Steps to Set Up a Company:

Greece

Choose a Business Structure

1. Sole Proprietorship (Ατομική Επιχείρηση): Single owner, full liability.
2. General Partnership (Ομόρρυθμη Εταιρεία - OE): Two or more partners, shared liability.
3. Limited Partnership (Ετερόρρυθμη Εταιρεία - EE): General and limited partners.
4. Private Company (Ιδιωτική Κεφαλαιουχική Εταιρεία - IKE): Separate legal entity, limited liability.
5. Limited Liability Company (Εταιρεία Περιορισμένης Ευθύνης - EPE): Separate legal entity, limited liability.
6. Societe Anonyme (Ανώνυμη Εταιρεία - AE): Separate legal entity, limited liability, suitable for larger businesses.
7. Branch (Υποκατάστημα): A branch of a foreign company operating in Greece.
8. Representative Office (Γραφείο Αντιπροσωπείας): Limited to marketing and promotional activities, cannot conduct business transactions.

Register Your Company

1. Choose a Company Name: Ensure it is unique and follows naming regulations.
   • General Commercial Registry (GEMI)
2. Prepare the Articles of Association: Outlining the company’s structure and rules.
3. Notarize the Articles of Association: Required for certain company types.
4. Open a Bank Account: Deposit the initial capital required for the company type.
5. Register with the General Commercial Registry (GEMI): Submit the incorporation documents and pay the registration fee.
   • GEMI
6. Obtain a Tax Identification Number (TIN) from the Independent Authority for Public Revenue (IAPR): For tax purposes.
   • IAPR
7. Register for Value Added Tax (VAT) with the IAPR: If applicable.

Open a Greek Bank Account

1. Set Up a Business Bank Account: Necessary for managing business finances.

Obtain Necessary Licenses and Permits

1. Check Industry-Specific Requirements: Depending on the nature of your business, you may need specific licenses or permits.
   • Enterprise Greece

Comply with Greek Employment Laws

1. Employment Contracts: Draft contracts that comply with Greek labor laws.
2. Register with the Unified Social Security Fund (EFKA): For social security purposes.
   • EFKA
3. Health and Safety Regulations: Follow guidelines from the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs.
   • Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs

Accounting and Reporting

1. Set Up an Accounting System: Maintain accurate financial records in compliance with Greek accounting standards.
2. Annual Financial Statements: Prepare and file annual financial statements.
3. File Annual Tax Returns: Submit annual tax returns to the Independent Authority for Public Revenue.

Laws and Regulations to Consider

Corporate Law

1. Law on Corporations (Law 4548/2018): Governs the formation and operation of corporations.
2. Civil Code (Αστικός Κώδικας): Governs contracts and obligations.

Tax Law

1. Income Tax Code (Law 4172/2013): Governs corporate income taxation.
2. Value Added Tax (VAT) Code (Law 2859/2000): Governs VAT regulations.

Employment Law

1. Labor Law (Νόμος για την Εργασία): Governs the terms and conditions of employment contracts.
2. Social Insurance Law (Law 4387/2016): Governs social security contributions.
3. Occupational Health and Safety Regulations: Sets health and safety standards for workplaces.

Data Protection Law

1. Personal Data Protection Law (Law 4624/2019): Governs data protection and privacy.
   • Hellenic Data Protection Authority

Environmental Law

1. Environmental Protection Law (Law 1650/1986): Governs environmental protection and sustainability practices.
   • Ministry of Environment and Energy

Intellectual Property Law

1. Patents Law (Law 1733/1987): Governs the protection of patents.
2. Trademarks Law (Law 4679/2020): Governs the protection of trademarks.
3. Copyright Law (Law 2121/1993): Governs the protection of copyrights.
   • Hellenic Industrial Property Organization (OBI)

By following these steps and adhering to the relevant laws and regulations, you can successfully establish and operate a company in Greece. It’s advisable to consult with legal and financial experts to ensure full compliance and smooth setup.