Best Investment & Business Structuring Lawyers in Athens

About Investment & Business Structuring Law in Athens, Greece

Investment and business structuring law in Athens covers how a business is formed, organized, and governed within Greece. It includes creating corporate entities, equity structures, cross-border transactions, and compliance with financial and regulatory requirements. Practitioners help with choosing the right entity type, drafting foundational documents, and planning for long-term growth in the Greek market.

Athens operates under national Greek law, with local courts and registries applying the same statutory framework as the rest of the country. Lawyers in this area routinely advise on corporate governance, minority protections, and interactions with Greek tax and regulatory authorities. This guidance is essential for both domestic and foreign investors seeking predictable, compliant structures.

For anyone establishing a business in Greece, a focused legal strategy can reduce risk and speed up setup, licensing, and ongoing compliance. A qualified attorney or legal counsel can tailor a structure to your sector, funding plan, and exit strategy while aligning with Greece’s regulatory environment. Engaging counsel early helps you avoid costly re-domiciliation or restructuring later.

"The modern Greek Company Law framework provides the primary structure for corporate forms and governance in Greece."-gov.gr

"Greece has implemented corporate and investment reforms to improve the ease of doing business and attract investment."-OECD Greece profile

Why You May Need a Lawyer

• A foreign company wants to establish a Greek subsidiary as a local legal entity (AE or EPE). A lawyer can draft the articles of association, appoint directors, determine share capital, and ensure alignment with Law 4549/2018 on Companies, which governs corporate forms and governance since 2019.

• Your Greek operation is complex and requires cross-border restructuring or a merger. An attorney can manage due diligence, coordinate with auditors, and facilitate a cross-border merger under Greek corporate law and EU guidelines.

• You need licensing for a regulated sector in Greece (for example tourism, energy, or shipping). A lawyer coordinates with the competent authorities, ensures compliance with sector-specific licenses, and structures the ownership to meet licensing requirements.

• You are designing intercompany service agreements and transfer pricing policies for a Greek-enabled group. A lawyer can ensure pricing, documentation, and reporting meet Greek and EU transfer pricing rules under the Tax Code.

• You want to protect minority shareholders or draft a robust shareholder agreement in a Greek joint venture. A counsel can draft protective provisions, deadlock resolution, and exit mechanics that survive corporate restructurings.

• You are considering a re-domiciliation or relocation of a foreign entity to Greece to take advantage of local incentives. A legal advisor can assess feasibility, tax implications, and regulatory steps for seat transfer and registration.

Local Laws Overview

The Greek framework for investment and business structuring rests on a few key statutes and their updates. The main modern platform for corporate forms in Greece is Law 4549/2018 on Companies, which introduced streamlined governance and online filing for many corporate actions. It governs formation, capital requirements, and corporate governance for AE (Anonymous Company) and EPE (Limited Liability Company) forms, among others.

Historically, Law 2190/1920 laid the foundational framework for corporate forms such as the anonymous company and limited liability company, and it remains a reference point even as Law 4549/2018 supersedes many of its provisions for new setups. Practitioners commonly consult both laws to address legacy documents and transitional provisions.

The Greek Tax Code, primarily Law 4172/2013 and its amendments, governs corporate taxation, VAT, and related compliance for Greek-structured entities. This code interacts with corporate structuring decisions, intercompany pricing, and cross-border transactions within the EU framework.

"Law 4549/2018 on Companies governs modern corporate forms, governance, and filing in Greece."-gov.gr

"Greece continues to modernize corporate and investment procedures to attract foreign investment."-OECD Greece profile

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between AE and EPE in Greece?

An AE is a public liability company with share capital, offering more flexible governance to larger ventures. An EPE is a private limited liability entity with simplified governance and lower capital requirements. Both are common for foreign investors choosing Greece as a base.

How do I start a company in Athens, Greece?

You begin by choosing a corporate form, preparing founding documents, and filing with the General Commercial Registry. An attorney helps with notarization, share capital, and registration steps to ensure compliance.

When does cross-border corporate restructuring require Greek approval?

Cross-border restructurings typically require approval from Greek competent authorities and consistency with EU merger rules. A lawyer coordinates due diligence, documentation, and filings to complete the process.

Where can I file annual financial statements for a Greek company online?

Annual financial statements for Greek companies are filed through the national registry system with online access. A local solicitor can arrange electronic filing and ensure deadlines are met.

Why should I hire a local Greek lawyer for licensing?

A local lawyer understands sector-specific licensing requirements and timing. They coordinate with authorities to avoid delays and ensure all conditions are met for a timely license grant.

Can a foreign company establish a Greek subsidiary easily?

Yes, a foreign company can establish a Greek subsidiary as an AE or EPE. A lawyer guides formation, governance, and initial capital, and ensures alignment with Greek corporate law.

Should I appoint a Greek tax representative for my entity?

In certain circumstances a tax representative is advisable for VAT and reporting obligations. A local attorney can assess your structure and confirm whether a representative is required.

Do I need to draft a shareholder agreement for my Greek venture?

Yes, especially for joint ventures or closely held entities. A shareholder agreement clarifies rights, transfer restrictions, governance, and exit options.

Is there a residency by investment program in Greece?

Greece offers residency pathways for investors under certain real estate and investment schemes, often called a Golden Visa program. A lawyer can explain current eligibility and application steps and timelines.

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

Registration typically takes 2-6 weeks depending on form and complexity, document readiness, and licensing needs. Early planning with counsel can shorten the timeline.

What is the typical cost range to set up a Greek company?

Costs vary by form and services, but expect filing fees, notary charges, and professional fees. A local attorney can provide a breakdown based on your structure and industry.

What is the difference between a Greek branch and a subsidiary?

A branch is an extension of a foreign entity, not a separate legal person, whereas a subsidiary is a Greek-registered legal entity. Subsidiaries offer limited liability and distinct legal personality.

Additional Resources

• OECD - Greece country page - Provides analysis on Greece’s investment climate, business environment, and reform efforts. OECD Greece
• World Bank - Greece - Offers data and background on governance, competitiveness, and investment conditions in Greece. World Bank Greece
• Gov.gr - Official Greek government portal for legal and regulatory information, including corporate law and business registrations. Gov.gr

Next Steps

1. Define your objective and decide the preferred corporate form (AE, EPE, or other) based on liability, capital needs, and governance. Target Athens-based counsel with sector experience.
2. Collect key documents including identity, company history, and draft articles of association. Prepare an outline of ownership, board structure, and funding plan.
3. Identify candidate lawyers or firms in Athens with corporate, tax, and licensing experience. Request proposals and check client references for similar structures.
4. Schedule consultations to discuss structure, timelines, and fees. Ask for a written engagement letter and a clear scope of work.
5. Draft and review founding documents with your counsel. Ensure articles of association, shareholder agreements, and regulatory filings align with Law 4549/2018 and the Tax Code.
6. Complete filings and obtain licenses as required. Your attorney coordinates with the General Commercial Registry and relevant authorities for approvals and permits.
7. Plan ongoing compliance including annual general meetings, financial statements, and tax reporting. Set reminders for filing deadlines and regulatory changes.