Guide to Company Formation in Greece by a Foreign Parent Company
A professional guide by N. KOLYDAS I.K.E. for foreign companies that want to form a Greek subsidiary, Greek IKE or structured business presence in Greece. The guide is designed for both EU parent companies and third-country companies outside the European Union.
Most of the preparation can be coordinated remotely: structure review, document checklist, AFM route, UBO mapping, AML/KYB review, bank file preparation, VAT, myDATA and recurring accounting support.
Greek
Launch Parent Co. Documents UBO / AML Greek IKE Bank File VAT / myDATA
Fast, structured and remote coordination before the first filing.
The correct route connects parent company documents, legalisation, UBO, bank file, VAT, myDATA, payroll exposure and monthly accounting before the Greek entity starts operating.
Company formation in Greece by a foreign parent company is not a simple filing.
The correct route should be selected before incorporation: Greek subsidiary, Greek IKE, branch, VAT-only registration, payroll route or permanent establishment review. The answer depends on the foreign parent company’s jurisdiction, documentation, ownership chain, activity, bank requirements and Greek compliance exposure.
What this guide helps you decide
A foreign company should not start with a standard incorporation form. It should first review whether the Greek structure supports its commercial objective, bank onboarding, tax position, VAT treatment, payroll plan and recurring compliance requirements.
Remote-first setup support
Foreign parent companies can send documents, ownership data and business information remotely. We then prepare the structure review, document checklist, pricing route and implementation plan.
Legal coordination can be added to the formation process.
Where corporate resolutions, powers of attorney, legal review, special clauses or documentation issues are required, legal coordination can be included as a separate or combined scope.
Best starting point
For third-country parent companies, the recommended starting point is the Non-EU Parent Company Package, starting from €4.900 + VAT.
Foreign companies do not need to start with physical meetings in Greece.
A significant part of the formation preparation can be handled remotely: initial assessment, document list, UBO mapping, AFM route, pricing proposal, tax activation planning, VAT review, myDATA workflow and monthly accounting onboarding.
Remote document collection
We collect and review the parent company documents before the formation file is submitted.
- Registry extracts
- Articles / constitutional documents
- Directors and signatories
- Apostille / translation alerts
Remote UBO mapping
We map corporate layers, beneficial owners and AML/KYB gaps before bank file preparation.
- Ownership chain
- UBO registration
- AML chart
- Bank-readiness notes
Remote tax activation planning
We prepare the tax, VAT, myDATA and accounting route before the company starts issuing invoices.
- KAD / activity review
- VAT status
- myDATA flow
- Monthly accounting plan
Remote advisory calls
Management teams can coordinate with our office by email, online meetings and structured case submission.
- Remote case review
- Online appointment
- Document checklist
- Implementation roadmap
Remote does not mean informal.
Remote formation support should be structured: document checklist, responsible persons, legalisation route, UBO chain, pricing scope, timeline, bank file requirements and recurring compliance plan should be clear before work begins.
This guide should function as a hub that sends users to the correct service page.
Instead of keeping the visitor on one long guide only, the page should connect each decision point with an existing taxis.net.gr service page or pricing page.
Choose the correct Greek entry route before incorporation.
Foreign companies should compare subsidiary, branch, VAT-only registration, payroll route and permanent establishment risk before selecting the final structure.
Four main entry routes
The wrong route may create avoidable costs, tax exposure, banking delays or operational problems. The right route depends on activity, contracts, personnel, customers, suppliers, property, VAT and the parent company’s jurisdiction.
Compass Subsidiary Branch VAT Payroll
Non-EU parent companies require enhanced document, UBO, AML and bank file preparation.
Third-country parent companies include companies outside the European Union, such as the United Kingdom, United States, Canada, Switzerland, UAE, Turkey, Israel, China, India and other non-EU jurisdictions.
Country
Radar
What must be detected before incorporation
For a third-country parent company, the main risk is not only whether the Greek company can be formed. The main risk is whether the documents, UBO chain, legalisation route and bank file can support the company’s operation.
The recommended package for third-country parent companies starts from €4.900 + VAT.
This package is positioned as a structured market-entry and formation package, not as a cheap incorporation-only service. It is suitable where the shareholder is a non-EU corporate parent and the case requires document, KYB, UBO and tax activation review.
Starting-fee packages for foreign parent companies forming a Greek subsidiary.
These packages are built from the existing service pricing logic of taxis.net.gr. They are starting-fee packages and not fixed all-inclusive fees.
EU Parent Company Package
For EU companies forming a Greek subsidiary with standard corporate shareholder documentation.
