Establishing a Branch of a Foreign Company in Greece

Expanding into Greece through the establishment of a branch is a common strategic choice for foreign companies seeking presence in the Greek market without setting up a new legal entity. A branch does not have its own legal personality: it is considered part of the parent company, but operates under Greek law with all the related obligations.

The purpose of this guide is to provide a comprehensive overview of the legal framework, procedures, required documentation, tax and accounting obligations, as well as practical challenges, so that you have a clear understanding of the requirements and can proceed correctly.

 

Legal Framework & Key Provisions

1. Law 4919/2022

The principal law governing company forms and branches in Greece is Law 4919/2022. Among other things, it provides for the possibility of online establishment of branches of foreign companies, especially when the parent company is based within the EU.

2. Articles 39 & 43 of Law 4919/2022

• Article 39 regulates branches of companies with their seat within the EU.
• Article 43 regulates branches of companies with their seat outside the EU.

In both cases, the law specifies exactly which information must be registered with the General Commercial Registry (GEMI) and which documents are required.

2. Publicity Regulations – GEMI / One-Stop Service (YMS)

The Athens Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI) – through GEMI/YMS – has established procedures for the electronic registration of branches (e-YMS) and has issued circulars and announcements to ensure transparency and publicity requirements.

3. Provision for Online Registration

According to Ministerial Decision (Government Gazette B’ 58/2023) and ACCI’s announcements, online registration of a branch is now possible for companies with their registered seat within the EU, subject to certain conditions.

4. Exclusions from e-YMS

Certain business activities (e.g., credit institutions, insurance companies) are excluded from the electronic process, in which case the traditional submission of documents is required.

 

Required Documentation and Information

To establish a branch of a foreign company in Greece, the ACCI (GEMI) requires specific documentation, grouped as follows:

1. From the Foreign Company

• Resolution of the parent company approving the establishment of the branch in Greece, specifying activities, registered office, branch name, and appointment of legal representative.
• Articles of association/incorporation deed of the parent company (including all amendments in force at the date of submission).
• Certificate of good standing (or equivalent document) issued by the commercial registry of the parent company’s country, certifying its legal status, seat, share capital, and management.
• Certificate of representation, if representation is not fully evident from the above documents.

1. For the Legal Representative in Greece

• Greek Tax Identification Number (AFM).
• If an EU national: ID card or passport.
• If a non-EU national: residence/work permit or proof of application for permit relating to economic activity / representation of a company.

1. Additional Elements / Procedural Requirements

• Pre-approval of the branch name or distinctive title (through the businessportal.gr system). The reservation is valid for 2 months (renewable).
• Foreign-issued documents must bear Apostille or consular legalization and be officially translated into Greek.
• For branches of non-EU companies, additional documentation is required pursuant to Article 43 of Law 4919/2022.
• Applications and documents can be submitted digitally via e-YMS, sent by email (pdf format) to gemibranch@acci.gr, or in hard copy (under conditions).

 

Step-by-Step Procedure

1. Name Pre-Approval / Reservation Before preparing the parent company’s resolution, it is advisable to check the availability of the name or trade name through businessportal.gr and reserve it for 2 months.
2. Parent Company Resolution The resolution must include all required details: purpose, activities, registered office, representative, etc.
3. Collection and Legalization of Documents All documents must be duly legalized (Apostille or consular certification) and officially translated.
4. Submission to e-YMS or GEMI If the parent company is seated within the EU and does not fall under excluded categories, full submission can be made via e-YMS. Otherwise, documents must be submitted by email or in hard copy to GEMI/ACCI.
5. Review of Legality and Completeness GEMI reviews the documentation. If deficiencies are identified, a request for corrections will be issued.
6. Assignment of Branch Number / Registration Once approved, the branch is registered in GEMI with its own registry entry linked to the parent company.
7. Notification to the Tax Authority (DOY) The branch must file a declaration of commencement of operations with the tax office (DOY), obtain a Greek Tax Identification Number (AFM), and declare the applicable business activity codes (KAD).
8. Commencement of Operations Once all registrations and certificates are finalized, the branch may lawfully commence business in Greece.

 

Post-Registration Obligations

Even after its registration, a foreign company branch in Greece is subject to ongoing obligations:

• Filing of Financial Statements

Branches must file with GEMI the annual financial statements of the parent company (for EU-based companies under Article 39) or the required equivalent (for non-EU companies under Article 43).

• Filing of Amendments

Any changes (registered office, trade name, activities, legal representative) must be filed with GEMI within three months.

• Tax and Accounting Obligations

Branches must maintain Greek accounting books, file tax returns, declare and pay VAT (if applicable), and submit financial reports in accordance with Greek law.

• Publicity Obligations

All filed acts and documents must be duly published and registered in GEMI.

• Branch Closure / Deregistration

If the branch ceases operations, a parent company resolution and supporting documentation must be filed for its deregistration with GEMI.

 

Advantages and Challenges of a Branch

Advantages

• Direct Presence without New Entity

The parent company itself operates in Greece, without the need for share capital to establish a new company.

• Direct Link with Parent Company

Management and control remain centralized.

• Unified Corporate Identity

The branch retains or uses the parent company’s name.

Challenges

• Full Liability of the Parent Company

The parent company bears full responsibility for all branch obligations.

• Compliance with Greek Law

The branch is fully subject to Greek corporate, tax, accounting, and administrative law.

• Bureaucracy

Legalizations, translations, and administrative checks may cause delays.

• Requirement of a Local Legal Representative

Appointing a reliable representative with a Greek AFM is essential and may involve procedural complexities.

 

Practical Tips for Success

1. Start Early with Name Reservation

Ensure the trade name is available to avoid corrections and delays.

2. Prepare a Complete and Updated File

Secure all legalizations and translations before submission.

3. Engage Experienced Local Advisors

Lawyers, accountants, and tax advisors specializing in foreign branches can guide the process effectively.

4. Manage Deadlines and Details Carefully

Delays in documentation or corrections increase both time and costs.

5. Stay Informed of Legal Changes

Corporate, tax, and administrative frameworks are subject to change—ongoing updates are essential.

 

Conclusion

The establishment of a foreign company branch in Greece is a strategic way to expand, particularly for businesses wishing to gain direct market presence without incorporating a new entity. Pursuant to Law 4919/2022 and GEMI/ACCI procedures, digital registration (e-YMS) is available for EU companies, while non-EU companies are subject to additional documentation and manual submission requirements.

The process requires diligence, knowledge of the law, precise coordination, and cooperation with specialists. Any error or omission may lead to delays or rejection of the registration.

At Karpouzis – Lianou & Associates Law Firm, we undertake the entire process—from case assessment to final registration—ensuring that your branch in Greece operates with security, efficiency, and full legal compliance.

Contact us today to plan your next step into the Greek market.