Commercial and Office Spaces in Greece for Your Business

Published on September 30, 2025 and written by Cyril Jarnias

Greece offers numerous opportunities for entrepreneurs looking to establish themselves in a country at the crossroads of Europe and the Mediterranean. Whether you’re seeking commercial space, an office, or a warehouse, this guide will help you navigate the rental process in Greece. Discover the best ways to find space suitable for your business, the main real estate agencies, required documents, anticipated costs, and the most advantageous cities for your establishment.

Finding the Hidden Gem: Strategies for Locating the Perfect Space

To find the ideal space for your business in Greece, several options are available to you. The most effective method will depend on your specific needs and budget.

Specialized Real Estate Agencies Local real estate agencies often provide the best starting point. Companies like Elxis, specializing in Greek real estate for over 30 years, offer valuable expertise. With offices in Thessaloniki, Crete, and even the Netherlands, Elxis can help you find properties throughout Greece, whether downtown offices or warehouses in industrial areas.

Online Platforms Websites specializing in Greek commercial real estate are also excellent resources. Portals like Spitogatos.gr or xe.gr feature numerous listings for commercial spaces for rent or sale across the country. These platforms allow you to filter searches according to specific criteria such as location, square footage, or property type.

Professional Networks Don’t overlook word-of-mouth and professional networks. Join groups for foreign entrepreneurs in Greece on social media or attend networking events organized by chambers of commerce. These contacts can provide valuable information about real estate opportunities and developing neighborhoods.

Key Players: Major Real Estate Agencies in Greece

Several reputable real estate agencies can assist you in your search for commercial space in Greece. Here are some of the most important:

Elxis – At Home in Greece With over 30 years of experience, Elxis is a major player in Greek real estate. Specializing in assisting foreign investors, the agency offers a wide range of commercial properties throughout the country. Their multilingual team can guide you through all steps of the rental or purchase process.

Mobilia Real Estate Based in Athens, Mobilia Real Estate is a reputable agency focusing on high-end commercial properties. They maintain a diverse portfolio including office buildings, commercial spaces, and warehouses in major Greek business areas.

Côté Grèce This French agency specializing in Greek real estate offers personalized services to French-speaking entrepreneurs. Their expertise covers both prime retail locations and corporate real estate investment opportunities.

Raptis Apostolos Real Estate Based in Artemida in the Magnesia region, this local agency is particularly useful if you’re seeking opportunities in the Pelion peninsula or surrounding areas. They offer a selection of commercial spaces and offices suitable for small and medium-sized businesses.

Remember that these agencies can not only help you find the right space but also advise you on the legal and administrative aspects of commercial leasing in Greece.

Prepare Your File: Essential Documents for Renting Commercial Space

To rent commercial space in Greece, you’ll need to provide several documents. Careful preparation of your file will greatly facilitate the rental process.

• Valid passport or identity card
• Recent proof of address (less than 3 months old)
• For non-EU nationals: valid residence permit or business visa

• Extract from the Greek commercial registry (Γενικό Εμπορικό Μητρώο – ΓΕΜΗ)
• Company statutes
• Greek tax identification number (ΑΦΜ)
• Balance sheet and income statement for the last two fiscal years (for existing businesses)
• Detailed business plan (for new businesses)

• Bank statements from the last 3 months
• Income certificate or tax notice
• Bank guarantee or personal surety (often required for commercial leases)

It’s important to note that some landlords or agencies may request additional documents depending on the nature of your business or the property’s value. For example, renting space in an upscale shopping mall or regulated industrial area might require specific permits related to your industry.

Translation and Legalization Remember that all official documents must be translated into Greek by a sworn translator. Some foreign documents might require an apostille or legalization by Greek authorities.

Budget and Costs: How Much to Invest in Renting Space in Greece?

The cost of renting commercial space in Greece varies considerably depending on location, size, and property type. Here’s an overview of the main elements to consider in your budget:

• Athens (downtown): €15-40/m²/month for office space
• Thessaloniki: €8-25/m²/month for commercial space
• Peripheral industrial areas: €3-8/m²/month for warehouses

Security Deposit Typically equivalent to 2-3 months’ rent. This amount is refundable at the end of the lease if no damage is found.

Agency Fees If you use a real estate agency, expect fees ranging from 1 to 2 months’ rent. Some agencies like Elxis charge between 2% and 4% of the agreed purchase price (plus VAT) for their services.

