Existing user? Sign in
Share your needs with us, get contacted by law firms.
Free. Takes 2 min.
Franchising in Karditsa follows the same legal framework that applies across Greece. There is no special franchise statute in Greece - franchise relationships are governed by general contract law, commercial law, competition and consumer protection rules, intellectual property law, tax law and employment legislation. For practical purposes the franchise agreement is the central document that defines rights and obligations between franchisor and franchisee - it covers fees, territorial rights, intellectual property licensing, know-how, operational standards, training, supply arrangements, default and termination rules, and dispute resolution.
Karditsa is a regional centre in the Thessaly region with an economy that includes agriculture, agro-industry, retail, small manufacturing and local services such as cafes and restaurants. Local market characteristics - size, customer habits and regulatory requirements - should be assessed in advance. Local authorities and chambers in Karditsa handle business registrations, permits and day-to-day regulatory matters that affect running a franchise location.
- Drafting, reviewing and negotiating the franchise agreement so it protects your commercial and legal interests and complies with Greek law.
- Performing due diligence on a franchisor or prospective franchisee to uncover legal, financial or operational risks.
- Advising on the correct corporate form and ownership structure for your franchise business in Greece, and handling company incorporation and registrations.
- Protecting and registering trademarks, trade dress and other intellectual property rights in Greece and at EU level.
- Preparing or reviewing disclosure and pre-contractual information to reduce the risk of disputes based on misrepresentation or unfair commercial practices.
- Handling employment and social security issues when you hire staff - drafting employment contracts, ensuring compliance with labour law and social security registrations.
- Negotiating and reviewing commercial leases, local permits and licences required to open a premises in Karditsa.
- Advising on tax structuring, VAT, transfer pricing for supply agreements linked to the franchise, and liaison with tax authorities.
- Representing you in disputes with franchisors, franchisees, suppliers, or customers - through negotiation, mediation, arbitration or court proceedings.
- Ensuring compliance with data protection obligations under GDPR where the franchise collects and processes personal data of customers or employees.
Because Greece has no dedicated franchise law, several bodies of law are particularly important:
- Contract law - the Greek Civil Code and commercial contract principles govern formation, interpretation, performance and breach of franchise contracts. Parties benefit from contractual freedom but must act in good faith.
- Company law - the choice of legal entity matters for liability, taxation and capital requirements. Common choices include sole proprietorships, partnerships, private company types and the popular private capital company form used by small and medium enterprises. A lawyer can advise on the best structure for a franchisee.
- Competition law - rules on restrictive agreements, abuse of dominant position, and unfair trade practices can affect exclusive territories, supply obligations and resale restrictions. The Hellenic Competition Authority enforces competition rules in Greece.
- Intellectual property law - trademarks, designs and copyrights are critical for franchisors. Protection is available via Greek national registrations and EU-wide protection. Licensing terms should be clear about use and quality control.
- Consumer protection and unfair commercial practices - if the franchise interacts with consumers, Greek and EU consumer protection rules, including rules on misleading advertising and contractual terms, will apply.
- Employment and social security law - hiring staff triggers detailed obligations under Greek labour law and social security rules administered by the Single Social Security Entity. Employment contracts, collective agreements and termination rules are strictly regulated.
- Tax law - VAT, corporate tax and taxes on employees must be handled correctly. Franchise fees, royalties and supply transactions have tax implications that should be reviewed with a tax adviser.
- Administrative licences and local regulation - opening a business in Karditsa may require municipal permits, health and safety approvals for food service or other regulated activities, zoning compliance and signage permits. These are dealt with by the Municipality of Karditsa and relevant regional authorities.
- Data protection - GDPR applies in Greece and impacts how customer and employee data are collected, stored and processed within a franchise network.
A franchise is a commercial relationship where a franchisor licenses its brand, systems and know-how to a franchisee in exchange for fees and compliance with operational standards. In Greece the relationship is governed mainly by the franchise agreement and general law - the agreement sets out rights, fees, territorial coverage, duration, training, supply rules and IP licences.
