Forming a company in Greece is not simply a matter of completing and filing standard documents. The choice between an SA, a PC, an Ltd, a partnership, a sole trader or a branch of a foreign company affects the management, the liability of those involved, the ability to bring investors in and the way the business can develop. An SA may suit larger or investment-structured businesses, while the PC offers greater flexibility for many start-ups and SMEs. Partnerships, sole traders and branches serve different business needs. The choice of legal form should therefore follow the business and investment plan, not merely the cost or speed of incorporation.
The process is carried out through the One-Stop Service and includes, depending on the case, registration with GEMI through the e-YMS platform, the issue of a tax number and the drawing up of the articles of association in the required form. For foreign founders and investors, though, the incorporation is only the first step. The choice of registered office, local representation, the operation of bank accounts, the relationship between the Greek company and the foreign group and, where relevant, the connection with investment or immigration plans all have to be considered as part of the same corporate structure.
The mistake is not always choosing the wrong company. It can be the right company with the wrong structure. A PC that can be formed in a few days does not serve a business if its needs call for different governance, a different investment structure or the ability to admit new shareholders.
We advise founders and investors from the point of view of a legal counsel who has taken part in designing and restructuring corporate structures across multiple jurisdictions. We do not confine ourselves to forming the legal entity. From the outset we look at its place within the wider corporate structure, the relationship between shareholders or partners, and the needs of the business as it grows. We take the process from start to finish and continue to support the company after incorporation, on corporate resolutions, GEMI filings, transfers of shares or corporate interests, changes in management and other corporate governance matters. Tell us your business plan. We will look at which corporate form and structure best matches your needs.
Choice of legal form
The corporate form shapes the whole course of the business
Capital, the liability of shareholders or partners, the governance structure and the options for restructuring or exit all follow directly from the corporate form you choose — SA, PC, Ltd, partnership, sole trader or branch.
One-stop service
GEMI and e-YMS simplify registration
The incorporation can be carried out through the One-Stop Service (e-YMS), with the required information filed electronically and the relevant registrations completed, including registration with GEMI and the issue of a tax number where applicable.
Foreign founders
Cross-border incorporation raises further questions
For foreign founders and investors, questions such as the registered office and local representation, the operation of a bank account and the relationship between the Greek company and the foreign parent or the investment plan call for a coordinated legal approach.
After incorporation
Corporate governance in practice
Corporate resolutions, GEMI filings, transfers of shares or corporate interests, changes in management and the other corporate governance requirements continue throughout the life of the company. Getting the incorporation right is only the beginning; the company has to stay on top of its corporate obligations.