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Doing business in Greece: 5 key areas for investors before market entry

December 1, 2025

When doing business in Greece, companies tap into a diverse and strategically positioned economy supported by long-standing industries such as tourism, maritime services, agriculture, logistics and IT. Alongside these established sectors, Greece continues to channel significant investment into high-potential areas including tourism, manufacturing, film productions and technology-driven services, reinforcing its appeal for a broad range of investors.

The business environment combines ongoing modernisation with a clear regulatory framework that covers company formation, taxation, VAT rules and local obligations. At the same time, employment regulations provide straightforward contract options and defined pathways for Greek, EU and third-country nationals, supported by an established social security and personal tax system.

Together, these elements position Greece as a compelling destination for businesses seeking opportunities in Southeastern Europe. This infographic outlines the essential points to consider when evaluating your next move.

Compare Greece to 16 other markets in our FULL EXPANSION guide

Our free eBook on international expansion was created in cooperation with our global business community, Accace Circle, providing basic yet valuable information from 17 countries. Breeze through the specifics of doing business across different markets and compare key data that may be crucial for your ambitions of international expansion.


Industries & investment incentives

Most common industries:

  • Renewable energy
  • Logistics
  • Agriculture
  • Tourism
  • Maritime
  • IT

Industries favoured by investment incentives:

  • Agriculture
  • Film and audio-visual productions
  • Renewable energy
  • Manufacture
  • Tourism
  • Logistics
  • IT
  • Maritime

Company formation in Greece

Most common legal form of business: private company (IKE)

Required no. of shareholders: at least 1

Required no. of directors: at least 1

Official company registers: www.businessportal.gr

Incorporation time
5 working days

%
Incorporation fee
EUR 800 + EUR 200 government fees

%

Corporate tax

Standard CIT rate
22%

%

Who are tax residents: companies that have been incorporated in Greece, have a registered seat in Greece or their place of effective management is located in Greece

Tax period: calendar year, ending either on 30 June or 31 December. In any case it cannot exceed 12 months

Due date for CIT return: the 15th of July following the end of the tax year

Standard VAT rate
24%

%
Reduced VAT rate
13%

%
Super-reduced VAT rate
6%

%

VAT registration for residents: all the Greek resident registered companies are eligible for VAT registration unless there are exemptions due to business activities, such as doctors, kindergarten schools, etc. and also exemptions due to annual turnover – i.e., EUR 10,000 annually

VAT registration for non-residents: A non-resident company, established in another EU member state or in a third country, has to be registered for VAT proposed in Greece when they carry out taxable transactions in Greece, for which it is not required to have permanent establishment, but they must pay Greek VAT

Other applicable taxes:

  • Excise tax on energy and electricity products, alcoholic products, coffee, manufactured tobacco, liquids used in electronic cigarettes and the tobacco contained in electrically heated tobacco products
  • Energy tax on electricity, natural gas and other gasses, solid fuels and other hydrocarbons
  • Property tax such as municipal tax (TAP) charged at 0.025-0.035% of the objective value of the property (usually charged via electricity bills, imposed on the property owner) and transfer tax when purchasing property, calculated from the objective value of the property
  • Real estate tax (ENFIA), imposed annually, with different rates depending on the real value of the property, on the type of real estate, nature of its use, size and place of location, consisting of a principal tax imposed on each real estate property and a supplementary tax imposed on the total value of the property rights on real estate property of the taxpayer subject to tax
  • Wealth tax, as in capital gains tax
  • Stamp tax, imposed on rentals of non-residential properties as a 3.6% stamp duty rate; loans and interest may be subject to a 2.4% stamp duty
  • Environmental taxes, imposed as a special plastic bag duty on consumers per piece of thin plastic bag, where the fee of the duty is EUR 0.09 (including VAT) per plastic carrier bag. Similar fees are also imposed on other cases (i.e plastic coffee cups to go)
  • Contribution tax on capital accumulation following incorporation

In Greece, there special income taxes based on location or region.


Labour law and employment

Who is entitled to work in Greece:

  • Greek citizens
  • EU citizens with European Citizenship cards
  • Third country citizens with work permit

Types of employment contract:

  • Contract for indefinite period
  • Contract for definite period

Personal income tax

Standard PIT rate
 9% – 44%*

%

* Based on the tax base

Who are tax residents:  Individuals who have a permanent residence in Greece or stay in the country longer than 183 days 

Tax period: calendar year

Due date for PIT return: 15 of July of the following year

Taxable incomes in Greece: are net incomes from all income sources

Social security contributions

Paid by employer
21.79%

%
Paid by employee
13.37%

%

Health insurance contributions

Health insurance contributions are included in the social security contributions


How we can help with doing business in Greece

Doing business in Greece can open up exciting new opportunities, but it can also feel overwhelming without the right help. With our team of local experts, you will have guidance at every step as you navigate the Greek market. Whether you are starting a new venture or planning to expand your international business, we are ready to offer practical solutions designed for your needs.

We provide a full range of advisory and BPO services in Greece to help you handle tax, legal, and corporate requirements, along with accounting, payroll, reporting, and HR tasks. Our support makes sure your business stays efficient and meets all Greek laws and standards.

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