Best Business Registration Lawyers in Kos

1. About Business Registration Law in Kos, Greece

Kos, as part of Greece, follows the national framework for registering and operating businesses. The core mechanism is the General Commercial Registry process, supported by online platforms through the Greek government gateway. Local licensing and inspections are handled by the Municipality of Kos and regional authorities in the South Aegean region. This blend of national rules and local administration shapes how entrepreneurs start and maintain a business on Kos.

The process typically begins with choosing a business form, drafting articles of association, and obtaining tax and social security registrations. In practice, many Kos business owners use the government’s online services to file their registration and then address local permits for premises, health and safety, and sector-specific licenses. Understanding both the national registration requirements and Kos-specific municipal rules is essential for smooth startup and ongoing compliance.

Greece uses a centralized digital gateway for government services, including business registration, via the gov.gr portal.

2. Why You May Need a Lawyer

A Kos-based lawyer can prevent costly missteps by navigating both state and local requirements. Here are concrete scenarios where legal counsel is valuable.

• Opening a tourist accommodation or restaurant in Kos requires both company registration and municipal licenses. A lawyer helps prepare the articles, coordinate with the Municipality of Kos, and ensure health and safety compliance.
• Foreign investors launching a Limited Liability Company or other entity must obtain tax registration, social security coverage, and work permits for non-residents. An attorney can handle filings and ensure alignment with AADE rules and local immigration rules.
• Converting a sole proprietorship into a company structure or adding partners to an existing entity requires updated articles, share certificates, and disclosures. Legal counsel manages the process and avoids gaps in liability protection.
• Facing a regulatory audit or penalty from the Independent Authority for Public Revenue (AADE) or local health inspectors in Kos demands immediate legal review and representation. An attorney can respond to notices and negotiate remedies.
• Drafting or revising shareholder agreements, operating agreements, or partner arrangements for a family-owned business in Kos ensures clarity on ownership, profit sharing, and dispute resolution.
• When seeking local permits tied to tourism activities, such as seasonal licensing or environmental compliance, a lawyer helps interpret the Tourism Regulations and coordinates submissions with municipal authorities.

3. Local Laws Overview

Local business registration in Kos operates under several layered frameworks. Below are 2-3 key legal constructs that practitioners and business owners commonly reference.

Greek Companies Act (Law 2190/1920) - formation and registration of companies - This foundational statute governs how companies are formed, structured, and recorded in Greece, including articles of association, shareholder rights, and corporate governance. It remains the baseline reference for corporate registrations in Kos and nationwide, and it has been amended multiple times to reflect modern business needs.

Tax Code and Value-Added Tax (VAT) Regulations - tax registration requirements - Businesses must obtain an AFM (Tax Identification Number) and register for VAT where applicable. The Independent Authority for Public Revenue (AADE) administers these registrations and filings, with rules that affect Kos hospitality, retail, and services sectors alike.

Tourism Licensing Regulations - sector-specific licensing for Kos accommodations and services - Kos hosts a large tourism sector, so licensing for hotels, guesthouses, restaurants, and travel services is guided by national tourism policy and regional enforcement. Licensing processes may involve the Ministry of Tourism and local licensing offices, with compliance checks on safety, accessibility, and environmental standards.

AADE governs tax registration, VAT, and taxpayer compliance for Greek businesses, including those on Kos.

Gov.gr consolidates government services for business registration and licensing, including links to local Kos procedures.

Recent trends emphasize digitalization of the registration process and closer coordination between national registries and regional authorities. Businesses should verify the latest online filing options on gov.gr and confirm local Kos requirements with the Municipality of Kos.

4. Frequently Asked Questions

What is the first step to register a business in Kos?

Choose the business form, prepare the articles of association or operating agreement, and obtain tax registration with AADE. Then file the registration with the General Commercial Registry through the gov.gr platform or the local registry office in Kos.

How long does company registration typically take in Kos?

