Best Investment & Business Structuring Lawyers in Corfu

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

Investors in Corfu operate under a framework that combines Greek national law with local administrative practices. Investment and business structuring cover company formation, ownership structures, asset protection, licensing, and regulatory compliance. Corfu-specific decisions often involve tourism licensing, land use, and environmental approvals tied to island development.

Key elements include choosing the right legal form for a Greek business, defining ownership and governance, and planning for tax and cross-border considerations. Practically, this means aligning corporate structure with licensing pathways, employment rules, and island-specific permit processes. A corporate lawyer in Corfu can coordinate the sequence from incorporation to ongoing regulatory compliance.

Recent trends show growing emphasis on streamlined licensing for hospitality and real estate development, along with enhanced local permit coordination. This makes expert legal guidance particularly valuable for fast-moving projects in tourism, real estate, and services sectors on the island. For residents of Corfu, local counsel can tailor strategies to Ionian Island regulations and regional investment opportunities.

2. Why You May Need a Lawyer

• Starting a hotel, restaurant, or villa rental business in Corfu requires local licensing and zoning compliance. A lawyer helps align your ownership structure with the permits and environmental approvals needed for tourism operations.
• Purchasing land or property in Corfu involves due diligence on title, encumbrances, and compliance with land use rules. An attorney conducts title checks and negotiates any required land-use permissions to avoid later disputes.
• Restructuring an existing family business into separate hospitality and property entities. A lawyer designs a tax-efficient, risk-controlled structure and updates governance documents to reflect the split.
• Applying for investment incentives or subsidies offered by national or EU programs. A legal adviser identifies eligible programs, ensures compliance, and coordinates required reporting.
• Cross-border investment or M&A involving Corfu-based assets. A solicitor coordinates cross-border due diligence, regulatory notifications, and integration agreements to minimize disruption.
• Complying with ongoing regulatory requirements for operating in an island economy. A lawyer implements a compliance calendar for tax, employment, and environmental obligations specific to Corfu.

3. Local Laws Overview

Below are 2-3 specific laws, regulations, or statutes that commonly govern Investment & Business Structuring in Greece, including their general scope and notable aspects for Corfu investments.

Law 4172/2013 - Income Tax Code

The Income Tax Code governs corporate and personal taxation on profits earned in Greece. It forms the backbone of how Greek businesses report income, deductions, and credits, with amendments over time. Understanding this code is essential for structuring entities, distributing profits, and planning for island-specific revenue streams such as tourism services.

Greece's Income Tax Code 4172/2013 sets the framework for corporate taxation and resident taxation in Greece. Source: gov.gr

Law 4174/2013 - Tax Procedure Code

The Tax Procedure Code governs tax administration, audits, deadlines, and appeals. It is critical for structuring ventures with transparent tax reporting and for defending against disputes arising from VAT, income tax, or local levies.

The Tax Procedure Code 4174/2013 defines procedures for audits, notifications, and appeals in Greece. Source: gov.gr

Law 2190/1920 - Greek Companies Law

This foundational statute underpins the formation and governance of Greek companies, including common forms used for investment structures such as limited liability and joint-stock entities. It is frequently amended, so practical compliance requires up-to-date counsel.

Greek Companies Law 2190/1920 governs corporate forms and governance in Greece. Source: gov.gr

In addition to these national statutes, Greek investment and project approvals may involve environmental, urban planning, and building regulations. Local decisions in Corfu often rely on regional authorities and municipality-level processes, which may align with national laws but require local interpretation. For island projects, practitioners should monitor changes in regulatory practice affecting tourism, real estate, and infrastructure in the Ionian Islands region.

Note on sources and changes: legislative frameworks evolve, and cross-border investment hinges on EU and Greek reforms. For ongoing updates, consult official sources and keep in touch with a Corfu-based attorney familiar with local administration.

4. Frequently Asked Questions

What is the first step to structure an investment in Corfu?

