Starting a Business in Greece – Complete Guide

Our paid business-formation service: Chalkidiki Real Estate coordinates paid assistance from the first consultation through the establishment of a sole proprietorship/freelance activity or an IKE. Qualified Greek accountants and lawyers provide the regulated tax and legal work. Depending on the agreed scope, we coordinate structure discussions, documents, AFM and registry preparation, registered-office questions, activity codes, articles of association, e-OSS/GEMI steps, tax commencement, social-security coordination, banking preparation, and post-formation setup. We are not a law firm or accounting firm. Formation, registration, timing, and eligibility remain subject to the responsible professionals, authorities, registries, banks, and complete lawful documentation.

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Why Start a Business in Greece?

Greece can be attractive to entrepreneurs who want an EU base, access to the euro, a Mediterranean location, and growing markets connected with tourism, real estate, construction, renewable energy, digital services, logistics, food, hospitality, and international consulting. Thessaloniki provides a strategic connection to southeastern Europe, while Athens offers the country’s largest commercial ecosystem.

Chalkidiki is particularly relevant for businesses serving property owners, holiday accommodation, construction, maintenance, hospitality, food, marine activities, remote professionals, and international residents. Demand is seasonal in some sectors, but year-round property ownership and relocation create ongoing needs.

Digital registration has improved. The official Greek Electronic One-Stop Service can form several company types, including single-member and multi-member IKE companies. The government also provides a digital route for eligible sole proprietorships. Digital availability does not eliminate the need for professional planning.

A Greek structure should be chosen because it fits the real activity, not merely because someone has heard about an attractive tax rate or low nominal capital. The founder’s residence, client countries, place of management, social security, liability, turnover, costs, employees, property, and long-term plans all influence the correct decision.

Questions to Answer Before Starting a Greek Business

The formation process should begin with a structured consultation. What services or products will be supplied? Where will the work be performed? Who are the customers? Will the founder work alone, employ staff, or use subcontractors? Is professional liability significant? Will a property, vehicle, equipment, intellectual property, or regulated licence be involved?

Financial planning is equally important. Estimate realistic revenue, gross margin, recurring expenses, investment, working capital, payment terms, VAT cash flow, social-security contributions, accountant fees, banking, insurance, and taxes. A business can be profitable on paper yet fail because clients pay late while VAT, payroll, and suppliers are due.

International founders must examine tax residence, permanent establishment, management and control, double-tax agreements, social-security coordination, work authorization, and cross-border invoicing. A foreign company or client does not automatically remove Greek obligations when the work and management occur in Greece.

Finally, define the exit path. A sole proprietorship may be simple to begin but exposes the individual directly. An IKE provides a corporate framework but involves more administration. Conversion, partner entry, investment, sale, inheritance, and closure should be considered before selecting the starting structure.

Choosing the Right Legal Structure

Greek business structures include sole proprietorships and several company forms, such as the IKE, EPE, general partnership, limited partnership, and public limited company. For many small and medium international projects, the practical comparison begins with a sole proprietorship and an IKE.

A sole proprietorship is activity carried on directly by a natural person. “Freelancer” describes how someone works but is not a separate Greek legal entity. The person registers business activity, invoices clients, declares income, pays applicable taxes and social-security contributions, and remains personally responsible for obligations.

An IKE is a separate private company that may have one or more partners. It has articles of association, a registered office, a manager or managers, GEMI registration, corporate records, and its own tax and accounting obligations. It may be suitable where liability separation, partners, staff, investment, branding, or business continuity are important.

No structure is automatically more tax efficient. Compare the full position: profit, salary or management remuneration, distributions, social security, deductible costs, accounting fees, liability, cash retention, and exit. A Greek accountant and lawyer should review the actual figures and risks.

Sole Proprietorship and Freelancer Activity in Greece

A sole proprietorship is usually the most direct structure for an individual consultant, developer, designer, coach, property service provider, photographer, tradesperson, or other self-employed professional. The business and individual are not separate legal persons in the same way as a company.

Formation involves declaring commencement of business activity with the tax administration, selecting the correct KAD activity codes, establishing the business address, setting VAT status, and arranging accounting and social security. Eligible applicants may use the government’s digital process; others require a different route coordinated by the accountant.

