Setting Up an IKE in Greece for Foreign Companies
A Greek IKE can be a practical limited liability company route for foreign founders, parent companies and international investors who need a Greek legal presence, structured tax onboarding, remote accounting and compliance support from the first day.
Find a Flexible Greek Company Route for Foreign-Owned Business
An IKE, or Private Company in Greece, is often used by foreign founders and companies that want a separate Greek legal entity with limited liability, a clear ownership structure and a practical compliance framework.
It can support commercial activity in Greece, EU market presence, local contracting, employees, VAT registration and ongoing accounting under a controlled Greek company structure.
Tax Advantages of Setting Up an IKE in Greece
Tax advantages should be reviewed carefully. The benefit is not only a tax rate, but the combination of limited liability, corporate structure, VAT position, dividend planning, treaty review and reliable accounting compliance.
Corporate Tax
The standard corporate income tax rate for Greek legal entities is currently 22%, excluding special cases such as certain credit institutions.
Dividend Planning
Dividend withholding tax is generally 5%, subject to treaty review, parent-subsidiary rules and anti-abuse checks.
EU Structure
A Greek IKE can create an EU company presence for contracting, local operations and market entry in Greece.
VAT Onboarding
VAT registration, VIES, invoicing and transaction flow should be reviewed before the business starts activity.
How We Support Foreign Companies Setting Up an IKE
We organise the formation route, tax registration, VAT review and accounting compliance steps so the Greek company starts with a clear operating framework.
Structure Review
Review shareholders, activity, parent company, tax exposure and commercial purpose.
Document File
Prepare foreign shareholder, authorisation, address, UBO and registration documentation.
Tax Registration
Coordinate Greek Tax ID, VAT onboarding and tax authority procedures where required.
Accounting Launch
Set up accounting flow, myDATA coordination, VAT filing calendar and payroll route if needed.
What Should Be Checked Before the IKE Is Formed?
The tax result depends on the real business model. Before formation, foreign companies should review where management is exercised, how contracts are signed, whether VAT registration is required, if payroll will exist in Greece and whether payments to foreign related parties create withholding tax or transfer pricing issues.
For groups, the dividend route should be reviewed with the relevant treaty, EU parent-subsidiary conditions, holding period and anti-abuse rules.
Common review points
Corporate tax, VAT, myDATA, payroll, UBO registration, bank/KYC file, related-party payments, dividend distribution, tax residence and substance in Greece.
Professional note
Tax advantages are case-specific and should be confirmed before incorporation. This page is general information, not tax advice.
Continue With the Correct Greek Business Service
Use these pages to continue with company formation, tax strategy, VAT registration and ongoing accounting support in Greece.
Questions About Setting Up an IKE in Greece
These questions help foreign companies understand the practical and tax points before forming a Greek IKE.
Can a foreign company or foreign individual own a Greek IKE?
Yes, a Greek IKE can be used with foreign shareholders, subject to proper documentation, tax registration, UBO and incorporation requirements.
Is the Greek IKE always the best tax structure?
No. The IKE is often practical, but the correct structure depends on the business model, ownership, VAT, payroll, management location and cross-border payments.
What tax advantages should be reviewed?
Corporate tax, dividend withholding tax, treaty position, parent-subsidiary rules, VAT registration and deductible business expenses should be reviewed before setup.
Does an IKE need ongoing accounting in Greece?
Yes. A Greek IKE requires accounting books, myDATA coordination, tax filings, VAT filings where applicable and annual compliance support.
Planning to Set Up an IKE in Greece?
Send us your case and we will review the formation route, tax advantages, VAT position, accounting obligations and the first compliance steps for your Greek company.
