Business structures · Greece

General partnership (OE)

See each partner’s share, how bookkeeping affects the result, and what to check before signing or joining an existing OE.

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Setting up an OE and agreeing terms with partners

One partner puts in money and the other works. How do we split profits?

Practical steps

  1. Record in the partnership agreement who contributes cash, equipment or work, what each person promises to provide and how the contribution is valued.
  2. Set profit and loss shares separately. If the partnership pays for services, document that payment before allocating the result.
Can we use different percentages for profits and losses?

Practical steps

  1. Enter the profit and loss shares in the partnership agreement. A partner's stake in the capital may differ from their share of profits.
  2. Ask a lawyer about any clause excluding a partner from profits or losses. Internal loss allocation and third-party claims are separate matters.
One partner wants to invest without managing. Should we choose an OE, EE or IKE?

Practical steps

  1. An OE partner can stay out of management and still be liable for partnership debts under Article 249.
  2. Compare the role of a limited partner in an EE with that of an IKE member. Check contributions, signing authority, insurance and contractual guarantees for each form.

Bookkeeping, drawings and pay

What changes if the OE uses single-entry or double-entry bookkeeping?

Practical steps

  1. Confirm which bookkeeping system the OE uses. Turnover, prior financial years and the makeup of the partnership can affect its classification.
  2. Separate company tax from any tax withheld when amounts are distributed or credited to partners.
A partner has already drawn €5,000. How much more are they due?

Practical steps

  1. Use amounts recorded as drawings for this allocation. Treat withholding consistently across all amounts.
  2. Check the books to see whether the payment was a profit drawing, remuneration, expense reimbursement or another entry in the partner's account.
Who pays a partner's EFKA contributions, and where are they deductible?

Practical steps

  1. Keep the contribution notice, proof of payment and details of the insured partner. Record the liable person and the payment account separately.
  2. Confirm the tax base from which the paid contributions are deductible and record them only once.
Can a manager receive pay in addition to their profit share?

Practical steps

  1. Find the agreement clause or partners' resolution specifying the services, amount and payment timing.
  2. Confirm the tax and insurance treatment with your accountant. Record management pay separately from profit allocation.

Signatures, debts and checks before joining

I own 10%. Can a creditor ask me to pay the entire debt?

Practical steps

  1. General partners have unlimited joint and several liability for partnership debts. Their ownership percentage governs the internal relationship.
  2. Gather the debt agreement, guarantees, payment records and notices before assessing the particular claim.
If I join an existing OE, am I liable for earlier debts?

Practical steps

  1. An incoming general partner is also liable for existing partnership debts. An internal agreement between the partners does not bind third parties.
  2. Ask for statements and supporting documents as of the date you join, from public authorities, e-EFKA, banks, key suppliers and landlords.
Can the other partner sign a lease or loan alone?

Practical steps

  1. Find the current articles and representation certificate in GEMI. Check which transactions are covered and who signs.
  2. Check internal approval and authority to sign for the other party separately, especially for a loan or guarantee.
What should I ask to see before joining as a partner?

Practical steps

  1. Ask for the latest published articles, amendments and representation certificate.
  2. Ask for a written statement of debts, drawings, litigation and material contracts. Check what applies on the date you join.

Disagreements, exits and conversion

There are two of us and we disagree. Who decides?

Practical steps

  1. The general rule under Article 253 is unanimous consent. If the partners agreed on majority voting and the basis is unclear, the majority is counted by number of partners.
  2. Check whether the agreement distinguishes between the type of decision and authority to represent the partnership. Record your options and what each requires.
One of two partners is leaving. What can we do in time?

Practical steps

  1. Confirm the departure date. If only one partner remains, Article 267 provides for dissolution unless the admission of a new partner is published in GEMI within four months.
  2. Check the value of the stake, debts or guarantees and current signing authority separately.
How do we value the departing partner's share?

Practical steps

  1. Agree on a valuation date and check the agreement, assets, debts, guarantees and outstanding claims.
  2. Use the proportional share of net assets as a starting point. The stake may need a separate valuation and procedure under Article 264.
If we convert the OE, what happens to debts and personal guarantees?

Practical steps

  1. Record partnership debts, general partners' liability and separate contractual guarantees individually before the conversion.
  2. Get written advice on each creditor and guarantee. Check Law 4601/2019 and the conversion deed to see which obligations continue.

Day-to-day obligations

What should I do before issuing my first invoice or receipt?

Practical steps

  1. Confirm that the business is registered and that its activities, premises and VAT status are recorded correctly.
  2. Set up the correct way to issue and submit documents to myDATA. Check the rules for the transaction before issuing the first document.
Do I need a card terminal or a registered business account?

Practical steps

  1. Find your active main and secondary business activity codes in myAADE. Check which payment methods you are required to accept.
  2. If you must declare a business account or card terminal, use the relevant AADE services and check that the details are recorded correctly.
What do I do when I hire my first employee?

Practical steps

  1. Check employer registration with e-EFKA and confirm the employee's details, workplace, contract, pay and hours.
  2. Arrange the ERGANI II declaration before work starts. Set up payroll, APD payroll declarations and contribution payments.
What do I report if I change my address, activity code or premises?

Practical steps

  1. Gather the effective date and supporting documents. Check the business record in myAADE.
  2. Check whether a corporate resolution and GEMI filing are needed before the tax register can be updated.
What do I file even with no turnover?

Practical steps

  1. Confirm the status in the tax register. List outstanding filings, payments and invoices by period.
  2. Check the requirements for forms N and E3, GEMI and financial statements where applicable.

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