Advantages can include simpler formation, lower administrative complexity, direct access to business earnings, and suitability for one owner with limited corporate needs. Disadvantages include personal liability, less separation of money, potential commercial limitations, and the need to manage tax and social-security obligations personally.

A freelancer should not start invoicing before lawful commencement. Contracts, invoice wording, VAT treatment, foreign-client rules, expenses, and payment accounts should be ready from day one. Backdating or attempting to regularize unregistered activity later can create tax and compliance problems.

The Greek IKE – Private Company

IKE stands for Idiotiki Kefalaiouchiki Etaireia, commonly translated as Private Company or Private Capital Company. It is widely used because it offers a flexible corporate form for small and medium enterprises and may be formed by one person or multiple partners.

The IKE is a separate legal person. Its articles define the name, registered office, purpose, duration, partners, contributions, shares, management, representation, and other rules. The company is registered in GEMI and obtains its own tax number through the formation procedure.

Limited liability is a central attraction, but it is not absolute protection in every situation. Managers and partners can face personal exposure through guarantees, tax or social-security obligations, unlawful conduct, contractual commitments, or statutory responsibilities. A lawyer should explain the actual risk.

An IKE may be appropriate for partners, employees, property-related operations, brand development, contracts, retained profit, investment, or projects requiring corporate continuity. It also requires disciplined accounting, corporate decisions, GEMI filings, banking, and separation between company and private expenses.

Sole Proprietorship vs IKE: Practical Comparison

The table is a planning overview, not a legal or tax conclusion. A high-earning freelancer may benefit from a corporate structure, while a modest low-risk activity may not justify IKE overhead. Conversely, liability risk can make corporate separation important even at lower turnover.

EU and Non-EU Founder Eligibility

EU citizens benefit from freedom of establishment, but still need Greek tax registration, lawful business commencement, social-security analysis, and any professional licences. If living in Greece for an extended period, residence registration and tax status must be handled separately.

Non-EU citizens need an immigration status that permits the intended business and work. Property ownership, a tourist stay, or a residence title for another purpose does not automatically authorize self-employment or company management. The lawyer should check the specific permit before formation.

A person may sometimes own shares without having the right to work operationally in Greece, but ownership, management, employment, and physical work are different legal roles. Do not assume that appointment as IKE manager solves immigration restrictions.

Nationality can also affect document legalization, banking, sanctions screening, and tax-residence evidence. International founders should prepare valid passports, residence documentation, foreign tax numbers, address proof, occupation information, and source-of-funds evidence.

Personal Tax Residence and Corporate Tax Residence

Where the founder lives and manages the business can determine far more than the country of registration. A person who spends substantial time in Greece or has their center of vital interests there may become Greek tax resident under applicable rules. Individual circumstances and treaty provisions require professional analysis.

A company incorporated in Greece generally enters the Greek corporate tax system. Foreign companies managed from Greece may also create Greek tax exposure or a permanent establishment. Using a foreign invoice address while performing and managing all work from Greece does not automatically keep activity outside Greece.

Before formation, disclose all countries connected with residence, citizenship, clients, employment, companies, pensions, properties, and investments. The accountant and lawyer can then identify reporting, treaty, payroll, VAT, and social-security issues.

Tax planning should be lawful and documented. A structure designed only around a promotional rate can fail when management, distributions, social contributions, compliance costs, and foreign taxation are included.

Greek AFM and TAXISnet Credentials

An active Greek tax identification number, AFM, is fundamental. Founders and managers may need AFM records and TAXISnet access before using digital formation services. The official government guidance states that business formation requires an active Greek TIN and TAXIS credentials.

Names, passport details, addresses, tax residence, phone, and email should be correct in the tax registry. Data inconsistencies can block e-OSS signatures, bank onboarding, accountant authorizations, and public-service access.

Non-residents may require a tax representative or specific registry status. The exact arrangement should be confirmed by the accountant. Obtaining an AFM does not alone create tax residence, permission to work, or business commencement.

Credentials are personal. Founders should use secure authorization procedures rather than casually sharing passwords. Accountants can receive formal electronic authority for relevant services without taking unrestricted control of private accounts.

