Tax planning in Greece for foreign investors

For foreign investors, Greece's tax landscape has changed substantially over the past five years: targeted incentives, competitive rates and a modern framework for international structures. Planning before you invest makes the difference between an efficient structure and expensive surprises.

The non-dom regime allows those who transfer their tax residence to Greece to pay a flat annual tax on their worldwide income. Foreign pensioners can opt for a flat 7% rate, and special incentives apply to employees and self-employed professionals relocating to Greece. Which regime pays off depends on the source and structure of your income — the choice deserves analysis, not assumptions.

On purchase, transfer tax is due — or VAT on new builds; ownership attracts the annual ENFIA property tax; rental income and capital gains are taxed separately. The critical decision is the vehicle: individual or corporate ownership — and it must be made before the deed is signed, not after.

For business investments, a parent–subsidiary structure can deliver tax efficiency on dividends, interest and royalties under the EU directives. Setting up a Greek subsidiary of a foreign group requires the right corporate form, full KYC/AML compliance and clean documentation — from day one.

Greece maintains an extensive network of double tax treaties. The interplay of tax residence, source of income and structure determines the final burden — and, properly planned, prevents the same income from being taxed twice.

Investing before planning; structures copied from another jurisdiction that do not work within the Greek framework; neglecting ongoing compliance obligations once established. All of it is preventable with a proper initial study.

SmartLaw designs and implements tax-efficient structures for foreign investors — from the initial study to day-to-day operation — in Greek and English.