Since 2011, companies in Greece have been established through a so-called One-Stop Shop (OSS). The purpose of the law that introduced the OSS is to simplify the formation of various types of companies through the submission and processing of documents by the OSS, which functions as a central authority. An OSS can be either the General Commercial Register or a Notary, if a notarial requirement exists by law or if the parties voluntarily wish to draw up the articles of association notarially.
The documents necessary for the formation of a company are always somewhat similar.
If the Founding Partners are Natural Persons, the Following Documents are Required:
- Identity card or passport for nationals of other countries
- If they are nationals from non-EU countries, a residence permit must be submitted to be able to practice a liberal profession, particularly in the event that they become a member of a General Partnership (OHG) or a Limited Partnership (KG) or if they act as an administrator in a Limited Liability Company (GmbH) or Private Capital Company (IKE) or as the legal representative of a Societe Anonyme (AG)
- A Tax Number or, if they do not have one, a completed form for the issuance of a tax number should it be necessary (Forms M1 and M7)
If the Founders are Domestic Legal Persons, the Following Documents are Required:
- A copy of the Articles of Association of the company
- For partnerships and the GmbH, if their representative for the formation is another legal person and if the legal person is established by a notarial deed, a Special Power of Attorney is required. If the company is established with a simple written document (only for OHG, KG, and IKE), then a certified Power of Attorney with the signature of the legal representative of the legal person is sufficient, provided this is stipulated in the Articles of Association or there is a corresponding resolution of the partners
- For the GmbH and the IKE, a resolution of the Shareholders’ Meeting regarding participation in the company being formed
- For the AG, both the Government Gazettes showing the company’s legal representation are submitted, as well as the resolution of the Board of Directors regarding the AG’s participation in the company being formed.
If the Founders are Foreign Legal Persons, the Following Documents are Required:
- A translation of the Articles of Association with an apostille or a certification by the consulate
- A certificate from the competent authority of the country where the company has its seat, confirming its existence
- A certified copy of the Power of Attorney appointing the company’s legal representative in Greece
- Completed Forms M1 and M7 for the issuance of a Tax Number
If the formation procedure is led by a representative, a Power of Attorney with the certified signatures of the founders must be presented. Likewise, a rental agreement or an affidavit with a certified signature must be presented, which permits the free use of a property to serve as the seat of the company being formed, or an affidavit specifying the seat of the company.
During the Company Formation, the Following Forms are Completed and Submitted:
- Application for review of the company name and the distinguishing title with subsequent entry into the Chamber of Commerce
- Registration application for the competent Chamber of Commerce
- Application for entry in the General Commercial Register
- Application for the **issuance of a tax number** for the founders of the company who do not have one and for the company once its formation is complete
- Application for the issuance of a certificate confirming that the founders have no debts to the state, provided such a certificate is not already available
- Application for the issuance of a certificate confirming that the founders have no debts to various social insurance institutions (IKA – ETAM and OAEE), provided such a certificate is required and has not been submitted
- Application for the registration of the partners (OHG, KG, and GmbH) as well as the members of the Board of Directors of an AG whose share in the company is more than 3%, in the competent social insurance institutions as required by law
The formation of the company can be completed in approximately 3-5 working days, depending on the workload of the competent OSS. Formation is also possible through an authorized representative.
(Status: March 2015. All information is subject to change and without guarantee.)