Registered Office and Business Address

Every business needs a declared seat or professional establishment. This may be owned, rented, hosted under a lawful agreement, or provided through another accepted arrangement. The right to use the address must be documented and compatible with the intended activity.

A residential property may be suitable for some office-based freelance work, but lease terms, co-ownership rules, planning, licensing, customer visits, storage, employees, and nuisance must be considered. A holiday-rental property should not automatically be used as a business seat without review.

The municipality and address influence tax-office competence, chamber or GEMI records, licences, signage, deliveries, and inspections. Changing the seat later requires registry and tax updates and may require amendments.

Chalkidiki Real Estate can assist with suitable property search and address documentation, while the accountant and lawyer confirm whether the location is legally and tax-operationally appropriate.

Greek Business Activity Codes – KAD

KAD codes describe the activities a business is registered to perform. Selecting them is not a clerical afterthought. Codes influence VAT, licensing, insurance, business-account obligations, grants, cash-register requirements, professional rights, and the type of invoices issued.

The primary activity should reflect the real core business. Secondary codes can cover additional services, but adding many unrelated codes without analysis may create unnecessary obligations. Starting with a code that does not cover actual work can create problems with invoices and deductions.

International consultants should describe services precisely. “Consulting,” software development, management, marketing, property management, brokerage, construction supervision, and technical work can have different codes and regulated boundaries.

The accountant should map the commercial plan to current KAD classifications before formation. If a profession is regulated, the lawyer or competent body should confirm licences and qualifications.

Documents Commonly Required for Business Formation

The exact file depends on nationality, residence, structure, founders, manager, activity, address, and formation route. Common categories include:

• Valid passport or accepted identity card for every founder and manager.
• Greek AFM and TAXISnet access.
• Foreign tax number and tax-residence information.
• Evidence of legal residence and work rights where relevant.
• Registered-office lease, ownership record, or lawful hosting documentation.
• Company name and distinctive title options.
• Detailed business activities and proposed KAD codes.
• Partner percentages and contribution arrangements for an IKE.
• Manager appointment and representation rules.
• Articles of association or model-articles data.
• Professional licences, approvals, or qualifications where required.
• Contact details and bank/source-of-funds documents when requested.

Foreign public documents may require official translation, apostille, or legalization. Requirements differ between tax, immigration, banking, and corporate procedures. Do not order translations before the lawyer or accountant confirms the correct form.

Step-by-Step Formation of a Sole Proprietorship

1. Eligibility and Tax Review

The accountant and lawyer check tax residence, work rights, profession, expected revenue, clients, VAT, social security, and whether a sole proprietorship is suitable.

2. AFM and Registry Preparation

The founder needs active Greek tax records, correct contact data, and the appropriate authorization for the accountant.

3. Registered Office

The address and right of use are documented. The professional must verify that the activity is compatible with the property.

4. KAD and VAT Selection

Primary and secondary activities, VAT position, intra-EU activity, and invoice obligations are determined before commencement.

5. Commencement Declaration

The business is registered through the available digital or tax-office procedure. No business transaction should occur before the effective commencement date.

6. Social-Security Registration

e-EFKA treatment is confirmed and the founder receives instructions for contributions and online access.

7. Accounting and Invoicing Setup

Books, invoice software, myDATA transmission, business account, expense policy, and filing calendar are prepared.

Step-by-Step Formation of an IKE

1. Corporate and Tax Planning

The founders compare the IKE with individual activity and agree ownership, contributions, management, funding, profit policy, and exit expectations.

2. Name and Registered Office

A company name and distinctive title are checked, and lawful use of the registered office is established.

3. Articles of Association

Model articles may be sufficient for simple cases. Customized articles are preferable when partners, special contributions, transfer restrictions, reserved decisions, deadlock, or exit terms matter.

4. e-OSS Formation

A founder or authorized person uses TAXISnet, completes the electronic pre-check, enters company data, and obtains acceptance from all partners. The official one-stop system coordinates GEMI, AFM, chamber, and e-EFKA notifications.

5. Corporate Records and Beneficial Ownership

After formation, required registers, beneficial-owner information, manager access, accounting, and corporate documentation are organized.

