Starting a business in
🇬🇷Greece
Checked November 4, 2026 · How we score
Corporate tax
22%
Top income tax
44%
Setup from
$1,500
all-in, first year
Time to form
10 days
can be done remotely
Taxes in Greece
| Corporate income tax | 22% 22% corporate income tax plus 5% final tax on dividends. Lower rates (such as 10% for qualified startups) can apply in specific regimes. |
|---|---|
| Personal income tax (top) | 44% Progressive 9%–44% (44% above EUR 40,000 under the 2026 reform, which lowered mid-range rates). Business income is also subject to a professional fee. |
| Tax system | Worldwide income |
| Capital gains tax | 15%15% on gains from unlisted shares; gains on listed shares and bonds are exempt; property gains tax is suspended. |
| Dividend withholding (non-residents) | 5% |
| VAT / GST | 24% |
| Social security | Employer about 22%, employee about 14%; self-employed pay a monthly insurance amount by category. VAT is 24% (13% and 6% reduced; lower on some islands). |
Forming a company in Greece
| Usual entity | IKE (Private Company) |
|---|---|
| Minimum capital | $1 |
| Setup cost (all-in) | $1,500–$3,500 |
| Annual running cost | $2,000–$5,000 |
| Time to incorporate | 10 days |
| Form remotely as a foreigner | Yes |
| Local director required | No |
| Local address required | Yes |
| Owners on public register | Yes |
| Statutory audit for small companies | No |
| Business banking for non-residents | Hard |
Residency and visas
Digital nomad visa needs about EUR 3,500 monthly income and renews in two-year blocks. Golden Visa thresholds are EUR 250,000 (restored commercial buildings), EUR 400,000 and EUR 800,000 depending on the area.
| Digital nomad visa | Greek Digital Nomad Visa, $4,000/month income |
|---|---|
| Golden visa | Yes, from $290k |
| Ease of residency for founders | 3/5 (1 = easiest) |
Special tax regimes
Non-dom (Art. 5A)
Pay a flat EUR 100,000 per year (EUR 20,000 per family member) on all foreign income for up to 15 years, if you invest EUR 500,000 in Greece.
7% pensioner regime (Art. 5B)
Flat 7% on foreign-source income for foreign pension recipients who move to Greece, for up to 15 years.
50% income tax reduction (Art. 5C)
50% reduction on Greek employment/business income for seven years for people who relocate to Greece.
Digital nomad tax
Digital nomads who become tax residents are taxed on worldwide income; some can claim the 50% reduction.
Pros and cons
Why founders pick Greece
- 22% CIT and 5% dividend tax
- EUR 100,000 non-dom flat tax and 7% pensioner regime
- Golden Visa and digital nomad visa routes
- Lower living costs than most Western Europe
Watch out for
- Bureaucracy and slow public services
- Greek banks are cautious with non-residents
- High 24% VAT and personal rates up to 44%
- Professional fee and social contributions for freelancers
- Special regimes require minimum investments
Best for: High-net-worth individuals seeking a flat EUR 100k regime · Pensioners and retirees · Island-based remote workers
Greece: common questions
What is Greece's non-dom regime?
Residents who invest EUR 500,000 in Greece can pay a flat EUR 100,000 per year (plus EUR 20,000 per family member) on foreign income instead of normal tax rates, for up to 15 years. Greek-source income is taxed normally.
Can a foreigner open a company in Greece?
Yes. Non-residents can form an IKE through a lawyer with a power of attorney and an AFM tax number. Registration through GEMI takes 3–10 days and typically costs USD 1,500–3,500 in the first year.
What is the corporate tax in Greece?
22% on profits, with a 5% final tax on dividends paid to individuals, giving a combined burden of about 25.9%.
What is the Greek 7% pensioner tax?
Foreign pensioners who relocate to Greece can pay a flat 7% on foreign income (including pensions, rent and dividends) for up to 15 years. Applicants must not have been Greek tax resident in 5 of the last 6 years.
Does Greece have a digital nomad visa?
Yes. Remote workers from outside the EU with about EUR 3,500 monthly income can obtain a 12-month visa, then convert it into a two-year residence permit.
Sources
- Independent Authority for Public Revenue (AADE)
- Greek Ministry of Finance
- PwC Worldwide Tax Summaries – Greece
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Not tax or legal advice. Rates and rules change; we check official sources and update every page, but verify with a licensed adviser in the country before acting. Spotted something out of date? Use the correction form below.