In the formation of Greek subsidiaries by foreign investors, alongside the EPE, the IKE also represents an attractive, streamlined company form.
Formation today takes place almost exclusively via the e-ΥΜΣ, either directly online by the shareholders themselves or – where the articles of association are notarial – through a notary established in Greece; the former alternative route via the citizens’ service centre (“KEP”) now plays practically no role.
1. Drafting the Articles of Association
The articles of association of an IKE may be drawn up as a private document or notarially. Their legally required minimum content (Art. 50 of Law 4072/2012) comprises: the name, address and, where applicable, email address of the shareholders; the company name; the registered seat and purpose of the company; its character as an IKE; the share capital together with the contributions and shares; the object and value of any contributions in kind; management and representation; and the duration of the company.
Minimum capital: still just one euro (€1); shareholders may make capital contributions, non-capital contributions, or guarantee contributions.
2. Preliminary Approval of the Company Name
The review of the name and designation for availability and legal admissibility is carried out at the competent chamber of commerce, and, in the e-ΥΜΣ procedure, automatically within the system.
3. Formation and Publication
For the IKE too, no capital accumulation tax has applied to the founding capital since 7 April 2014. The publication fees for the companies register remain payable, as does, where applicable, an advance payment of social security contributions for managing directors and shareholders (subject to an exemption where cover already exists through insurance in another EU state). Upon publication, the company automatically receives its companies-register number and tax number, as well as – automatically, in the e-ΥΜΣ procedure – notification of the managing directors to EFKA.
4. Tax Authority
Within one month of publication of the formation, the commencement of business must be notified to the competent tax authority, and the procedure for approval of the books and tax-relevant records must be initiated.
5. Chamber of Commerce and Industry
Within two months of formation, the company must be registered with the locally competent chamber of commerce and industry; the specific documents to be produced may vary from chamber to chamber.
FAQ
The IKE (Ιδιωτική Κεφαλαιουχική Εταιρεία, private capital company) was introduced into Greek law in 2012 by Law 4072/2012. It is today among the most popular company forms for start-ups, not least because – unlike the AE – it does not require a fixed minimum capital.
Formation today generally takes place electronically via the e-ΥΜΣ portal, optionally with the assistance of a notary, where the articles of association are to be, or must be, notarially certified.
Under Art. 50 of Law 4072/2012, the following are required:
- the name, address and, where applicable, email address of the shareholders;
- the company name (with the addition “Ιδιωτική Κεφαλαιουχική Εταιρεία” or “Ι.Κ.Ε.”, and, for a single-member formation, the addition “Μονοπρόσωπη”);
- the registered seat and purpose of the company;
- its character as a private capital company (IKE);
- the share capital, contributions and number of shareholder units;
- the object and value of any contributions in kind and the names of the contributors;
- management and representation;
- the duration of the company.
At the competent chamber of commerce or electronically via the companies register, it is checked whether the name and designation have not already been assigned to another company and comply with legal requirements. Otherwise, a new name must be chosen and the articles of association adjusted accordingly.
At the competent chamber of commerce or electronically via the companies register, it is checked whether the name and designation have not already been assigned to another company and comply with legal requirements. Otherwise, a new name must be chosen and the articles of association adjusted accordingly.
Within the statutory period from registration of the formation, the commencement of business must be notified to the tax authority at the company's seat; the tax number is generally assigned automatically in the electronic formation procedure.
Registration with the competent chamber of commerce and industry today generally takes place automatically in the course of electronic formation.
As of June 2026. All information on these pages is provided without guarantee or liability.