6. Bank and Operational Setup

The company opens an appropriate bank account, sets invoice and myDATA systems, signs contracts, and activates licences before trading.

Articles of Association for an IKE

The articles are the company’s constitutional rules. They define the legal name, purpose, registered office, duration, capital, contributions, shares, partners, manager, representation, decisions, profit distribution, transfers, exit, and dissolution.

Standard model articles can reduce time and cost for a simple single-member company. They may be insufficient for two or more partners whose commercial relationship needs specific protection. Equal ownership without a deadlock mechanism can become particularly difficult.

Custom provisions can address reserved matters, signing authority, spending limits, non-compete obligations, intellectual property, additional funding, partner departure, disability, death, valuation, drag-along or tag-along concepts, dispute resolution, and confidentiality, subject to Greek law.

The lawyer should draft or review provisions. Copying articles from another company can import unsuitable rights and obligations. The articles must also match the actual accounting and operational plan.

Capital and Partner Contributions in an IKE

An IKE is known for flexible contributions. Depending on lawful structuring, partners may make capital, non-capital, or guarantee contributions. These categories carry different rights, duties, valuation, and risk and must be defined accurately in the articles.

A very low nominal capital does not mean the company has enough money to operate. Founders should calculate formation costs, deposits, rent, equipment, software, salaries, VAT, marketing, professional fees, insurance, and working capital.

Loans from partners, capital increases, and expense reimbursements must be documented and accounted for correctly. Private payments made on behalf of the company should not remain unexplained.

Where partners contribute services, property, equipment, intellectual property, or guarantees, the lawyer and accountant should structure the contribution and tax treatment. Commercial expectations should be recorded rather than left to informal understanding.

IKE Management and Legal Representation

The IKE acts through its manager or managers. The articles and registered decisions determine who can sign and bind the company. A manager’s role is not purely honorary; it can carry statutory, tax, social-security, employment, and insolvency responsibilities.

Founders should decide whether one manager acts alone, two act jointly, or certain transactions require partner approval. External contracts and bank mandates should match the registered authority.

Foreign managers must examine immigration, tax residence, social security, and physical management in Greece. A nominal manager should never be used to conceal the person actually controlling the company.

Corporate decisions should be documented. Even a single-member IKE should maintain separation between the owner and the company, including contracts, expenses, resolutions, and bank accounts.

GEMI and the Electronic One-Stop Service

GEMI is the Greek General Commercial Registry. It records company formation, representation, articles, amendments, financial statements where required, and other acts subject to commercial publicity.

The official e-OSS can establish several legal forms, including single-person and multi-person IKE companies. After the electronic formation is completed, necessary actions such as GEMI registration, chamber entry, tax-number attribution, and e-EFKA notification are coordinated through the system.

Formation is not the end of GEMI obligations. Changes of seat, manager, articles, capital, partners, and other corporate acts may require registration and publication. Annual fees and certificate requests also belong to ongoing administration.

Late or inaccurate corporate records can affect banking, contracts, tenders, property transactions, and representation. Keep the company’s GEMI profile aligned with reality.

Your local contact in Chalkidiki

Get in Touch with Hans-Jürgen Bahner

Are you considering a sole proprietorship, freelance activity or IKE company in Greece and need practical coordination with local professionals? Contact me directly by phone, WhatsApp or email.

• Mobile: +30 693 470 9163
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• Email: hb@chalkidikirealestate.com
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Personal business-formation, relocation and property support for international clients in Chalkidiki and throughout Greece.

Taxation of Sole Proprietorships and IKE Companies

Sole-proprietorship profits are attributed to the individual and taxed under the rules applying to business income. An IKE is subject to corporate taxation, and payments to owners or managers can have separate tax and social-security treatment. Distributions, salaries, management fees, expense reimbursements, and shareholder loans are not interchangeable.

Rates, advance tax, imputed or minimum-income rules, withholding taxes, deductible expenses, incentives, and business fees change. A reliable comparison requires current calculations based on forecast revenue, expenses, family income, and social security.

Tax reliefs published for new individual businesses may be subject to thresholds and conditions. They should not be treated as guaranteed savings without checking eligibility. An IKE may have different advantages and costs.

