Best Business Lawyers in Agia Paraskevi

About Business Law in Agia Paraskevi, Greece

Agia Paraskevi is a residential and commercial suburb in the northeastern part of the Athens metropolitan area. Business activity in Agia Paraskevi ranges from retail shops and professional services to hospitality and light industry. Business law in this area follows national Greek legislation and European Union rules, with additional municipal rules administered by the Municipality of Agia Paraskevi. Practical steps for starting and operating a business include company formation, tax and social security registration, and obtaining local permits for premises, signage and specific activities such as food service or health-related services.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

Businesses encounter legal issues at every stage - from formation and contracts to employment and disputes. A qualified lawyer can help you choose the appropriate legal form for your business, prepare and review articles of association and partnership agreements, negotiate and draft commercial leases, ensure compliance with tax and employment obligations, represent you in administrative procedures and permits, and handle dispute resolution through negotiation, mediation or litigation. Lawyers also advise on regulatory compliance such as health and safety, environmental rules, consumer protection and data protection - all of which can carry fines or operational restrictions if ignored.

Local Laws Overview

Legal rules you should be aware of in Agia Paraskevi include the following key areas. Company law - Greece recognises several business forms such as sole proprietorships, general partnerships, limited partnerships, limited liability companies (EPE), private capital companies (IKE) and public limited companies (AE). Many company types require notarised constitutive acts and registration with the General Commercial Registry - GEMI.

Tax and VAT - businesses must obtain a tax identification number - AFM - register for taxation and, where applicable, VAT. The standard VAT rate in Greece has typically been 24 percent, with reduced rates for certain goods and services. Corporate income tax rules and filing obligations apply - consult a tax advisor for current rates and reliefs.

Employment and social security - employers must register employees with the unified social security system - EFKA - comply with employment contracts, minimum wage and working time rules, payroll withholding and employer social contributions. Labour law in Greece includes protections for employees and detailed rules on termination, collective agreements and workplace safety.

Licensing and municipal permits - many activities require an opening license or operational permit from the Municipality of Agia Paraskevi, and additional sector-specific approvals may be needed from health authorities, the fire service, environmental authorities or professional chambers. Zoning and building regulations affect premises use and outdoor installations like terraces or signs.

Commercial transactions and consumer law - commercial contracts are governed by the Greek Civil Code and commercial law provisions, with strong consumer protection rules for B2C transactions. Data protection - businesses processing personal data must comply with the EU General Data Protection Regulation - GDPR - and Greek implementing rules.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I register a new business in Agia Paraskevi?

Basic steps include choosing a legal form, preparing the company documents and articles of association, obtaining a tax identification number - AFM - for the owner and the company, registering the company with the General Commercial Registry - GEMI, and registering for VAT if applicable. Depending on the activity you will also need to apply for municipal operating permits and sectoral licences. A lawyer or accountant can guide you through the sequence and help prepare required documents.

Which legal form is best for a small local business?

Common options for small businesses are sole proprietorships for single owners and private capital companies - IKE - or limited liability companies - EPE - when limited liability is desired. IKE is popular for small and medium enterprises because it provides limited liability with relatively flexible capital and management rules. The best choice depends on liability exposure, tax treatment, need for investment and governance preferences.

Do I need a special licence to open a shop or café?

Yes - many retail and hospitality activities require a municipal opening licence plus sector-specific approvals. Food and beverage businesses will also be subject to health and safety inspections, hygiene certifications and sometimes fire safety approval. Outdoor seating or signage typically needs separate municipal permissions. Check with the Municipality of Agia Paraskevi and consult a lawyer to ensure all licences are obtained before opening.

How do employment rules apply if I hire staff?

When you hire employees you must register them with EFKA, provide a written employment contract that reflects applicable collective agreements if relevant, withhold income tax and social insurance contributions from wages and pay the employer portion of social contributions. Labour law regulates working hours, leave, minimum wages and termination procedures. Non compliance can lead to fines and labour disputes, so get legal or HR advice early.

What are my tax obligations as a business owner?

Obligations include corporate or personal income tax filings, VAT registration and periodic VAT returns when applicable, payroll tax and social security contributions, and annual financial statements and tax returns. Greece has specific invoicing and electronic submission requirements for accounting records. A certified accountant will help ensure correct bookkeeping and timely filings.

How should I handle commercial leases for a shop or office?

Commercial lease agreements should specify rent, duration, renewal and termination terms, maintenance responsibilities, permitted uses, improvements and obligations for municipal or regulatory compliance. Many disputes arise from unclear lease clauses on repairs, subletting and rent review. Have a lawyer review or negotiate lease terms before signing and consider provisions for termination rights and deposit handling.

What if I have a dispute with a customer, supplier or landlord?

Begin by reviewing written contracts and communicating in writing to document the issue. Many commercial disputes can be resolved through negotiation or mediation. If those fail, a lawyer can advise on filing a claim in civil or commercial courts or pursuing arbitration if an arbitration clause exists. Acting early and preserving evidence improves your position.

Can a foreign national start a business in Agia Paraskevi?

Yes. EU nationals have the same rights as Greek nationals to establish a business. Non-EU nationals may need a residence and work permit in addition to business registration. Foreign entrepreneurs must obtain an AFM and often provide notarised documents or certified translations. Consult an immigration and business lawyer to address visa, registration and tax compliance matters.

What are my obligations under data protection law?

If you process personal data - customers, employees or suppliers - you must comply with the GDPR and Greek data protection rules. Obligations include lawful processing bases, transparent privacy notices, data subject rights, implementing technical and organisational measures for security, and, in some cases, appointing a data protection officer or registering processing activities. Non compliance can result in significant fines.

How much will legal fees and start-up costs be?

Costs vary by legal form and activity. Small sole proprietorships have low registration costs. Companies requiring notarised acts and capital contributions incur higher notary and registration fees. Legal fees depend on the complexity of services - company formation, contract drafting, permitting or tax advice - and can be charged as fixed fees or hourly rates. Ask potential lawyers for a written fee estimate and an engagement letter that sets out scope and costs.

Additional Resources

Useful authorities and organisations to consult include the General Commercial Registry - GEMI - for company registration records and procedures, the Independent Authority for Public Revenue - AADE - for tax and VAT matters, the Municipality of Agia Paraskevi for local licences and planning, EFKA for social security registration, and the Labour Inspectorate for employment compliance. The Hellenic Chamber of Commerce and local professional chambers provide business information and sector guidance. For legal representation contact a lawyer registered with the Athens Bar Association or the local bar, and for accounting matters use a certified accountant - a Chartered Accountant registered in Greece.

Next Steps

If you need legal assistance for a business matter in Agia Paraskevi follow these practical steps - identify the issue you need help with and gather relevant documents such as ID, AFM, draft contracts, lease agreements and past correspondence; search for an experienced lawyer in business law and check credentials and client reviews; request an initial consultation to explain your situation and get an outline of options, timing and fees; obtain a written engagement letter that defines scope, fees and confidentiality; coordinate with an accountant when tax or social security matters are involved; and act promptly on time-sensitive matters like licence renewals, tax deadlines or employment claims.

If you are unsure where to start, a short consultation with a business lawyer or the municipal business office in Agia Paraskevi can clarify the immediate requirements and next practical steps.