What kind of business should I start in Athens?

Athens offers opportunities for every type of entrepreneur — whether you’re starting from scratch or investing in an existing business. Popular and sustainable options include:

• Food & Beverage: Cafés, mezedopoleia, and restaurants in high-traffic or tourist areas

• Retail: Clothing, accessories, home goods, or niche shops on commercial streets

• Services: Hair salons, nail bars, gyms, and wellness centers with steady clientele

• Digital Businesses: E-shops, agencies, SaaS, or platforms based in Athens

• Education: Tutoring centers, language schools, or creative workshops for children and adults

• Technical Trades: Small local service units (plumbing, electrical work, etc.)

Your choice depends on your capital, available time, skills, and the specific needs of each Athens neighborhood, which vary widely.

What does it take to start or invest in a business in Athens?

Depending on the sector (retail, food service, services, digital), investing in a business in Athens involves:

• Space & location: Central areas, neighborhoods with growing activity, tourist zones

• Equipment & infrastructure: Professional equipment, space layout, POS systems, permits

• Team & operations: Employees, staff, operation manuals, customer service

• Financials: Historical revenue, operating costs, net profit

• Brand & presence: Local recognition, online and offline presence

Investing in a new business may require capital from €20,000 to €150,000+, while buying an existing one can start from €10,000 for a minority stake up to €300,000+ for full ownership, depending on sector, location, and business potential.

Why buy or invest in a business in Athens?

Athens is Greece’s largest economic and consumer hub. Investing in a business here offers:

• Access to a large market with high demand, tourist flow, and business activity

• Ready infrastructure and customer base, reducing entry time and costs

• Financial data allowing performance assessment before purchase

• Immediate growth potential through delivery, franchising, e-commerce, or B2B partnerships

In well-managed Athens businesses, investment payback can occur within 2–4 years, with net profit margins of 10%–25%, depending on sector and management strategy.