- Structure review
- EU parent company document review
- Greek IKE formation coordination
- KYB review
- UBO corporate chain registration
- Initial tax / VAT / myDATA guidance
Non-EU Parent Company Package
Recommended for third-country parent companies forming a Greek subsidiary or Greek IKE.
- Market entry assessment
- Third-country parent document review
- Apostille / legalisation route review
- KYB review
- UBO corporate chain registration
- UBO / AML ownership chart
- Greek IKE formation coordination
- Initial tax / VAT / myDATA setup guidance
- Basic legal coordination where required
Non-EU Corporate Launch Plus
For third-country parent companies needing formation plus bank file and launch coordination.
- Everything in Non-EU Parent Package
- Bank account / KYC file preparation
- Compliance calendar preparation
- Initial accounting / myDATA / VAT workflow
- Basic dividend route review
- PE and payroll exposure indicators
First-Year Compliance Option
For foreign groups that want formation plus first-year operating compliance visibility.
- Non-EU Launch Plus base
- 12 months accounting support
- VAT / myDATA monthly compliance
- Basic annual corporate tax coordination
- Quarterly compliance call
- Basic management reporting
All package prices are starting fees.
Final fees depend on jurisdiction, document readiness, legalisation requirements, official translations, UBO chain, number of directors/shareholders, bank requirements, VAT exposure, payroll needs and recurring compliance scope. Government fees, registry fees, notarial fees, bank fees, translations, Apostille, consular legalisation and legal opinions are not included unless expressly agreed.
Detailed service pricing connected with the existing pricing catalogue.
These services may be purchased individually or combined into one of the packages above. Where no fixed price is published, the client should submit the case for review and a tailored proposal.
| Service | Best for | Starting fee | Existing page / action |
|---|---|---|---|
| Initial Market Entry Consultation | First professional discussion before choosing a Greek entry route. | €180 + VAT / consultation | Request Appointment |
| Market Entry Assessment | Comparison of subsidiary, branch, VAT-only, payroll or limited activity. | €600 + VAT | Market Entry in Greece |
| Initial Implementation Roadmap | Practical first-step plan for registrations, documents, VAT, payroll and accounting. | From €250 + VAT | View Pricing |
| Greek AFM for EU Citizen | EU shareholder, director, representative or person involved in Greek procedures. | €250 + VAT / person | Greek Tax ID |
| Greek AFM for Non-EU Citizen | Non-EU individual where enhanced documentation may be needed. | €350 + VAT / person | Greek Tax ID |
| Greek AFM + TaxisNet Credentials | Foreign individuals who need Greek tax ID and digital tax access. | €320 + VAT / person | Greek Tax ID |
| KYB Review — Foreign Corporate Shareholder | Foreign company participating as shareholder in a Greek company. | €450 + VAT / company | Services & Pricing |
| UBO Initial Registration — Corporate Shareholder Chain | Foreign-owned Greek companies or branches with corporate ownership chain. | €750 + VAT | Submit Case |
| UBO + AML Ownership Chart | Ownership chart for bank, UBO and internal compliance purposes. | €650 + VAT | Submit Case |
| Bank Account Preparation — Foreign-Owned Greek Company | Corporate, tax, UBO and KYC file preparation before bank onboarding. | €1.200 + VAT | Bank File Preparation |
| Greek IKE Formation — Foreign Individual Shareholder | Foreign individual founder setting up a Greek IKE. | €1.200 + VAT | Greek IKE Formation |
| Greek IKE with EU Corporate Sole Shareholder | EU parent company establishing a wholly owned Greek subsidiary. | €1.800 + VAT | Greek IKE Formation |
| Greek IKE with Non-EU Corporate Sole Shareholder | Third-country parent company establishing a Greek subsidiary. | €2.500 + VAT | Greek IKE Formation |
| Multi-layer Foreign Holding Structure | Complex foreign holding structures with several corporate layers. | From €3.000 + VAT | Submit Case |
| Branch Registration — EU Company | EU company establishing a Greek branch. | €1.800 + VAT | Branch Registration |
| Branch Registration — Non-EU / Third Country Company | Third-country company establishing a Greek branch. | €2.800 + VAT | Branch Registration |
| Complex Branch Legalisation File | Complex third-country document legalisation files. | From €3.500 + VAT | Submit Case |
| VAT Registration in Greece — Foreign Company | Foreign companies with Greek VAT exposure. | €750 + VAT | VAT Registration |
| VAT Registration — Non-EU / Complex File | Non-EU or complex VAT registration files. | From €1.200 + VAT | VAT Registration |
| VAT Treatment Review | Transaction and invoicing VAT treatment before registrations or corrections. | €450 + VAT | International VAT & OSS |
| OSS / Cross-Border VAT Review | E-commerce, platform sellers, EU distance sales and cross-border VAT exposure. | €600 + VAT | International VAT & OSS |
| Payroll Setup — Foreign Employer / Branch | Foreign companies or branches planning to employ staff in Greece. | €750 + VAT | Hiring Employees |