• Property tax (ΤΑΠ): generally the owner’s responsibility, but verify lease terms
• Common charges: variable depending on property type and included services
• VAT: 24% on commercial rents (with exceptions)

Notary and Registration Fees For long-term leases (over 9 years), notary involvement is mandatory. Notary fees typically amount to about 1-2% of the total lease value.

Insurance While not mandatory, property insurance is highly recommended. Expect between €130 and €300 per year depending on the property’s size and value.

Don’t forget to budget for space renovation and equipment costs, as well as utility expenses (electricity, water, internet) which can range between €150 and €300 per month for a medium-sized space.

Emerging Cities: Where to Establish Your Business at Lower Cost in Greece

If you’re looking to optimize your establishment costs in Greece, certain cities offer interesting opportunities outside traditional centers like Athens and Thessaloniki.

Patras Greece’s third-largest city, Patras benefits from a strategic position with its international port. Commercial rents here are significantly lower than in Athens, with average prices of €5-15/m²/month for downtown offices. The presence of a dynamic university makes it a good choice for technology or innovative companies.

Heraklion (Crete) Crete’s capital, Heraklion offers an interesting balance between quality of life and business opportunities. Rents for commercial spaces range between €7-20/m²/month. The city benefits from an international airport and significant tourist flow, making it a wise choice for tourism-related or retail businesses.

Larissa Located in the heart of mainland Greece, Larissa is a developing agricultural and industrial center. Rental prices here are particularly attractive, with offices available starting at €4-10/m²/month. The city offers easy access to the country’s main commercial routes.

Kavala This northern Greek port city is experiencing economic renewal thanks to infrastructure investments. Commercial rents are very competitive, around €5-12/m²/month for well-located spaces. Kavala is particularly interesting for businesses oriented toward export or trade with the Balkans.

Volos A coastal city in Thessaly, Volos combines affordable living costs with a pleasant living environment. Commercial spaces rent for €6-15/m²/month. The presence of an active port and a university makes it a relevant choice for businesses in logistics or research sectors.

These cities offer not only lower establishment costs but also interesting growth opportunities in less saturated markets. Additionally, they often benefit from regional development programs that may include tax incentives or installation assistance for new businesses.

Official Support: Assistance and Incentives for Commercial Leasing

Greece has implemented several programs and initiatives to encourage business establishment in its territory. These aids can significantly reduce your rental and setup costs.

“Fast Track” Strategic Investment Program This program, managed by Enterprise Greece, offers an accelerated procedure for investments considered strategic. If your project meets the criteria (significant investment, job creation, innovation), you can benefit from personalized assistance to quickly find and secure suitable premises.

Special Economic Development Zones Certain Greek regions have been designated as priority development areas. Businesses establishing there can benefit from tax advantages and subsidies for leasing or purchasing commercial space. For example, the Thrace industrial zone offers tax reductions up to 100% for new businesses.

SME Support Programs The Greek Development and Investment Agency (ETEAN) offers loan guarantees and subsidies for small and medium-sized enterprises. These aids can be used to cover part of the costs for leasing or renovating commercial space.

Regional Tax Incentives Many Greek municipalities offer reductions on local taxes for newly established businesses. For example, some cities provide temporary exemptions from property tax (ΤΑΠ) for newly occupied commercial spaces.

Support for Renovating Vacant Buildings As part of urban revitalization efforts, some cities like Athens and Thessaloniki offer subsidies for renovating vacant commercial spaces. These programs can cover up to 40% of renovation costs, making establishment in developing neighborhoods more affordable.

Investment Mediator Enterprise Greece has established a mediation service to help foreign investors navigate administrative procedures, including those related to commercial space leasing. This free service can save you valuable time and help you avoid common pitfalls.

To benefit from these aids, it’s crucial to properly prepare your file and inquire with local and national authorities. Don’t hesitate to contact Enterprise Greece or local chambers of commerce for detailed information about programs available in your industry and the region where you wish to establish.

Greece offers numerous opportunities for entrepreneurs seeking to establish themselves in a dynamic market at the crossroads of Europe and the Mediterranean. With careful preparation and good understanding of the local market, you can find the ideal commercial space for your business while optimizing your costs.

Remember that the key to success lies in a well-informed and strategic approach. Take time to thoroughly study the different options available to you, understand the specifics of the Greek market, and leverage available assistance.