International clients create treaty, withholding, permanent-establishment, transfer-pricing, and VAT questions. The accountant should review representative contracts and payment flows before the first invoice.

VAT Registration and Compliance

VAT treatment depends on activity, turnover, customer type, place of supply, and any exemption. Greek domestic services, intra-EU B2B services, digital services, property activities, exports, and consumer sales can follow different rules.

A sole proprietor may qualify for a small-business exemption under current conditions, but exemption also affects input VAT recovery and may not be suitable for every business. Thresholds and rules must be checked at the time of formation.

Intra-EU activity may require VIES registration and correct validation of customer VAT numbers. An invoice without Greek VAT is not automatically correct simply because the client is abroad.

VAT collected from customers is not business profit. Maintain a separate cash reserve and filing calendar so that payment obligations do not create liquidity problems.

Social Security and e-EFKA

Self-employed people and certain company participants or managers may have Greek social-security obligations. Official guidance connects commencement of sole-proprietorship activity with e-EFKA registration for non-salaried workers.

The position for IKE partners and managers depends on their role and current law. Multiple employment, foreign social-security coverage, EU coordination certificates, and cross-border work require individual assessment.

Social-security contributions should be included in the monthly budget from the beginning. They can be due even when client payments are delayed. Coverage, contribution category, and payment instructions should be confirmed with the accountant.

Do not assume that private health insurance replaces statutory social security or that foreign coverage automatically continues after relocation. EU and non-EU coordination differs.

Accounting, Bookkeeping and myDATA

Greek businesses must maintain accounting records under applicable standards and transmit relevant information through AADE’s myDATA framework. The exact method depends on invoices, software, cash register, provider, size, and activity.

An accountant should be engaged before commencement, not after the first quarter. The professional can set the chart of accounts, VAT calendar, withholding, payroll, expense policy, invoice series, and access authorizations.

Digital invoicing does not eliminate bookkeeping. Bank movements, contracts, receipts, expenses, assets, foreign transactions, and tax documents must be reconciled. Personal and business costs should be separated.

Management needs more than compliance. Monthly reporting of revenue, margin, receivables, VAT, tax reserves, and cash flow helps founders identify problems early.

Invoices, Deductible Expenses and Business Records

An invoice must accurately identify supplier, customer, date, service or goods, tax treatment, and required references. Foreign-client invoices may need VAT-number checks and reverse-charge language. Credit notes and corrections must follow proper procedures.

An expense is not deductible merely because the founder paid it. It must relate to the business, be properly documented, recorded, and satisfy payment and tax rules. Mixed-use vehicles, homes, travel, meals, phones, and equipment require particular care.

Contracts support the business purpose and timing of income. Freelancers should document scope, independence, deliverables, intellectual property, confidentiality, payment terms, expenses, termination, and applicable law.

Keep records securely for the required period. Cloud storage should have access control and backups. The accountant should receive documents on a regular schedule rather than shortly before deadlines.

Opening a Business Bank Account in Greece

A sole proprietor or IKE may need an appropriate professional account for payments, expenses, taxes, payroll, and customer transactions. AADE notes that certain activities must declare business accounts within the applicable period and conditions.

Banks conduct separate customer and company due diligence. An incorporated IKE does not guarantee bank approval. Documents can include GEMI certificates, articles, representation, beneficial owners, tax details, business plan, contracts, addresses, income or funding, and source of funds.

The account should remain separate from private spending. Partner funding, loans, capital, reimbursements, and distributions must be labeled and documented.

See our detailed guide to opening a bank account in Greece. We can coordinate paid practical support, while the bank independently decides approval and products.

Hiring Employees in Greece

Hiring introduces employer registration, written terms, payroll, working-time rules, minimum conditions, leave, social-security contributions, health and safety, and employment reporting. These obligations should be planned before the employee starts.

The actual working relationship determines employment status. Labeling someone a freelancer does not automatically make them independent if the company controls time, place, tools, and work in an employment-like manner.

Payroll cost exceeds net salary. Budget employer contributions, bonuses or statutory payments, leave, equipment, insurance, training, accounting, and termination risk.

