Greece offers openings for entrepreneurs looking to build a business.
- The official language is Greek, while English is widely spoken in tourism and larger cities.
- Greece counts more than 6,000 islands and islets, of which roughly 200 are inhabited.
- It has a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild, sunny winters.
Greece owns one of the world's largest merchant fleets by tonnage.
Tourism contributes a sizeable share of GDP, welcoming tens of millions of visitors yearly.
Setting up a company
Property, especially in Athens, has rebounded strongly on Golden Visa demand and tourism.
Farm exports include olive oil, fruit, wine and seafood.
As an EU and eurozone member, Greece accesses the European single market.
Startup-friendly sectors
Labour costs are more competitive than in Western Europe, appealing to some investors.
- Renewable energy and technology are emerging growth areas.
- Greece's economy leans on tourism, shipping and agriculture.
- After the 2010s debt crisis, the economy has recovered and returned to growth.
- Greece belongs to the Schengen Area, allowing free movement across much of Europe.
- Its coastline stretches about 13,600 km, among the longest in the world.
Incentives and support
Greece lies in Southeastern Europe at the southern tip of the Balkan Peninsula on the Mediterranean.
The capital, Athens, is the political and economic hub and the birthplace of Western democracy.
Greece has a population of about 10.4 million, most following Greek Orthodox Christianity.
Corporate tax
Rents outside central Athens are often softer than in many Western European cities.
The public health system (ESY) serves residents, though many add private insurance.
Residence holders must register a tax number (AFM) and a social-security number.
Risks to anticipate
The Golden Visa residence card is valid for five years and renews while the investment is held.
The programme sets no minimum-stay requirement, which suits busy investors.
The permit covers the whole family, including spouse, dependent children and both sets of parents.
Need a tailored roadmap?
Viking Global Group walks with you from paperwork to settlement. Call +849.219.219.88 or email [email protected] for a free consultation.
Related articles
Frequently asked questions
Can foreigners start a business in Greece?
Yes. Foreigners can set up companies, buy shares or work as self-employed, provided they hold an appropriate residence status if they plan to work in Greece themselves. Non-EU nationals need a residence route suitable for business or investment.
Which sectors offer business opportunities?
Opportunities exist in tourism and hospitality, food and beverage, import and export, services for expatriates and tourists, technology, renewable energy and real estate. Companies can also use Greece as a base for trade with the wider EU and Eastern Mediterranean.
How is a company registered in Greece?
Company formation usually goes through a one-stop business registry, involving obtaining tax numbers, drafting articles of association, registering the company, opening a bank account and registering with tax and social security authorities. Local lawyers or accountants are recommended.
Is there support for startups?
Greece has startup programmes, incubators, accelerators and venture capital funds, many supported by EU resources, plus a residence route for innovative entrepreneurs under specific conditions. The startup ecosystem is concentrated in Athens and Thessaloniki.
What challenges do entrepreneurs face?
Challenges include complex administration and tax rules, slow legal processes at times, language barriers and a relatively small domestic market. Working with local advisers, researching the market carefully and budgeting for compliance costs help reduce risks.
Information is for reference and may change under the latest official policy. Please contact us for current regulations.
