Setting up a subsidiary in Greece is the route many companies take to operate in the country, but you should know that the process can take anywhere from weeks to months, depending on what type of entity you incorporate. It also requires a great deal of time and money, as you have to learn Greece’s subsidiary laws, hire employees, ensure compliance, and manage your company’s daily operations.
An alternative is partnering with an EOR like G-P. We’ll hire employees to work on your behalf, handle payroll, and help you operate in Greece without having to establish your own subsidiary.
How to set up a Greece subsidiary
The first step to setting up your Greece subsidiary is deciding where you’d like to incorporate. Different regions in Greece may have separate regulations that could impact the subsidiary setup process. You need to consider these factors before you decide which physical location is best for your business.
Greece has several different entities that you can choose for incorporation. These options include a private limited company, a Société Anonyme, partnerships, a branch office, or Sociedad de Responsabilidad Limitada (SRL), which in Greece is the same as what’s commonly referred to as a limited liability company (LLC) in many countries. The SRL is a very common form of entity chosen by international companies.
The process to set up an SRL includes:
- Checking your company’s name availability.
- Meeting the minimum base capital of EUR 4,500.
- Designating a registered office address.
- Preparing your company’s Articles of Association.
- Filing a General Commercial Registry registration form.
- Acquiring a company seal.
- Acquiring a Tax Identification Number (TIN) and utilizing the tax system credentials (these credentials are used as the electronic signature of the holder).
- Appointing at least 1 director and shareholder.
Greece subsidiary laws
Subsidiary laws in Greece vary based on what type of entity you choose. For an SRL, the company director is liable for all company taxes and insurance contributions to Greece as well as the private employees’ fund.
International companies have to submit various documents, including Articles of Association that bear an apostille and are officially translated or certified by a consulate. They also need certification by a competent authority in the company’s legal country of residence to verify that the company exists, as well as a certified copy of the authorization document that appoints a legal representative in Greece. The company also needs to complete Form M3 and M7 to obtain a tax identification number.
Also, companies are subject to a corporate income tax rate of 22% and partners’ distributed profits are subject to a withholding tax of 25%.
Benefits of setting up a Greece subsidiary
Once you go through the Greece subsidiary setup process, you can start hiring in the country. If you incorporate as an SRL, the subsidiary can operate in Greece in the way it deems fit, and the parent company will have limited liability from the subsidiary.
This type of company can engage in almost any business, except banking and insurance. The partners’ liability is limited to their respective investments in the company.
Other important considerations
If you decide to set up your Greece subsidiary alone, you should prepare to spend time and money throughout the process. While you can complete some steps online, you may need to travel to Greece.
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