If you are planning to start a business in Greece, your first stop is the business register — in Greece this is GEMI (the General Commercial Registry). Searching for how the business register Greece works is one of the most common steps for foreign founders, freelancers and companies expanding into the country. This 2026 guide explains exactly what the Greek business register is, how to register a company in Greece step by step, what it costs, and the one requirement many people overlook: a legal registered office.
What is the business register in Greece (GEMI)?
The business register Greece relies on is called GEMI (Γενικό Εμπορικό Μητρώο, the General Commercial Registry). Every company and most professionals must be entered in this business register to operate legally. Think of the business register Greece keeps as the official public record that proves your company exists, who owns it, and where its registered office is.
Registration in the business register Greece maintains is mandatory for companies such as IKE (private company), OE and EE (partnerships) and AE (société anonyme), and it links directly to the tax authority (AADE) through Taxisnet. Without a GEMI entry, you cannot issue invoices or operate as a legal entity.
Why register a company in Greece
There are strong reasons to register a company in Greece in 2026. The country offers access to the EU market, a growing startup and digital-nomad ecosystem, and competitive corporate tax rates. For many founders, registering on the Greek business register is also the step that unlocks a Greek VAT number, business banking and the ability to trade across Europe.
Whether you are an e-commerce seller, a consultant or a foreign company opening a branch, an entry in the business register Greece operates is what turns your idea into a recognised, invoice-issuing business.
Types of company you can register
Before you approach the business register, choose your legal form:
- IKE (Private Company): the most popular choice for small businesses and startups, with low minimum capital.
- OE / EE (partnerships): simpler structures for two or more partners.
- AE (société anonyme): for larger companies with higher capital requirements.
- Sole proprietorship (atomiki): for freelancers and individual professionals.
Each form has its own steps in the Greek business register, but every business register Greece entry shares one requirement: a declared registered office address.
How to register a company in Greece: step by step
- Get a Greek tax number (AFM) for each founder, and Taxisnet credentials.
- Choose your company name and legal form and prepare the articles of association.
- Secure a registered office address — a legal seat declared on Taxisnet (more on this below).
- File with the business register Greece runs (GEMI), often through the one-stop service (e-YMS) for faster company formation.
- Receive your GEMI number and VAT registration, then activate the company with the tax office (DOY).
Done correctly, registering a company in Greece through the business register can be completed remotely and relatively quickly.
The registered office: the requirement most people miss
Here is the step that trips up most foreign founders. To register a company in Greece, the business register requires a registered office — a real, declared address for your company. You cannot complete your GEMI entry without one, and a purely virtual address with no substance can be rejected or fail a later DOY audit.
This is exactly what OfficeBooking.gr provides: a legal registered office with a Taxisnet electronic lease, a personal locker bearing your company name, and shared-desk rights — from €59.90 a month. It gives your business register entry a real, audit-proof seat without the cost of renting an office. If you are registering a company in Greece from abroad, this is the fastest way to satisfy the address requirement.
How much does company formation in Greece cost?
The cost to register a company in Greece depends on the legal form, but typically includes GEMI fees, notary and accountant fees (for some forms), and the registered office. The business register fees themselves are modest; the larger variable is often the registered office and professional support.
With a flexible registered office at €59.90/month instead of a €5,000+/year office lease, you keep your company-formation budget low while still satisfying every requirement of the Greek business register.
Tax and VAT after you register
Once your company is in the business register, you receive a Greek VAT number and become subject to Greek corporate tax and VAT obligations. Many founders also look into tax residency in Greece, which can offer attractive regimes for new residents. Your accountant will guide you on filings, but the foundation — a valid business register entry and a legal registered office — must be in place first.
How long does it take?
Through the one-stop service, simple company forms can be registered on the Greek business register within a few days. The registered office part is the quickest to solve: with OfficeBooking.gr your seat can be active on Taxisnet in up to ~24 hours, so it never becomes the bottleneck in your company formation.
Common mistakes when using the business register
The most frequent mistake is leaving the registered office to the last minute, then using a cheap virtual address that the business register or a future audit rejects. A second mistake is choosing the wrong legal form for your situation. A third is ignoring ongoing obligations — once you are in the Greek business register, you must keep your details and filings up to date.
