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Business registration in Agia Paraskevi follows the national legal framework of Greece while also requiring compliance with local municipal rules. Agia Paraskevi is a municipality within the Attica region and business founders must complete a series of national registrations and local clearances before opening and operating. National steps include choosing a legal form, obtaining a tax identification number, registering with the General Commercial Registry - GEMI, VAT and tax office registration, and social security registration for employers. Local steps typically include municipal permits for use of premises, health and safety approvals for certain activities, and zoning or signage permissions. Procedures, timelines and costs vary by legal form and activity - from simple sole-proprietorship registrations to more formal company incorporations that require company articles, notarial deeds and minimum capital requirements.
A lawyer provides valuable help at multiple stages of business registration and early operations. Common reasons to retain legal assistance include:
- Choosing the appropriate legal form and explaining the legal and tax consequences of each option.
- Drafting and reviewing incorporation documents, shareholders agreements and articles of association to protect owners and ensure compliance.
- Handling notarial formalities that some company forms require and interfacing with public registries such as GEMI and the tax authorities.
- Advising on regulated activities that need special licenses - for example food service, professional services, childcare or health-related operations - and preparing permit applications.
- Negotiating and reviewing commercial leases and supplier or client contracts to reduce future disputes.
- Advising on employment law, drafting employment contracts and ensuring proper social security and payroll registration.
- Representing the business in disputes with authorities, third parties or in administrative and civil proceedings.
Key legal and administrative features that are particularly relevant when registering a business in Agia Paraskevi include:
- Legal forms and incorporation - Greece allows sole proprietorships, partnerships and several corporate forms. Each form has different registration steps, governance rules and - where applicable - capital requirements.
- Registration with GEMI - The General Commercial Registry records company data, articles of association, managing directors and statutory changes. Publication and registration in GEMI is often a required step before lawful operation.
- Tax and VAT registration - Every business needs a tax number (AFM) and must register with the local tax office - DOY - for VAT and corporate or income tax obligations where applicable. Activity classification uses the KAD code system.
- Social security and employment - If you hire staff you must register with EFKA and follow national employment and social security rules, including proper payroll, withholding and employer contributions.
- Municipal permits and urban planning - The Municipality of Agia Paraskevi oversees local permits such as signage, outdoor seating, waste management, local health approvals and zoning compliance. Some activities need additional fire safety or health certificates.
- Licensing for regulated businesses - Certain sectors require sector-specific licenses or professional qualifications. Examples include food-handling establishments, pharmacies, medical practices and child-care facilities.
- Compliance and ongoing filing - Companies must keep accounting records, file tax returns and submit corporate filings for statutory changes. Non-compliance can lead to fines, administrative sanctions or restrictions on business activity.
Generally you will choose a legal form, obtain a tax number (AFM) for the business, prepare incorporation documents if required, register the business with GEMI, register for VAT and with the local tax office (DOY), register with EFKA if you will employ staff, and obtain any municipal or sector-specific permits needed for your activity and premises.
Timelines vary by legal form and sector. Simple sole-proprietorships can be registered in a few days to a couple of weeks. Company incorporation often takes several days to a few weeks depending on whether notarial deeds and approvals are needed and on the workload of registries and local offices.
Common documents include personal identification, AFM numbers, lease or ownership proof for business premises, a description of business activities and KAD codes, articles of association or partnership agreements where applicable, professional qualifications for regulated activities, and proof of payment of required fees. Specific documents vary by company type and sector.
Yes. Non-EU and EU nationals can establish businesses in Greece. Non-resident founders may need a Greek tax number and should expect to complete registrations through a Greek representative or with assistance. Additional rules may apply to certain regulated professions or activities.
While some straightforward registrations can be completed without lawyers, the majority of founders use a certified accountant for tax registration and bookkeeping and a lawyer for incorporation documents, contracts and licensing. Using professionals reduces errors and speeds up the process.
Costs include state and registry fees, notary fees for certain company forms, professional fees for lawyers and accountants, possible minimum capital contributions for some company types, and municipal permit fees. Exact amounts depend on the company form and activity.
The municipality commonly requires permits for use of commercial premises, signage, outdoor seating and waste handling. Health, safety and fire safety certificates may be required for food service, retail and other premises. Check with the municipal planning and licensing offices for details.
VAT registration is required when your business activities fall within the VAT system and/or when your turnover exceeds the statutory threshold for VAT registration. Certain activities may require immediate VAT registration. Consult an accountant or the tax office about thresholds and exemptions.
You must register as an employer with EFKA, comply with payroll withholding rules, provide written employment contracts that meet statutory requirements and observe working time, leave and termination rules set by Greek law and any applicable collective agreements.
Changes to company details must be filed with GEMI and may require amended company documents, notarial acts and updated tax and municipal registrations. Timely filing is important to keep records accurate and to avoid penalties.
When seeking help or more information consider contacting or consulting with the following types of organizations and offices:
- The Municipality of Agia Paraskevi - municipal departments that issue local permits and provide information on zoning and local rules.
- The General Commercial Registry - GEMI - for company registration and corporate filings.
- The local tax office - DOY - and the Independent Authority for Public Revenue for tax and VAT registration details.
- EFKA - the national social security organization - for employer and employee social security matters.
- The Athens Chamber of Commerce and Industry or the local chamber - for business support, guidance and networking.
- Notaries, certified accountants and lawyers who specialise in commercial and company law - for incorporation, tax structuring and compliance.
- Sectoral supervisory authorities for regulated activities - for licensing and professional qualifications.
If you need legal assistance to register a business in Agia Paraskevi take these practical steps:
- Prepare basic information - business name options, brief description of activities, planned address and ownership structure.
- Book a meeting with a business lawyer and a certified accountant. Prepare a short list of questions about legal form, capital, tax consequences and permits so you can compare advice.
- Gather required documents - IDs, AFM numbers, lease or property documents and any professional certificates.
- Decide on the legal form in consultation with your advisers and instruct them to prepare and file the necessary incorporation documents and registrations.
- Apply for municipal and sectoral permits as required before you open premises to the public.
- Set up accounting and payroll systems for ongoing tax and social security compliance and budget for professional fees and registry costs.
Taking these steps will help you avoid common pitfalls and put your new business on a compliant and sustainable path. If you are unsure at any point, consult a local lawyer experienced in company and administrative law in Agia Paraskevi.
