Mr. Constantin Karagounis, Attorney-at-law – Tax consultant – Member of the Paris & Athens Bars-Vice President of International Fiscal Association Gr – Chairman of the CCI France Grèce | Page Tax Committee.

For French companies considering establishing themselves in Greece, Mr. KARAGOUNIS emphasized that the Greek legal system is similar to the French system, with Anglo-Saxon influences and European regulations. The types of companies available in Greece include SA, SARL, SAS, and sole
proprietorships, and foreign companies can establish branches to work with their French company.

Regarding the judicial system, it resembles that of France, with a common law jurisdiction, administrative jurisdiction, and ongoing reforms to expedite legal proceedings. Mediation is also available to resolve the most serious disputes.

On the tax front, Greece has implemented the digitization of all online transactions, in part to combat tax fraud. The country is a member of the OECD – OCDE and applies the rules of the Multilateral BEPS Agreement (MLI). Regarding specific tax regulations, Greece offers incentives and tax benefits for businesses, including stable corporate tax rates for 12 years, exemptions from tax on undistributed profits for up to 15 years, and tax reductions for mergers and transfers of companies.

Tax relief is also provided in the income tax code, particularly for family businesses, transfers of tax residency to Greece, retirees, and self-employed or expatriate workers. In summary, Greece offers a favorable legal and tax framework for businesses, with significant similarities to the French system,
and incentives for investment and business development.

It was an honor to participate in this outstanding seminar in Paris on 04.04.2024 «Greece is Back: Investment Opportunities in a Sustainably Growing Economy» with executives from the banking sector responsible for monitoring the Greek economy and for fund managers.