Clarify your business goals and select a preferred Greek legal form. Engage a local lawyer to perform due diligence and prepare incorporation and licensing documents.

How do I choose between an AE and an EPE for my Greek company?

AE is a joint-stock company suitable for larger ventures; EPE (limited liability) suits smaller to medium operations. A lawyer can tailor the form to liability, tax, and governance needs.

How much does it cost to hire a business structuring lawyer in Corfu?

Fees vary by complexity and duration. Expect hourly rates in the general range of several dozen to a few hundred euros per hour; fixed project fees may apply for filings.

How long does it take to obtain licenses for a hospitality project in Corfu?

Licensing typically ranges from 3 to 6 months, depending on environmental approvals, building permits, and local authority processing times.

Do I need a local attorney to operate in Corfu?

Having a local lawyer is highly advisable. They understand municipal requirements, land-use rules, and local permit workflows specific to Corfu.

Can a non-EU investor own property in Corfu?

Non-EU buyers may face restrictions and require approvals depending on the property type and location. A lawyer navigates ownership options and compliance requirements.

What is the Golden Visa and can it relate to doing business in Corfu?

The Golden Visa program offers residency based on qualifying investments in Greece. A lawyer can assess eligibility tied to real estate or business investments in Corfu.

What is the timeline for a cross-border M&A transaction involving Corfu assets?

Timeline depends on due diligence and regulator notifications. A structured plan with staged closing milestones helps minimize disruption to operations.

What tax steps should a new Corfu company prepare for first?

Register for tax, obtain VAT status where applicable, and establish payroll and withholding regimes. A local accountant and lawyer coordinate filings and deadlines.

Is there a special regulatory treatment for island-based enterprises?

Island regions sometimes benefit from regional development programs and expedited permitting. A lawyer can align your project with available incentives.

Should I hire a local Corfu lawyer or an EU-wide firm for cross-border work?

A local practice with Corfu experience ensures compliance with island procedures, while larger firms bring cross-border resources for multi-jurisdiction deals.

Do I need to register for VAT in Greece if I sell services in Corfu?

Most services are subject to Greek VAT rules when provided in Greece. A local tax advisor confirms registration needs and rates for your activity.

5. Additional Resources

• gov.gr - Official Greek government portal for laws, permits, and administrative procedures. Useful for locating current statutes and regulatory guidelines. gov.gr
• Mind Development and Investment Ministry - National policies, investment licensing pathways, and program information for investors in Greece. mindev.gov.gr
• OECD Greece Investment Policy - Independent analysis of investment frameworks and reforms affecting Greece. oecd.org

6. Next Steps

1. Define your investment objective and preferred Greek legal form for Corfu (hospitality, real estate, or services). Set a realistic timeline for incorporation and licensing.
2. Identify a Corfu-based lawyer with experience in investment structuring, corporate formation, and local licensing. Schedule an initial consultation to align on strategy and fees.
3. Conduct due diligence covering property title, existing contracts, permits, and environmental compliance. Obtain any necessary property or business disclosures in writing.
4. Draft the proposed ownership structure, governance framework, and pertinent agreements (shareholders, operating agreements, service contracts). Review with tax and accounting advisors.
5. Prepare and submit license applications, environmental assessments, and building permits as required by Corfu authorities. Track timelines and request status updates regularly.
6. Finalize incorporation, register for tax and VAT as applicable, and open corporate bank accounts. Ensure compliance calendars for annual filings and audits are in place.
7. Establish ongoing governance, compliance, and dispute-resolution plans. Schedule periodic reviews with your legal and financial team to adapt to regulatory changes.

Note: This guide references Greek laws and policies as they stand and emphasizes consulting a local attorney for updates. For official information, consult gov.gr and OECD resources.

Sources and further reading:

• Greece - Tax Code and Procedures: gov.gr
• Greece - Tax Procedure Code: gov.gr
• Greek Companies Law references: gov.gr
• OECD investment policy in Greece: OECD.org