| Monthly Payroll Management | Recurring employee payroll obligations in Greece. | From €45 + VAT / employee | Payroll Services |
| Monthly Accounting & VAT Filing | Monthly accounting, VAT filing, bookkeeping and tax monitoring. | From €250 + VAT / month | Accounting Services |
| Monthly Accounting — Foreign-Owned Greek Company | Greek companies with foreign shareholders and international transactions. | From €650 + VAT / month | Accounting Services |
| Monthly Accounting — Greek Branch | Branches of foreign companies operating in Greece. | From €750 + VAT / month | Accounting Services |
| Permanent Establishment Initial Review | Foreign companies assessing whether Greek activity creates tax exposure. | €750 + VAT | PE Review |
| Detailed PE Written Memo | Detailed written review of permanent establishment indicators and risks. | From €1.800 + VAT | PE Review |
| Legal Coordination / Legal Coverage | Corporate resolutions, powers of attorney, legal review or special documentation. | Upon review | Request Appointment |
| Official Translations / Apostille / Consular Legalisation Coordination | Third-country document readiness for Greek use. | Upon review | Submit Case |
| Transfer Pricing Initial Screening | Parent-subsidiary transactions, management fees, loans or royalties. | Upon review | Submit Case |
The table should remain connected with the main Services & Pricing page.
The page should not operate as an isolated price list. Every price should lead either to the relevant service page, the pricing catalogue, Submit Your Case or Request Appointment.
What is usually not included in starting-fee packages.
Clear scope protects both the client and the advisory office. Foreign parent company cases often create external costs and additional work outside the company formation itself.
Official and state costs
Official fees are not included unless expressly stated.
- Government fees
- Registry / GEMI fees
- Notarial fees
- Bank fees
- Courier costs
Legalisation and translations
Third-country documents often require separate work before use in Greece.
- Apostille
- Consular legalisation
- Official translations
- Powers of attorney
- Legal drafting
Advanced advisory
Special advisory work requires a separate scope.
- Legal opinions
- Tax rulings
- Transfer pricing file
- Detailed treaty memo
- Complex VAT opinion
Ongoing operations
Monthly services are normally separate unless included in a first-year package.
- Monthly accounting
- Monthly payroll
- Audit
- Bank approval
- Special licences
Bank file preparation does not guarantee bank approval.
The bank remains responsible for onboarding, additional document rounds, risk assessment and account approval. Our role is to prepare and coordinate the file based on the information and documents available.
Questions foreign parent companies ask before forming a Greek company.
These questions help determine whether the correct route is Greek subsidiary, branch, VAT registration, payroll setup or permanent establishment review.
Can the Greek company formation process be handled remotely?
A significant part of the preparation can usually be handled remotely, including case review, document checklist, ownership mapping, AFM route, UBO review, pricing proposal and tax/VAT/accounting onboarding. Physical presence may still be required in specific cases depending on banking, powers of attorney or procedural requirements.
Can a foreign company form a Greek subsidiary?
Yes. A foreign company can participate as shareholder in a Greek company. The file must be reviewed for corporate documents, signing authority, beneficial ownership, legalisation, tax registration and practical compliance requirements.
What is different when the parent company is from a third country?
Third-country companies usually need enhanced document review, Apostille or consular legalisation, official translations, UBO/AML mapping, KYB review and stronger bank file preparation.
Does the package include bank account opening?
No. Company formation and bank onboarding are separate. Bank file preparation can be provided, but approval and account opening remain exclusively with the bank.
What is the recommended package for a non-EU parent company?
The recommended core package is the Non-EU Parent Company Package, starting from €4.900 + VAT. For companies that also need bank file preparation and launch coordination, the Non-EU Corporate Launch Plus Package starts from €6.900 + VAT.
Does the fee include Apostille, translations or legal opinions?
No, unless expressly agreed in a custom offer. Official translations, Apostille, consular legalisation, legal opinions, notarial fees, bank fees and government fees are normally priced separately.
Can legal coverage be included?
Legal coordination can be included or added where required. This may relate to corporate resolutions, powers of attorney, legal drafting, shareholder agreements, special clauses, licences or legal review.
Submit your foreign parent company case before choosing the Greek formation route.
Send us the country, legal form and ownership structure of the foreign parent company, the intended Greek activity, whether employees, VAT, bank account or property are involved, and the preferred timeline. We will review the correct route and propose the appropriate package or custom scope.