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Melissia is a residential and commercial suburb in the northern part of the Athens metropolitan area. Businesses in Melissia range from small retail shops, professional services and family-run enterprises to branches of larger Greek and international companies. Corporate and commercial law in Melissia follows Greek national law and applicable European Union rules. Legal matters you are likely to encounter include company formation and registration, commercial contracts, employment relations, leasing of commercial premises, taxation, permits and consumer law. Local practitioners and business advisors in Melissia can help with matters that are routine for small and medium sized businesses as well as more complex transactions affecting larger companies.
You may need a corporate or commercial lawyer in Melissia when you are starting a business, changing the legal form of an existing business, drafting or negotiating contracts, hiring or dismissing employees, entering a lease for commercial premises, or buying and selling business assets. Lawyers help protect your rights, reduce legal and financial risk and ensure compliance with national and EU rules.
Lawyers are especially useful if you face disputes with suppliers, customers, landlords or partners, if you have regulatory compliance questions such as VAT, tax reporting or data protection, or if you plan significant investments or restructuring. Corporate transactions often require properly drafted corporate resolutions, shareholder agreements and registration with the General Commercial Registry - GEMI.
Company formation and corporate governance are governed primarily by Greek company law and related provisions of the Greek Civil Code. The common legal forms are Anonymi Etairia - AE (Societe Anonyme), Eteria Periorismenis Efthynis - EPE (Limited Liability Company), and I.K.E. - Idiotiki Kefalaiouchiki Etairia (Private Company/Entrepreneurial Company). Each form has different capital, governance and registration requirements. Shareholder meetings, board duties, and statutory filings drive corporate governance obligations.
All companies doing business in Greece must register with the General Commercial Registry - GEMI. Registration establishes the company as a legal entity and records key documents such as the articles of association, details of directors and shareholders, and any changes to structure or capital.
Commercial contracts are subject to contract law and commercial rules. Contracts are usually governed by the Civil Code and specific commercial statutes. Common contract issues include drafting clear terms, defining performance obligations, payment terms, delivery, warranties, limitation of liability and dispute resolution clauses. Written agreements and careful record-keeping reduce uncertainty and support enforcement.
Employment law and social security are important for any business with staff. Employment contracts must respect mandatory provisions on working hours, minimum wages, leave, social security contributions to EFKA and termination rules. The Labour Inspectorate - SEPE enforces workplace safety and employment standards. Collective bargaining agreements can also affect terms for certain sectors.
Taxation includes corporate income tax, VAT and payroll taxes. Businesses must register with the Independent Authority for Public Revenue - AADE and comply with bookkeeping, invoicing and submission obligations. Greece has adopted digital reporting tools and electronic invoicing initiatives which affect accounting procedures.
Data protection is governed by the EU General Data Protection Regulation - GDPR and Greek national implementing rules. Any business processing personal data must meet data protection obligations including privacy notices, lawful processing bases, data security and cooperation with the Hellenic Data Protection Authority.
Anti-money laundering rules and customer due diligence apply to certain professions and high-risk transactions. Licensing and sectoral regulation may be required for activities such as food service, professional services, financial services and construction.
Property and leasing law governs commercial leases and real estate transactions. Leases often require careful negotiation of rent, duration, termination rights and investment or fit-out responsibilities. For business acquisitions, due diligence on real estate titles, encumbrances and zoning is critical.
Dispute resolution can be pursued in civil courts, administrative tribunals or through alternative dispute resolution such as mediation and arbitration. Cross-border transactions may involve EU regulations and international private law considerations.
To register a company you prepare the company documents, appoint directors and shareholders, notarize the articles of association as required, obtain tax registration with AADE and file for registration with the General Commercial Registry - GEMI. Depending on the business, you may need local permits from the Municipality of Penteli and sectoral licenses. A lawyer or a business services provider can handle paperwork and liaise with regulators.
The I.K.E. is often preferred by startups and small businesses because it provides flexibility in management and capital contributions and generally lower administrative burdens. An EPE or sole proprietorship may also suit small businesses. The best choice depends on liability preferences, tax planning and plans for investment or sale.
