Best Investment & Business Structuring Lawyers in Arta

1. About Investment & Business Structuring Law in Arta, Greece

Investment and business structuring law in Arta, Greece governs how a business is formed, financed, and operated within the region of Epirus. The rules cover corporate forms, licensing, taxation, real estate transactions, and cross-border investments. Local practice requires understanding both national statutes and regional administrative procedures handled by the Region of Epirus and Greek ministries.

In Arta, you will rely on general Greek corporate law as well as sector specific regulations when acquiring property, hiring staff, or obtaining operating licenses. The framework emphasizes clear corporate governance, compliance with tax filings, and timely permit applications for projects that involve land use or environmental impact. For practical guidance, consult a local attorney who can align national law with Epirus region requirements.

Key resources for investors and business owners include official government guidance on investment facilitation, licensing, and regulatory steps. See Enterprise Greece for investor support and process outlines, as well as national ministry guidance for investment policy and licensing. These sources help you plan a compliant structure from formation through operation.

Enterprise Greece provides investor guidance and the official steps to start a business in Greece, including in Arta and the Epirus region.

2. Why You May Need a Lawyer

• Planned company formation in Arta - You want to choose the right corporate form (AE, EPE, or IKE) and draft articles of association to optimize liability and capital requirements. A lawyer helps structure ownership, governance, and minority protections from the start.
• Foreign investment and due diligence - You plan to acquire or invest in a local SME in Arta and need due diligence, a share purchase agreement, and regulatory compliance checks for cross-border transfers. A lawyer coordinates these steps with the regional authorities.
• Licensing for a new operation - A tourism or manufacturing project in Arta requires local permits, environmental approvals, and sector licenses. A legal counsel guides permit timelines, application packaging, and authority communications.
• Real estate and property transactions - You must navigate land ownership rules, title checks, and registration with the relevant registry for an Arta facility. An attorney ensures clean title and compliant zoning/land use.
• Employment and labor compliance - Hiring in Arta involves understanding Greek labor law, social security obligations, and local contracting norms. A lawyer helps draft compliant employment contracts and ensure timely registrations.

3. Local Laws Overview

Law 2190/1920 on Societies Anonymes (S.A.) and Limited Liability Companies governs corporate forms, share capital, governance, and shareholder rights. It remains a foundational framework for company structuring in Greece and is regularly amended to reflect EU and domestic policy changes. In Arta, this law guides how you set up and operate a local entity, including board composition and capital requirements.

Law 4172/2013 on the Income Tax Code applies to Greek legal entities and their taxation. It is essential for corporate tax planning, inter-branch transactions, and incentives related to profits and losses. Companies in Arta must align their accounting and filing practices with this law as part of annual returns.

Law 4174/2013 on the Tax Procedure Code governs tax collection processes, audits, and regular compliance duties. It shapes how and when Greece conducts tax assessments and enforces payment, including administrative defences and appeals. Businesses in Arta must prepare for periodic tax reviews under this code.

Recent changes in Greek investment and corporate tax rules are implemented through amendments and sectorial regulations. Regulations are frequently updated to reflect EU directives and domestic policy goals. For up-to-date specifics on these laws, consult official sources and a local attorney with Arta experience. OECD and other authoritative sources provide context on Greece's investment framework and tax environment.

4. Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between an AE and an EPE in Greece?

An AE is a public company with tradable shares, typically requiring higher share capital and formal governance. An EPE (an LLC) has limited liability with simpler governance and lower initial capital. Both require formal articles of association and ongoing compliance.

How do I start a company in Arta from scratch?

Choose the corporate form, draft articles, and register with the General Commercial Registry. You will also obtain a tax ID and open a local bank account. A local attorney coordinates filings and ensures all documents meet Greek requirements.

When can a foreign investor own a local Greek company fully?

Foreign ownership is generally permitted in most sectors, subject to sector-specific licensing and property restrictions. For land near coastlines or border areas, consult a lawyer to confirm any nationality-based limitations.

How much does it typically cost to set up a company in Greece?

Costs include notary or attorney fees, registration fees, and government filing charges. A reasonable initial estimate is a few hundred to a few thousand euros, depending on form and complexity. Local advice provides a precise quote.

Do I need a local attorney to form a company in Arta?

Yes. A local attorney ensures compliance with Arta and Epirus region requirements, handles filings, and coordinates with authorities. They can also tailor documents to your business objectives.

How long does company registration take in Greece?

Standard registrations typically take about 1-3 weeks after all documents are prepared. Complex license approvals or environmental authorizations may extend this timeline.

What license steps are common for a small manufacturing business in Arta?

You will likely need a business license, building permits, and environmental or health permits if applicable. An attorney helps assemble the permit package and tracks application progress.

Can a non-resident own a Greek company outright?

Yes, with limited exceptions. Many sectors allow full ownership, but certain activities and real estate acquisitions may involve screening or restrictions for non-EU investors.

What documents are typically required to form a Greek company?

Common documents include passports or IDs for directors, shareholder information, a proposed company name, articles of association, and proof of address. A lawyer can confirm the exact list for your form and sector.

What is the role of the General Commercial Registry (GEMI) in Arta?

GEMI records and approves company registrations and corporate changes. It centralizes filings and ensures compliance with statutory requirements for Greek companies.

Is there a difference between corporate tax and VAT for Greek companies?

Yes. Corporate tax applies to profits earned by the company, while VAT is charged on goods and services sold. Different rates and reporting schedules apply; a tax advisor explains how each applies to your business.

5. Additional Resources

• Enterprise Greece - Official government organization guiding investments, licensing, and facilitation of investment projects in Greece, including Arta and Epirus. enterprisegreece.gov.gr
• Ministry of Development and Investments - National policy and regulatory framework for investments, licensing streams, and sector regulation in Greece. mindev.gov.gr
• OECD Greece Investment Context - International statistics and analysis on Greece’s business environment, investment climate, and tax regimes. oecd.org

6. Next Steps

1. Define your objective and preferred corporate form - Decide whether AE, EPE, or IKE best suits liability, capital needs, and governance. Assess whether local licensing is required for your activity in Arta.
2. Assemble key documents and engage a local lawyer - Gather personal IDs, proof of address, and initial business plan. Hire a lawyer with Arta experience to tailor documents and coordinate filings.
3. Draft articles of association and governance documents - Your counsel will prepare the articles, shareholder agreements, and any pre-emption rights to protect investors.
4. Register with GEMI and obtain tax IDs - The attorney will file with the General Commercial Registry and coordinate with tax authorities for the enterprise tax ID and VAT registration if applicable.
5. Secure licenses, permits, and land use approvals - Apply for sector licenses, environmental permits, and building approvals if you plan to use real property in Arta.
6. Open a local bank account and set up accounting - Establish a Greek bank account and implement compliant accounting and annual filing procedures.
7. Plan for ongoing compliance and governance - Schedule regular board meetings, audit cycles, and timely tax and regulatory filings to avoid penalties.