Opening a shop in Greece: three Algerian entrepreneurs on what they wish they knew
Tax registration, accountants, leases and suppliers — the practical lessons from people who have done it.
Running a small business anywhere is hard. Doing it in a second language, under an unfamiliar tax system, is harder. We spoke to three entrepreneurs — a grocer, a barber and a translator — about their first years.
Find a good accountant first
All three gave the same first piece of advice: before signing a lease or buying stock, find an accountant (logistis) you trust. In Greece, accountants handle much of the interaction with the tax authority and can explain obligations before they become problems.
Your AFM is the key to everything
A Greek tax identification number is needed for almost every step, from opening a business bank account to signing with suppliers. Getting it sorted early saves weeks.
“The first year I worked for the business. The second year it started working for me.”
All three said the community itself was their biggest asset: early customers, word-of-mouth recommendations and informal advice from those who had been through it before.