Essential contracts include terms of service or supply agreements, employment contracts, commercial lease agreements, non-disclosure agreements and, for companies with multiple owners, shareholder or partnership agreements. Contracts should clearly set out rights, obligations, pricing, termination and dispute resolution mechanisms.
Employment contracts must comply with mandatory statutory protections including working time rules, minimum wage and social security contributions. Termination procedures often require notice periods and legitimate grounds, and unfair dismissal claims are common. Sectoral collective agreements can impose additional obligations. Consult a lawyer to draft compliant employment documents and policies.
Businesses pay corporate income tax, VAT where applicable, payroll taxes and social security contributions for employees. There are also municipal and regional taxes or fees in some cases. Businesses must register with AADE and maintain proper accounting and VAT records. Tax advisors or lawyers can help with compliance and planning.
Yes. Retail, food service and other regulated activities require municipal permits, health and safety approvals and sometimes sectoral licenses. Building permits and zoning checks may also be necessary for premises. The Municipality of Penteli and relevant ministries handle permits depending on the activity.
All businesses processing personal data must comply with GDPR and Greek data protection legislation. This includes having lawful grounds to process data, providing privacy notices, implementing data security measures, and keeping records of processing activities. For higher-risk processing you may need to carry out a data protection impact assessment and appoint a data protection officer.
Greece has statutory procedures for insolvency and restructuring. Early legal advice is important to assess options such as negotiated restructuring, formal insolvency proceedings or other rescue mechanisms. Directors have duties to avoid worsening creditors' positions once insolvency is foreseeable.
Disputes can be resolved through negotiation, mediation, arbitration or litigation in the civil courts. Many commercial contracts include arbitration clauses. Consider alternative dispute resolution for speed and confidentiality, but seek legal advice to determine enforceability and the best forum for your case.
Yes. EU rules support cross-border trade and services, but you must comply with Greek and EU regulations, including VAT rules for intra-EU trade, cross-border contract terms, customs rules for goods coming from outside the EU, and professional recognition rules if you provide regulated services in another member state.
General Commercial Registry - GEMI for company registration records and filings.
Independent Authority for Public Revenue - AADE for tax registration, VAT and electronic invoicing requirements.
Hellenic Data Protection Authority for data protection guidance and obligations.
Hellenic Competition Commission for competition and antitrust matters.
Labour Inspectorate - SEPE for employment law enforcement, workplace safety and related information.
Municipality of Penteli for local permits, zoning and municipal services relevant to businesses in Melissia.
Chamber of Commerce and local business associations for networking, guidance and practical support.
Professional advisors - certified accountants, tax advisors and notaries who work with corporate transactions and statutory filings.
1. Clarify your needs - identify whether you are forming a company, negotiating a contract, hiring staff, buying premises or facing a dispute. Document the basic facts and desired outcome.
2. Gather key documents - identification, proposed articles of association, past contracts, accounting records, leases and any correspondence relevant to your issue. Having documents ready saves time and cost.
3. Search for local lawyers - look for lawyers or firms with experience in corporate and commercial law and with knowledge of the Athens area and municipal procedures in Melissia. Ask about experience with similar matters, languages spoken and fee structures.
4. Arrange an initial consultation - use the meeting to present your facts, ask about strategy, likely timeline and fee estimates. Ask for a written engagement letter that defines scope, fees and confidentiality.
5. Confirm practical steps - a lawyer will advise on immediate legal obligations, filings or permission deadlines. Follow instructions on filings, notarizations and registrations promptly to avoid penalties or loss of rights.
6. Keep records and maintain compliance - set up bookkeeping, tax and employment record systems, and perform periodic reviews to stay compliant with regulatory changes. Consider a retainer arrangement if you expect ongoing legal needs.
Taking these steps will help you manage risk and pursue your business objectives effectively in Melissia. If you are uncertain, seek a local lawyer for tailored advice specific to your situation.
