Best Corporate & Commercial Lawyers in Kos

About Corporate & Commercial Law in Kos, Greece

Corporate and commercial law in Greece governs how businesses are formed, financed, governed, and dissolved. On Kos, like the rest of Greece, companies choose among structures such as anonymous sociétés (AE), limited liability companies (EPE or similar Greek equivalents), and private companies (IKE). These laws shape governance rules, share transfers, shareholder rights, and compliance obligations that impact daily operations for island businesses in tourism, retail, and services.

In Kos, the local economic environment is heavily driven by seasonal tourism, rental activity, and cross-border trade with neighboring Greek islands and Turkish markets. That context makes careful contract drafting, licensing, and tax compliance especially important. This guide highlights practical considerations for Kos residents who seek reliable legal counsel for corporate and commercial matters.

Key practical takeaway: While many corporate matters are national in scope, Greek authorities expect compliance with national corporate codes, tax regimes, and EU directives that affect island businesses sold or operated in Kos.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

Here are concrete scenarios where Kos-based business owners and managers commonly seek Corporate & Commercial counsel. Each example reflects real-world issues island businesses face.

• Starting a guesthouse or hotel on Kos - You plan to convert a property into an accommodation business and need to choose the right corporate form, draftArticles of Association, and prepare a lease or purchase agreement that covers licenses, staffing, and financing. A lawyer helps ensure licensing, fire safety compliance, and tax registrations are aligned from day one.
• Drafting commercial leases for shopfronts and offices - Kos has a vibrant tourist economy with seasonal leases. A lawyer can negotiate rent, term, renewal rights, service charges, and default remedies to protect your business against landlord risk and ensure enforceability under Greek contract law.
• Enterprises with cross-border supplier contracts - If you source goods from Greece mainland or EU suppliers, a lawyer assists with terms, incoterms, payment security, and dispute resolution clauses tailored to Greek courts and local practice in Dodecanese counties.
• Compliance for tourism-related data and marketing - Hotels and travel services must comply with data protection (GDPR) and consumer-protection rules when collecting customer data or running online bookings. Legal counsel helps draft privacy notices, consent mechanisms, and compliant terms and conditions.
• Intellectual property for local brands - If you brand a Kos-based hospitality or retail business, a lawyer can advise on trademark registration, enforcement, and potential EU-wide protection strategies.
• Disputes with contractors or customers - Local suppliers or guests may bring claims in Greek courts. A lawyer can evaluate contract disputes, mediation options, and whether to pursue arbitration or court action, with attention to local practice on Kos.

Local Laws Overview

Two to three core legal frameworks frequently come up for Corporate & Commercial matters in Kos. They are national in scope but have direct implications for island businesses and their operations in Kos:

Law 2190/1920 on Anonymous Societies (AE) and related corporate forms - This foundational statute governs the creation, governance, and transfer of shares in Greek joint stock structures, which are common for mid-size and larger Kos businesses seeking external investment or formal equity arrangements. The code has been amended repeatedly to align with EU company-law standards and modern governance expectations.

Law 2251/1994 on Consumer Protection and related regulations - This framework governs consumer contracts, e-commerce, and business-to-consumer transactions. It is particularly relevant to Kos retailers, restaurants, and accommodation providers who sell services to customers inside Greece and online. It shapes contract terms, withdrawal rights, and disclosure duties.

Directive 2017/1132/EU on certain aspects of company law - This European Union directive creates uniform standards for company formation, modifications, cross-border mergers, and dissolution across member states, including Greece. Greece has incorporated its principles into national law, affecting how Kos businesses structure reorganizations and cross-border transactions.

Practical note for Kos operators: the combination of Greek company-law basics (AE, EPE, IKE structures), consumer protection rules, and EU-directive alignments influences everyday decisions on corporate governance, onboarding investors, and negotiating supplier agreements. Recent emphasis on online collaboration and cross-border commerce further amplifies the need for precise documentation and timely filings.

“Greek corporate procedures have progressively moved toward digitization, with online filings and clearer requirements for annual statements.” Source: Gov.gr guidance on business registration and compliance.

Source: Gov.gr. For more details on online business registration and regulatory requirements, see Gov.gr (official government portal) at https://www.gov.gr.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an AE and when should I choose it for a Kos business?

An AE is a joint-stock company suitable for larger capital needs and investor involvement. It enables share transfers and formal governance. You should consider an AE if seeking external funding or growth through equity in Kos.

How do I start a company in Kos Greece and what should I prepare?

You typically prepare a company name, choose a legal form (AE, EPE, or IKE), draft articles of association, and appoint managers. You will then file with the General Commercial Registry and complete tax registrations.

Do I need a lawyer for drafting a commercial lease in Kos?

Yes. A lawyer ensures the lease terms cover rent, duration, renewal, service charges, and remedies for breach. Local practice often requires precise clauses to protect seasonal business cycles on Kos.

How long does it take to register a company in Greece, including Kos?

Online registrations can take several days to a few weeks, depending on documentation and approvals. A lawyer can streamline the process by coordinating with the registry and tax authorities.

What is the difference between AE and EPE in Greece?

An AE is a joint-stock form with share capital and formal governance structures; an EPE is a simpler, limited liability company with reduced minimum capital and lighter governance. Your choice depends on capital needs and investor plans in Kos.

How much does it cost to hire a corporate lawyer in Kos?

Costs vary by matter complexity, fees, and per-hour rates. Expect to pay for consultations, document drafting, and potential court work; many lawyers provide fixed or staged fees for routine tasks like drafting a lease or setting up a company.

When must I file annual financial statements for a Kos-based company?

Annual financial statements must be prepared and filed per Greek corporate and tax cycles. Filings typically align with the fiscal year and statutory deadlines set by the tax authority and registry.

Should I consider GDPR compliance for my hospitality business in Kos?

Yes. Data protection for guest records, bookings, and marketing is essential. A lawyer can help implement privacy notices, consent management, and data processing agreements with partners.

Do I need to register for VAT in Kos?

Most businesses supplying goods or services in Greece are required to register for VAT, collect VAT on taxable sales, and file periodic VAT returns. A local counsel can determine your exact obligations.

Is cross-border contract enforcement in Kos possible within the EU framework?

Yes. Greek courts recognize EU contract principles and enforce cross-border clause agreements under applicable Greek law and EU directives. It is advisable to include clear governing law and forum clauses.

What is the process for resolving a commercial dispute in Kos?

You can pursue negotiation, mediation, or litigation. For many commercial disputes, arbitration or court action in Greece may be used, depending on the contract terms and the parties’ preferences.

How long does a trademark registration take if I want protection in Kos and the EU?

Trademark registration typically takes several months to over a year, depending on the jurisdiction and whether you pursue national Greek protection or EU-wide protection through the EUIPO process. A lawyer can guide both routes.

Additional Resources

Access official government and authoritative resources to support corporate and commercial activity in Greece and on Kos:

• - Official government portal for business registration, licensing, and compliance information. Use for general regulatory guidance and online services. Gov.gr
• - Official statistics for economic sectors including tourism, trade, and business indicators relevant to Kos. Statistics.gr
• - Authority overseeing competition law and market practices in Greece; useful for commercial agreements and anti-competitive conduct considerations. Epant.gr