (typical path)

1. Choose company form (e.g., I.K.E. - private company, E.P.E. - limited liability, A.E. - public limited company) and reserved trade name.
2. Prepare founding documents: articles of association, shareholder list, and director designations; have notarization and apostille/translation as required.
3. Obtain AFM (tax number) for company and responsible persons via AADE/TAXISnet.
4. Register the company with GEMI and publish required notices; receive the GEMI number.
5. Open a corporate bank account (KYC may require proof of registration and local representative presence).
6. Register for VAT with AADE if trading taxable goods or services; obtain VAT number.
7. Register as employer on ERGANI and register employees with EFKA for social contributions.

Step‑by‑step: Tax filing & compliance

1. Register in TAXISnet for e‑filing access and submit the company’s AFM details.
2. Keep accounting records aligned with Greek GAAP; prepare periodic VAT returns (monthly/quarterly) and corporate tax returns annually.
3. Submit withholding tax declarations where applicable (e.g., payments to non‑residents).
4. Ensure transfer pricing documentation for related‑party transactions; be prepared for information requests.

Step‑by‑step: Hiring and labor compliance

1. Draft employment contracts in compliance with Greek labor law and collective agreements where applicable.
2. Notify new hires and contract changes in ERGANI within statutory deadlines.
3. Register employees with EFKA and set up payroll withholding for social security and taxes.
4. Observe working time, leave entitlements and termination rules; consult employment lawyers for collective bargaining or sectoral rules.

Step‑by‑step: Visa and work permits for non‑EU staff

1. Confirm whether the role allows intra‑company transfer, or requires a national D‑visa and a work/residence permit.
2. Employer applies to relevant Greek authority or regional immigration office for work authorization where required.
3. Employee applies at the Greek consulate for the visa (submit job offer, work permit approval, proof of qualifications, police clearance, medical insurance).
4. After arrival, apply for residence permit at local Aliens Office and register with local authorities (often within days of entry).

CommonNotes (Precautions and practical tips)

• Always verify identity and signatures: notarization, apostille and certified translations are commonly required for foreign documents.
• Time your filings: corporate and tax calendars have strict deadlines — late submissions incur fines and can delay licenses or permits.
• Be mindful of permanent establishment rules: commercial activities in Greece may create tax residence or PE exposure.
• Keep proper transfer pricing and substance evidence if operations involve related parties outside Greece.
• Budget for social security costs: employer contributions can represent a material payroll cost.
• Use local counsel and accountants for sector‑specific rules (e.g., shipping, energy, regulated professions).

Practical examples

Case 1: UK consulting firm (2025)

Scenario: A UK consultancy opens an I.K.E. in Athens to serve EU clients. Steps taken: prepare translated articles, obtain AFM for company director, register with GEMI, open a bank account, register for VAT, and onboard first employees via ERGANI/EFKA. Key lesson: appoint a local representative to expedite bank KYC and public registry interactions.

Case 2: US tech startup — representative office vs. subsidiary

Scenario: The startup first established a representative office for market research, then converted to a limited company when hiring staff. Lessons: representative offices have lower compliance but cannot bill locally; conversion requires full incorporation steps and updated registrations.

Where to get reliable help

For immigration and cross‑border HR logistics, providers such as SailGlobal can assist with permit coordination, local onboarding and bilingual documentation. Always pair service providers with qualified local legal and tax advisors to ensure compliance.

Final recommendations

• Start digital registrations early: set up TAXISnet and GEMI accounts as one of your first actions.
• Maintain a compliance calendar combining tax, social security and corporate filing deadlines.
• Conduct a pre‑launch risk check for transfer pricing, AML and licensing requirements.
• Engage a local accountant and lawyer familiar with the 2025 updates to ensure smooth operations.

Note: This guide summarizes common procedures and policy trends for 2025; always check the relevant official portals and consult local advisors for case‑specific advice.