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Business registration in Xanthi follows Greek national company and commercial law, applied by local authorities and national registries. The General Commercial Registry - G.E.MI. - records commercial entities and is the primary public registry for companies. Tax registration and VAT matters are handled by the Independent Authority for Public Revenue - AADE. Social insurance registration for employees is managed through EFKA. Local municipal and regional rules affect licensing, zoning and permits for specific activities. While national law sets the framework, local offices and chambers in Xanthi can provide practical guidance and process certain local permits.
A lawyer helps prevent mistakes that can be costly or delay your project. Common reasons to hire one include choosing the appropriate legal form for liability and tax planning, drafting and notarizing articles of association or partnership agreements, handling capital contributions and shareholder rights, navigating regulated sectors such as food service, tourism or construction, dealing with property and lease agreements, conducting due diligence when buying a business, registering branches or subsidiaries of foreign companies, and representing you in disputes with partners, suppliers or public authorities. Lawyers also coordinate with accountants and notaries to ensure registration and compliance are correct and complete.
Key legal points to understand when registering a business in Xanthi include the following.
Legal forms - Greece recognises several business forms, including sole proprietorships, general partnerships, limited partnerships, limited liability companies and public limited companies. Each form has distinct rules for liability, governance and capital.
Registration authorities - Company formation and changes are recorded with G.E.MI. Tax identification and VAT registration are handled by AADE. Employee social security registration is with EFKA. Some activities require approvals from municipal services, regional authorities or sectoral regulators.
Language and documentation - Official filings are in Greek. Foreign documents usually require certified translation and may require an apostille or legalization depending on origin.
Licenses and permits - Many businesses need local permits for health and safety, signage, building use or operating in regulated sectors. Municipal planning rules can affect location and opening hours.
Accounting and reporting - Registered businesses must maintain accounting records, prepare annual financial statements and submit tax and social security returns on set schedules. Small businesses have simplified options but still must meet basic reporting obligations.
Penalties and compliance - Late filings, missing registrations or operating without required permits can trigger fines, administrative measures or restrictions on business activity. Professional advice reduces these risks.
You can register as an individual trader or form a company. Common company types include general partnerships, limited partnerships, limited liability companies and public limited companies. The best choice depends on expected liability, ownership structure, capital needs, tax treatment and plans for future growth. A lawyer or tax advisor can explain pros and cons for your situation.
Starting as a sole proprietor usually involves registering at AADE to obtain a tax identification number and registering the business activity. You must also register at G.E.MI. if the activity is commercial, and register employees with EFKA if you hire staff. You may need local municipal permits depending on the activity. The process is generally faster and less costly than forming a company, but you carry personal liability for business debts.
Typical steps include choosing a company type and name, preparing the founding documents and articles of association, notarising documents if required, depositing required capital where applicable, registering the company with G.E.MI., obtaining tax registration with AADE and VAT registration if necessary, registering with EFKA for employees, and applying for any sectoral or municipal permits. Coordination between a lawyer, notary and accountant makes the process smoother.
Yes. Anyone setting up a business activity in Greece must be registered with AADE and obtain a tax identification number. If your activity is subject to VAT or exceeds VAT thresholds, you must register for VAT as well. VAT registration is also required for some services and trading circumstances regardless of turnover.
Time and cost vary by business type. A sole proprietorship can often be registered in a few days to a couple of weeks if documents are in order. Company formation typically takes longer - a few weeks - depending on notarisation, capital deposits and registrations. Costs include administrative and registry fees, notary fees, possible capital requirements and professional fees for lawyers and accountants. Exact amounts depend on the chosen structure and complexity.
Yes. Foreign individuals and companies can establish businesses in Greece. Non-EU citizens may need a residence or work permit to manage daily operations in person. Foreign documents must be translated and legalised or apostilled as required. For complex cross-border structures it is important to consult a lawyer experienced in foreign investment rules and immigration matters.
Check municipal planning and zoning rules, signage and advertising regulations, health and safety permits for food or healthcare activities, building and occupancy permits for premises use, and opening-hour rules for commercial areas. Certain activities require inspections or specific authorisations from regional or national authorities. The Municipality of Xanthi and the Xanthi Chamber of Commerce can point you to typical local requirements.
Employers must register employees with EFKA for social security and provide employment contracts that comply with Greek labour law and any applicable collective agreements. Employers must withhold income tax and social security contributions, make employer contributions to EFKA, and comply with health and safety and working-time regulations. Labour law is complex, so consult an accountant or employment lawyer when hiring.
Ongoing obligations include keeping accounting records, preparing annual financial statements, submitting tax returns and VAT statements, paying social security contributions and payroll taxes, filing any required reports with G.E.MI., renewing permits that have expiry dates, and complying with sectoral rules. Missing filings can lead to fines and administrative sanctions.
Hire a lawyer when you need help with legal structure choice, drafting contracts, handling shareholder disputes, licences for regulated activities, or cross-border legal issues. An accountant or tax adviser is essential for tax planning, bookkeeping, payroll and periodic returns. A notary is required for certain company documents and formal acts such as notarised articles of association and property deeds. Many projects benefit from coordinated support from all three professionals.
General Commercial Registry - G.E.MI. - the official registry for companies and commercial entities in Greece.
Independent Authority for Public Revenue - AADE - handles tax registration, VAT matters and tax compliance.
EFKA - Hellenic Single Social Security Entity - responsible for social security registration and contributions.
Xanthi Chamber of Commerce and Industry - local business support, guidance on permits and local business conditions.
Municipality of Xanthi - local permits, zoning and municipal rules affecting business premises and operations.
Region of Eastern Macedonia and Thrace - regional permits and sectoral coordination for regulated activities.
Bar Association of Xanthi - for finding qualified local lawyers and understanding legal procedures.
Notary associations and certified translators - for document notarisation and translation needs.
GOV.GR e-services - national digital platform offering various business registration and administrative services.
1. Clarify your business idea and activities - identify the goods or services, location and whether you will hire staff.
2. Choose the likely legal form and discuss basic tax and liability implications with a lawyer and an accountant.
3. Gather required documents - identification, proof of address, lease or property documents, relevant professional qualifications and any foreign document legalisations if applicable.
4. Contact local authorities and the Chamber of Commerce in Xanthi to check specific municipal requirements and permits for your activity.
5. Engage a lawyer to draft founding documents and to guide you through G.E.MI., AADE and EFKA registrations if your situation is complex or involves multiple owners or foreign elements.
6. Engage an accountant to set up bookkeeping, payroll procedures and tax registrations from day one.
7. Keep copies of all registrations, licences and official communications, and establish a calendar for periodic filings and renewals.
8. If you need tailored legal advice, request a written engagement letter that describes services, fees and timelines. Start with an initial consultation to get a clear roadmap and cost estimate.
This guide is for general information and does not replace personalised legal advice. For matters involving specific contracts, regulated activities, cross-border issues or disputes, consult a licensed lawyer in Xanthi who specialises in business law.