No. Greece does not have a dedicated franchise statute. Franchise activities are regulated through general contract, company, competition, IP, tax, employment and consumer protection laws that apply nationwide, including in Karditsa.
There is no general obligation to register franchise agreements with a specific national franchise registry. However, company formation, trademark registrations, property leases, employment registrations and VAT and tax registrations must be completed with the relevant authorities and registries.
The choice depends on liability exposure, capital, tax and management preferences. Many small franchisees use private company forms that limit liability. A lawyer or accountant can recommend the appropriate form and handle incorporation and registration with the General Commercial Registry.
Greece does not impose a prescribed franchise disclosure document like some other jurisdictions. Nevertheless, good practice and general pre-contractual duties of honesty and good faith mean franchisors should provide clear information on fees, obligations, financial expectations and required investments. Franchisees should obtain full written information and perform due diligence.
Permits depend on the business activity. Typical requirements include a municipal operation permit, health and safety approvals for food or services, fire safety, zoning and building permits where relevant, and local signage permissions. Consult the Municipality of Karditsa and local authorities for activity-specific requirements.
Trademarks can be registered nationally with the Hellenic Industrial Property Organization or at the EU level for broader protection. Franchise agreements should set out clear IP licence terms, quality control standards and enforcement rights to protect brand integrity.
Remedies depend on the contract terms and applicable law - common remedies include damages, specific performance, termination and injunctive relief. Many franchise agreements include dispute resolution clauses that require mediation or arbitration before court action. Local courts in Greece can also resolve disputes if litigation is necessary.
Yes. Greek employment law is detailed and provides protections for employees regarding contracts, working hours, wages, social security contributions, collective agreements and termination procedures. Franchisees who hire staff must register with social security and payroll systems and comply with applicable labour rules.
Costs vary with the scope of work - simple contract review will cost less than full negotiation, IP registration and company formation. Lawyers may charge hourly rates, fixed fees for defined services, or a combination. Obtain clear fee quotes and written engagement terms before work begins.
- Local Bar Association - for finding a licensed lawyer in Karditsa and checking professional credentials.
- Chamber of Commerce of Karditsa - for local business guidance, market information and networking.
- General Commercial Registry - for company registration and public business records.
- Hellenic Industrial Property Organization - for national trademark and design registration.
- Hellenic Competition Authority - for questions about restrictive agreements and competition compliance.
- Hellenic Data Protection Authority - for GDPR and data protection guidance.
- Independent Authority for Public Revenue - for tax registration, VAT and tax guidance.
- Single Social Security Entity - for employer social security obligations and registrations.
- Municipality of Karditsa and Region of Thessaly - for local permits, zoning and health licences.
- Local tax office and professional accounting firms - for tax compliance and payroll support.
1 - Assess the opportunity: Research the local market in Karditsa, estimate start-up and ongoing costs, and review the franchisor's business model and track record.
2 - Assemble documentation: Collect sample franchise agreements, financial projections, franchisor disclosures, IP evidence and any local permits or licences the franchisor requires.
3 - Engage professionals: Retain a local lawyer experienced in franchising and commercial contracts, and consult an accountant for tax and payroll planning.
4 - Conduct due diligence: Verify the franchisor's legal standing, financial health, IP ownership, any ongoing disputes and references from other franchisees.
5 - Negotiate key terms: Clarify fees, territorial rights, renewal and termination rules, performance obligations, supply commitments, training and support, confidentiality and dispute resolution mechanisms.
6 - Secure local compliance: Register the company, obtain tax and social security numbers, register trademarks if needed, and apply for municipal permits and health or safety licences.
7 - Finalise agreements and start operations: Have all documents translated into Greek if needed, sign the agreement, implement training, secure premises and launch the business while monitoring compliance with contractual and legal obligations.
If you need help, start by contacting a qualified lawyer in Karditsa who understands franchising, commercial leases, employment law and IP. Early legal involvement reduces risk and helps structure a franchise that works for your local realities.