A labor lawyer and payroll accountant should prepare contracts and registration. International remote employees can create obligations in the country where they work.

Licences, Notifications and Regulated Activities

Company registration does not grant every operational licence. Food businesses, tourist accommodation, construction, brokerage, technical professions, healthcare, education, transport, energy, and other sectors can require qualifications, notifications, approvals, insurance, or suitable premises.

KAD registration should match licensed activity but does not replace the licence. A property may need planning, fire-safety, accessibility, environmental, sanitary, or municipal compliance.

Professional titles and services can be regulated. International qualifications may require recognition. Advertising a regulated service before authorization can create liability.

The lawyer should map licences and responsible authorities during the initial consultation. Formation can proceed only when the planned operation has a realistic compliance path.

Real Estate, Construction and Property-Service Businesses

Chalkidiki creates opportunities in brokerage, property management, holiday rentals, cleaning, gardens, pools, renovation, construction, technical coordination, and smart-home services. Each activity has different licensing, liability, VAT, employment, and insurance implications.

Real-estate brokerage is regulated and should not be mixed casually with unlicensed consulting. Construction and engineering tasks may require licensed professionals, permits, contracts, and health-and-safety compliance.

Property managers handling owner funds need transparent agreements, invoicing, payment controls, and data protection. Short-term rentals require separate property registrations and tax compliance.

Chalkidiki Real Estate can connect business formation with property search, office space, renovation, utilities, and local operations, while qualified professionals handle regulated advice.

Greek Businesses Serving International and Remote Clients

A Greek freelancer or IKE can serve clients abroad, but each relationship must be analyzed for VAT, withholding, permanent establishment, currency, payment, contract law, and data protection.

One foreign client does not eliminate Greek obligations. It can also raise questions about employment classification and commercial dependence. A genuinely independent contractor should operate with real autonomy and business risk, subject to professional review.

Contracts should identify the Greek supplier correctly and define payment currency, bank charges, tax documentation, acceptance, intellectual property, confidentiality, data processing, and disputes.

Foreign exchange can affect profit when income is not in euros. Maintain reserves for tax and social security and avoid treating gross foreign receipts as personal disposable income.

Business Formation and Ongoing Costs

Formation costs depend on structure, founders, documents, translations, custom articles, licences, registered office, and professional work. A sole proprietorship is generally less complex than a multi-partner IKE with customized governance.

Possible formation costs include accountant and lawyer fees, our coordination fee, GEMI or e-OSS charges, chamber fees, translations, apostilles, registered-office costs, certificates, licences, bank costs, software, insurance, and equipment.

Ongoing expenses include accounting, social security, taxes, VAT, payroll, GEMI fees and filings, banking, invoice software, insurance, rent, utilities, licences, data protection, and professional advice.

Our paid service is quoted according to scope. Third-party and official fees are separate unless expressly included. A clear budget should distinguish formation, monthly operation, annual compliance, and working capital.

How Long Does It Take to Start a Business in Greece?

A simple eligible digital registration can be completed quickly once every prerequisite is correct. The preparation phase often takes longer than the electronic filing because AFM records, residence rights, address documentation, KAD selection, translations, partner decisions, and articles must be resolved.

An IKE with model articles and one founder is generally simpler than a multi-partner company with foreign documents and negotiated governance. Regulated activities can require separate time after incorporation.

Bank onboarding is independent and may continue after the company exists. Formation certificates do not guarantee immediate account activation or payment capacity.

No adviser should promise a fixed date without seeing the full file. Our process uses a readiness checklist and identifies dependencies before scheduling formation.

The First 90 Days After Formation

• Confirm tax-registry, GEMI, manager, address, and KAD details.
• Complete e-EFKA and payroll registrations where applicable.
• Open and declare the appropriate business account when required.
• Activate invoice and myDATA systems before the first transaction.
• Set VAT, withholding, payroll, and filing calendars.
• Register beneficial ownership and corporate records where required.
• Arrange insurance, licences, contracts, and data protection.
• Prepare cash-flow forecasts and tax reserves.
• Issue partner or manager decisions in the correct form.
• Store formation certificates, articles, passwords, and authorizations securely.