The one-stop service (e-YMS) explained
Greece has simplified company formation through a one-stop service (e-YMS), an online platform that lets you complete several steps of the business register process in one place. For standard company types with model articles of association, you can submit your incorporation and receive your GEMI number digitally, often without a notary.
This is good news for foreign founders: much of the interaction with the Greek business register can be done online, provided your paperwork — including your registered office lease — is ready. Preparing the registered office in advance is what keeps the e-YMS process fast and smooth.
Opening a business bank account
After your entry in the business register, the next practical step is a Greek business bank account. Banks will ask for your GEMI number, your VAT number and proof of your registered office address. A credible, verifiable registered office makes this step easier, while a vague virtual address can raise questions during onboarding.
Because OfficeBooking.gr gives you a real address at Anaxagora 23, Heraklion, with a named locker and a Taxisnet lease, your banking and invoicing paperwork all point to a consistent, legitimate seat.
Foreign companies: branch vs new company
If you already run a company abroad, you have two main paths into Greece: open a branch of your existing company, or register a brand-new Greek company. A branch extends your foreign entity into Greece, while a new company creates a separate Greek legal person. Both require an entry in the Greek business register and both need a Greek registered office.
The right choice depends on liability, tax and how permanent your Greek presence will be — a question for your accountant. Either way, securing the registered office early removes the most common delay.
Tax residency in Greece: a quick note
Many people who register a company in Greece also consider moving their tax residency to Greece. The country offers special regimes for new tax residents, including incentives for retirees, high-net-worth individuals and remote professionals. Tax residency is separate from registering a company, but the two often go together for relocating founders.
This guide focuses on the business register and the registered office; for personal tax residency planning, speak to a qualified Greek tax advisor.
Keeping your company compliant after registration
Being in the business register is not a one-off event. You must keep your details current, file annual statements, and maintain a valid registered office throughout the life of the company. If your declared address ever stops being real, you risk problems in the business register and in any future DOY inspection.
A managed registered office solves this for the long term: your seat stays valid, your mail is handled and scanned daily, and your business register entry always points to a genuine, audit-proof address.
Frequently asked questions
Can a foreigner register a company in Greece?
Yes. Foreigners can register a company in Greece, usually needing a Greek AFM (tax number) and a registered office address. Much of the business register process can be handled remotely.
Do I need a physical office to register?
You need a legal registered office, not necessarily a full office. A registered office with real substance — locker, lease and space — satisfies the business register and withstands a DOY audit.
What is GEMI?
GEMI is the Greek business register (General Commercial Registry) where companies are officially recorded. Your GEMI number proves your company is legally registered.
How long does GEMI registration take?
Through the one-stop service, simple companies can complete their business register entry within a few days, assuming the registered office and documents are ready.
Can the registered office be in a different city than where I live?
Yes. Your registered office can be in Heraklion while you live or operate elsewhere, because the whole process is remote. Many founders use this flexibility when they register a company in Greece.
Business register Greece checklist for foreign founders
If you are about to register a company in Greece, use this quick business register Greece checklist before you start: confirm your legal form, obtain a Greek AFM for each founder, prepare your articles of association, and — most importantly — secure your registered office address. With these ready, your business register Greece submission through the one-stop service is straightforward.
Many founders underestimate how much smoother the entire company formation becomes when the registered office is sorted first. The business register Greece process, the bank account, the VAT number and the invoicing all depend on that single, verifiable address. Get it right at the start and you avoid the most common delays and rejections.
OfficeBooking.gr was built exactly for this moment: a legal, audit-proof registered office that satisfies the Greek business register, activates in up to 24 hours, and costs about one tenth of a traditional office. It is the simplest way to turn your plan to register a company in Greece into a live, compliant business.
Conclusion
The Greek business register (GEMI) is the gateway to operating legally in Greece — and a registered office is the one requirement you must not overlook. Solve the address first and the rest of your company formation becomes simple. See our registered office service, read the FAQs, or contact us to get an audit-proof registered office for your new Greek company in up to 24 hours. This information is provided for general guidance; always consult a licensed accountant or lawyer.