Processing times vary by complexity and documents submitted, usually a few days to several weeks. A straightforward registration with all documents complete can take under two weeks, while additional licenses may extend the timeline.

Do I need a Greek lawyer to start a business in Kos?

While not strictly mandatory, a local lawyer helps ensure compliance with Greek corporate law and Kos municipal requirements. An attorney can prepare documents, liaise with authorities, and reduce the risk of delays.

Can non-EU residents own a business in Kos?

Yes, non-EU residents can own Greek companies, but residency and work-permit considerations may apply for individuals who actively manage the business. A lawyer can advise on immigration and corporate structuring options.

What is the difference between a sole proprietorship and a Limited Liability Company in Greece?

A sole proprietorship holds the owner personally liable, while a Limited Liability Company (EPE/EE) provides liability protection for owners. The latter requires formal articles, capital requirements, and annual filings with the registry.

How much does it cost to register a business in Kos?

Costs vary by business form and required licenses, including notary fees, registry charges, and initial tax registrations. A typical setup may range from a few hundred to several thousand euros, depending on complexity.

What documents are usually required to open a business in Kos?

Common documents include a passport or ID for owners, tax registration documents, proof of address, Articles of Association, and proof of capital when applicable. Local authorities may request additional permits for tourism or health compliance.

Is VAT registration mandatory for small businesses in Kos?

VAT registration is required if annual taxable turnover exceeds the Greek threshold or if you engage in VAT-liable activities. Businesses below the threshold may still choose to register in certain circumstances.

What is the process to open a hotel or guesthouse in Kos?

Register the business with the registry, secure local licensing from the Municipality of Kos and the Ministry of Tourism, and ensure health, safety, and environmental compliance. An attorney helps coordinate documentation and inspections.

Can I register online for all filings in Kos?

Many registrations and filings can be initiated online via gov.gr, including company registration and tax registrations. Some licenses and inspections still require in-person submissions or inspections by local authorities in Kos.

Do I need a formal shareholders agreement for a Greek company?

Yes, a shareholders or operating agreement clarifies ownership, roles, profit distribution, and dispute resolution. It helps prevent conflicts as the business grows in Kos.

How long does it take to obtain a tourism license in Kos?

Times vary with the type of tourism activity and the completeness of documents. Start-to-finish timelines can range from several weeks to a few months, depending on inspections and approvals.

5. Additional Resources

• AADE - Independent Authority for Public Revenue - administers tax registrations, AFM assignments, VAT, and ongoing tax compliance for Greek businesses. Website: https://www.aade.gr/
• Gov.gr - Official gateway to government services including business registration and licensing. Website: https://www.gov.gr/
• Hellenic Tourism Organization (EOT) - oversees tourism policy, licensing, and sector standards for accommodations and travel services. Website: https://www.eot.gr/

6. Next Steps

1. Define your Kos business plan and choose the appropriate legal form (sole proprietorship, LLC, etc.). Estimate initial capital, tax implications, and licensing needs. Allocate a two-week window for initial planning.
2. Gather key documents for owners and the business entity, including ID, proof of address, and preliminary articles of association or operating agreement. Create a document checklist to avoid delays.
3. Consult a Kos-based business attorney to review documents for compliance with Greek corporate and tax laws. Schedule an initial 60-minute consultation to outline milestones and costs.
4. Submit the registration package via gov.gr or the Kos registry, and initiate tax and social security registrations with AADE and EFKA as applicable. Track submission statuses weekly.
5. Obtain local licenses from the Municipality of Kos and, if applicable, the Ministry of Tourism for your sector. Schedule pre-licensing meetings and plan for inspections.
6. Finalize banking arrangements and capital deposits if required by your chosen business form. Obtain any necessary notary or apostille services for cross-border investors.
7. Set up ongoing compliance, including annual general meetings, filings, and renewal of licenses. Establish a calendar for tax returns, VAT deadlines, and license renewals.