Greece has long been recognised as one of the world's leading maritime hubs. Beyond its strategic geographical position and its highly developed shipping industry, it offers a specialised legal framework designed to support and attract international shipping companies seeking to establish or expand their presence in Europe. Combined with a stable tax regime and a business-friendly regulatory environment, Greece continues to be a preferred jurisdiction for international shipping operators.
Why establish a shipping company or shipping office in Greece?
One of the principal reasons international shipping groups choose Greece is the availability of a highly competitive tax framework specifically tailored to qualifying shipping activities. Subject to compliance with the applicable legal requirements, eligible companies may benefit from significant tax advantages, including exemptions in relation to income generated from qualifying shipping activities, together with relief from various duties, levies and transaction-related taxes.
How can a shipping company establish a presence in Greece?
Given that the establishment of a shipping office or branch in Greece is subject to prior approval by the competent authorities and requires compliance with specific statutory requirements, careful planning is essential due to the highly specialised nature of the procedure. Factors such as the corporate form and structure, the nature of the shipping activities and the company's operating model determine the appropriate legal strategy.
What tax advantage do shipping offices and branches have in Greece?
Given that the establishment of a shipping office or branch in Greece is subject to prior approval by the competent authorities and requires compliance with specific statutory requirements, careful planning is essential due to the highly specialised nature of the procedure. Factors such as the corporate form and structure, the nature of the shipping activities and the company's operating model determine the appropriate legal strategy.
Can foreign shipping companies relocate personnel in Greece?
At the same time, the legal framework supports international shipping groups by facilitating the relocation of foreign personnel to Greece. Specifically, foreign employees of eligible companies may obtain residence and work permits for an initial period of up to two years, renewable indefinitely every two years, provided that the relevant statutory requirements continue to be met.
At Nexus Law Firm, we support international and domestic shipping companies, shipowners and maritime operators in assessing the opportunities offered by the Greek legal regime. We provide specialised advice on all aspects of establishing and structuring their presence in Greece, ensuring full alignment with their commercial objectives.
Our team offers practical, tailored legal services at every stage of the process, enabling our clients to establish their presence in Greece promptly and efficiently, while making the most of the advantages offered by the current legal framework. Contact us for further information and any legal matters of a maritime nature.
Keywords: Shipping company establishment in Greece, Shipping office establishment in Greece, Greek Shipping Law, Greek Shipping Tax Regime, Tax advantages for shipping companies in Greece, Relocation of foreign personnel to Greece