How do I register a sole proprietorship in Greece and obtain AFM, VAT, and GEMI entries?

In Greece
Last Updated: Nov 2, 2025
I'm planning to start a small consulting business in Athens. What are the exact steps to register as a sole proprietor, obtain an AFM, register for VAT, and get GEMI enrollment? How long does the process usually take and what fees should I expect?

Lawyer Answers

SPANOS - FOUSKARINIS AND ASSOCIATES LAW FIRM

SPANOS - FOUSKARINIS AND ASSOCIATES LAW FIRM

Nov 2, 2025
Best Answer

We need the following information for the establishment of a Greek company.
 



 


1. Who will be the shareholder/s of the company. We need the passport of the shareholder/s , parents names-surnames, profession, home address.


Moreover we will need Power of Attorney (PoA) from the shareholder for the company establishment and the issue of Greek tax id which is obligatory since the client will open a company in Greece.



 


2. If there are more than one shareholders, we need the percentage of the shares that each one will hold.



 


3. The name of the company and its distinctive title



 


4.  What type of company will the client establish? We suggest IKE =PRIVATE LIMITED COMPANY which is more flexible and less expensive.



 


5.  Who will be the director of the company? (It can be also the shareholder)


Does the client hold any Greek residence permit?


6. What is the scope of the company, what activities will the company have?


7. How much will be the share capital of the company? There is no limit, the share capital for IKE can start from 1 eur, but we always suggest to our clients to calculate the annual expenses of the company maintenance , so that they put as capital this amount, to avoid the taxation 0.5% for the capital increase in the future. Cause when you establish a company there is 0% tax in the capital.


If we have this information , we prepare the articles of association and you send it to the client for his/her approval. Then we can proceed with the establishment of the company, which can be concluded within 2 working days.


After the establishment of the company , we can open a Greek bank account for the company, (which is required obligatorily) .


Within one month from the establishment, we should verify and upload a certificate in the commercial chamber that the share capital of the company has been submitted to the company's account. We do this action and it' s included in our legal fee . Plus we submit the information of the shareholders in the tax registry, as it is required also by the law. This is also included in our fee.


 Please note that the company should hire an accountant for the monthly book-keeping. The accountant's fee for IKE companies can start from 300 eur -350 eur plus vat 24% , depending on the size of work.


The tax rate for companies is 22% on the net profit. The dividend tax is 5%. 


We can schedule a call to discuss further about the company formation.


At your disposal for any further questions .


 


Theodoros Spanos

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SPANOS - FOUSKARINIS AND ASSOCIATES LAW FIRM

SPANOS - FOUSKARINIS AND ASSOCIATES LAW FIRM

Nov 2, 2025
We need the following information for the establishment of a Greek company. 1. Who will be the shareholder/s of the company. We need the passport of the shareholder/s, parents names-surnames, profession, home address. Moreover we will need Power of Attorney (PoA) from the shareholder for the company establishment and the issue of Greek tax id which is obligatory since the client will open a company in Greece. 2. If there are more than one shareholders, we need the percentage of the shares that each one will hold. 3. The name of the company and its distinctive title. 4. What type of company will the client establish? We suggest IKE = PRIVATE LIMITED COMPANY which is more flexible and less expensive. 5. Who will be the director of the company? (It can be also the shareholder) Does the client hold any Greek residence permit? 6. What is the scope of the company, what activities will the company have? 7. How much will be the share capital of the company? There is no limit; the share capital for IKE can start from 1 euro, but we always suggest to our clients to calculate the annual expenses of the company maintenance, so that they put as capital this amount, to avoid the taxation 0.5% for the capital increase in the future. Because when you establish a company there is 0% tax in the capital. If we have this information, we prepare the articles of association and you send it to the client for his/her approval. Then we can proceed with the establishment of the company, which can be concluded within 2 working days. After the establishment of the company, we can open a Greek bank account for the company, (which is required obligatorily). Within one month from the establishment, we should verify and upload a certificate in the commercial chamber that the share capital of the company has been submitted to the company's account. We do this action and it’s included in our legal fee. Plus we submit the information of the shareholders in the tax registry, as it is required also by the law. This is also included in our fee. Please note that the company should hire an accountant for the monthly book-keeping. The accountant's fee for IKE companies can start from 300 eur - 350 eur plus VAT 24%, depending on the size of work. The tax rate for companies is 22% on the net profit. The dividend tax is 5%. We can schedule a call to discuss further about the company formation. At your disposal for any further questions.
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