The founder should schedule monthly contact with the accountant during the first quarter. Early correction is easier than repairing repeated invoice or VAT errors.

Common Mistakes When Starting a Business in Greece

The first mistake is choosing a structure based only on one tax rate. Liability, social security, distributions, accounting cost, and future plans can reverse the apparent saving.

The second is selecting vague or incorrect KAD codes. Activity codes affect licences, VAT, invoices, and professional rights. Describe every revenue stream before registration.

The third is treating incorporation as operational permission. Banking, licences, beneficial ownership, accounting, e-EFKA, invoicing, and employment may still be incomplete.

Other mistakes include mixing private and business money, using a false address, working without the correct residence right, paying expenses without invoices, ignoring myDATA, underfunding VAT, copying unsuitable articles, and relying on verbal partner agreements.

Our Paid Support for Sole Proprietorship and IKE Formation

Chalkidiki Real Estate offers a coordinated paid service for establishing a sole proprietorship/freelance activity or an IKE in Greece. The goal is to give international founders one practical point of coordination from the initial conversation through completed formation and operational handover.

A qualified Greek accountant handles tax registration, KAD, VAT, bookkeeping, social-security coordination, and ongoing tax compliance. A qualified Greek lawyer handles legal structure, immigration or work-right questions within scope, articles, partner agreements, representation, and other legal requirements.

We coordinate communication, documents, timelines, appointments, translations, property or registered-office questions, bank preparation, and post-formation tasks under the agreed package. Our fee is payable for this work and professional coordination.

We do not sell guaranteed registrations, licences, tax outcomes, or bank accounts. Every founder must provide truthful information and satisfy the relevant authority and professional requirements.

Our Step-by-Step Business Formation Support

1. Initial Consultation

We discuss activity, clients, location, residence, founders, revenue, liability, employees, property needs, and goals.

2. Accountant and Lawyer Review

The professionals compare sole proprietorship and IKE, identify tax, legal, immigration, social-security, VAT, and licensing issues, and recommend the appropriate route.

3. Scope, Fee and Responsibilities

We provide the paid-service scope, included professional work, exclusions, estimated third-party costs, and required client actions.

4. Document Checklist

We coordinate IDs, AFM, TAXISnet, residence evidence, tax information, address documents, partner data, translations, and authorizations.

5. Structure and Activity Setup

KAD codes, VAT, office, name, ownership, manager, capital, contributions, and articles are finalized by the appropriate professionals.

6. Registration

The accountant or lawyer completes the authorized commencement or e-OSS/GEMI process and addresses requests from the authorities.

7. Operational Setup

We coordinate banking preparation, accounting, invoicing, myDATA, e-EFKA, licences, utilities, office needs, and initial compliance.

8. Handover and Ongoing Support

The founder receives a structured handover of certificates, obligations, deadlines, and professional contacts. Ongoing accounting or legal support is agreed separately.

Important Limitations

• Chalkidiki Real Estate is not a law firm or accounting firm.
• Tax advice is provided by a qualified Greek accountant.
• Legal advice is provided by a qualified Greek lawyer.
• Immigration, licences, and regulated professions require separate confirmation.
• Our fee pays for agreed support and does not guarantee formation.
• Government, GEMI, e-OSS, e-EFKA, tax and bank requirements can change.
• Timelines depend on complete lawful documents and external authorities.
• Bank-account approval is independent from company formation.
• The founder remains responsible for accurate information and ongoing compliance.
• Official, professional, translation, banking, and third-party fees may be additional.

Official Sources and Important Notice

Company forms, eligibility rules, KAD activity codes, tax treatment, social-security obligations, licensing and digital formation procedures can change. Your correct structure depends on your residence, nationality, activities, clients, management location and financial plans. Obtain advice from a qualified Greek lawyer and accountant before formation.

• gov.gr – Set Up a Business through e-YMS
• GEMI – Electronic One-Stop Service
• gov.gr – Start a Sole Proprietorship
• AADE – Commencement of Business Activity

Professional notice: This guide is general information, not individual legal, tax, accounting, immigration, employment or investment advice. Chalkidiki Real Estate coordinates practical support but does not replace regulated professional advisers or public authorities.