Greece is located in southeastern Europe, a strategic geographical position that links Europe with Asia and Africa. An EU member since 1981, Greece joined the Eurozone in 2001, NATO since 1952 and a founding member of the United Nations (1945). Classified in developed countries with high per capita income and the 22nd best country in terms of quality of life in world.
The Greek economy is based on two pillars; tourism and shipping are the two most important industries in the country contributing significantly to the GDP, as well as being a great source of exchange. The last 5 years has seen significant growth to the Greek economy from the Renewable Energy Sources (RES) and logistics industries.
Greece has an attractive climate for foreign investment. The EU is the country's largest trading partner, but it is also developing links with East European and Black Sea countries.
The reasons why it is good time to open a company in Greece are as follows:
- assets are at a very low value
- massive investment in infrastructure projects
Under Greek law corporate entities may be divided into as follows categories:
Anonymous Company A.E. (Societe Anonyme S.A.) - Corporations are governed by Law 2190/1920 on companies limited by shares (AE)
Limited liability companies - Limited liability companies are governed by Law 3190/1955, as amended by Presidential Decrees 419/1986 and 279/1993 for the harmonisation of Greek law. Such companies may be formed by one or more natural or legal persons, called the founders, by means of a notarial deed being their charter
Private Company I.K.E. - is a new form of company in Greece, introduced by Law 4072/2012. IKE is a private capital company, i.e. it is a company not subject to public listing that has capital and the liability of its members for the company debts, except for those with the guarantee contribution, is limited
Personal company available either as a general (OE) or limited (EE) partnership. A general partnership (Omorythm os Eteria) is an entity in which all the partners are jointly and severally liable for the debts of the partnership without limitation in liability. A Limited Partnership ( Eterorythmos Eteria) is similar to a General Partnership ( Omorythmos Eteria, OE), except that the liability of the limited par tner (eterorythmos eteros) is limited to his contributed capital. At least one partner must have unlimited liability (omorythmos eteros). If a limited liability partner is engaged in the management of the partnership he loses his limited liability status.