Best Investment & Business Structuring Lawyers in Perifereiaki Enotita Mykonou

1. About Investment & Business Structuring Law in Perifereiaki Enotita Mykonou, Greece

Investment & business structuring in Greece, including the Perifereiaki Enotita Mykonou (Mykonos regional unit), centers on combining corporate form choice, local licensing, taxation, and cross-border considerations. The Greek system recognizes several corporate forms used by investors for hotels, real estate, startups, and tourism related enterprises. Key elements include company registration, governance, licensing for operations, and ongoing compliance with tax, labor, and environmental rules.

Mykonos attracts both domestic and foreign investors due to its tourism-driven economy and strategic island location. A typical structuring path involves selecting the appropriate legal vehicle, registering with the General Commercial Registry (GEMI), obtaining local permits, and aligning with national tax obligations. Because licensing and permitting can involve multiple authorities, lawful counsel helps avoid delays and ensures compliance with island-specific planning and environmental rules.

Engaging a local lawyer is especially important in Mykonos, where tourism, real estate, and hospitality ventures face unique regulatory demands. An attorney can help map a compliant structure from the outset and coordinate with national bodies such as the tax authority and investment agencies. In practice, most investors combine corporate, real estate, and immigration considerations into a single, coherent strategy with legal guidance from early planning onward.

Enterprise Greece emphasizes the importance of a coordinated approach to investment licensing, including collaboration with national and regional authorities for timely approvals.

The Greek tax authority provides digital channels for registration, VAT, and corporate tax compliance that impact every structured business in Greece.

2. Why You May Need a Lawyer

Establishing a business or restructuring an existing entity in Mykonos involves practical steps that a lawyer can manage to minimize risk and delay. Below are concrete scenarios typical for this region.

• New hotel or tourism venture requiring multiple licenses. A start-up hotel on Mykonos must obtain planning permission, environmental clearances, and operating licenses from local and national authorities. An attorney can coordinate submissions and ensure licenses align with zoning restrictions on the island.
• Setting up a local Greek entity for ownership of real estate. If you plan to acquire land or a building for a resort, a lawyer handles due diligence, title examination, and transfer formalities to avoid defects or unrecorded encumbrances.
• Restructuring an existing island business to optimize liability and taxation. Mergers, demergers, or capital reorganizations require filings with GEMI and tax authorities, plus careful contract review to preserve continuity of permits and licenses.
• Cross-border investment involving foreign ownership and immigration considerations. Foreign investors often need guidance on residence permits linked to investment and networking with national investment bodies.
• Compliance with island-specific licensing regimes for hospitality operations. Hotels, villas, and related services face licensing, environmental, and labor law requirements that are best navigated with counsel.
• Tax planning and VAT compliance for island operations and tourism-related sales. Correct VAT treatment for accommodation, services, and cross-border transactions depends on structured flows and registrations handled by a lawyer.

3. Local Laws Overview

The following laws and regulatory frameworks principally govern investment and business structuring in Greece, including Mykonos. They shape how a business is formed, taxed, and licensed in the region.

• General Commercial Companies Code (Law 2190/1920) - governs the formation, governance, and operation of Greek companies including LLCs and anonymous companies. It is frequently amended to reflect EU directives and modern corporate governance practices.
• Greek Tax Code (Law 4172/2013) - governs corporate income tax, VAT, and administrative rules for businesses operating in Greece. Changes have been implemented to modernize tax administration and digital filings.
• Foreign Investments Law (Law 3389/2005) - provides the framework for foreign investment, including eligibility for incentives and the coordination of licensing processes through national agencies. This law remains a key reference for non-Greek investors structuring operations in Greece.

Recent trends in this area include increased digitalization of licensing and registration through Gov.gr and the General Commercial Registry system, which streamline company formation and regulatory compliance. In Mykonos, authorities have leaned toward efficient online submissions for permits in tourism, hospitality, and real estate projects to reduce on-island processing times.

For official guidance and up-to-date procedures, consult national agencies with jurisdiction over investment and taxation. The following sources provide authoritative information on this topic:

• Enterprise Greece - government agency facilitating investment and export activity in Greece.
• AADE - Independent Authority for Public Revenue, the Greek tax authority handling registrations, VAT, and corporate tax compliance.
• Gov.gr - official portal for government services, including licensing and permits.

4. Frequently Asked Questions

What is the basic purpose of investment and business structuring law in Greece?

It provides the framework for organizing a business entity, funding, governance, taxation, and regulatory compliance. In Mykonos, it also covers local licensing, zoning, and environmental considerations for island operations.

How do I start a company in Mykonos and which form should I choose?

You choose a form based on liability, capital needs, and management structure. Common Greek options include LLCs and SA-type companies, registered with GEMI and taxed under the Greek Tax Code.

Do I need a lawyer to set up a Greek company in Mykonos?

Yes. A lawyer helps with incorporation documents, due diligence on property and licenses, and aligning corporate structure with tax and regulatory requirements.

What is GEMI and how does it affect my Mykonos venture?

GEMI is the General Commercial Registry used for company registration and regulatory filings in Greece. Working with counsel reduces registration errors and speeds up approvals.

How long does it typically take to register a business in Mykonos?

With complete documentation, registration can take several weeks to a few months, depending on licensing complexity and the need for environmental approvals.

Can a non-EU investor own a Greek company in Mykonos?

Yes, non-EU investors can own Greek companies. They should plan for visa considerations and compliance with foreign investment rules and taxation.

How much does it cost to hire a lawyer for structuring in Mykonos?

Costs vary by matter complexity and the scope of services. Expect initial consultations to be charged and ongoing advisory tasks billed hourly or per project.

What is the difference between an LLC (IKE) and an SA in Greece?

The LLC offers flexible management with limited liability, while an SA typically requires more formal governance and higher capital. A lawyer can assess which form aligns with your business goals.

Do I need licenses for operating a hotel or restaurant on Mykonos?

Yes. Hospitality and food service require licenses, health approvals, and environmental compliance, typically coordinated through local municipalities and national authorities.

How are foreign investments taxed in Greece and what should I know for Mykonos?

Foreign investments are taxed under the Greek Tax Code, with domestic and international considerations. It is essential to understand VAT rules and corporate tax obligations for island operations.

Is residency or immigration status connected to investment in Greece?

Greece has investor residence programs that may apply to substantial investments. Consult immigration lawyers to navigate eligibility and required documentation.

What is the process for transferring ownership of a business on Mykonos?

Ownership transfers require due diligence, contract drafting, and filings with the appropriate authorities, along with updating licenses and registrations at GEMI and tax offices.

5. Additional Resources

These official sources provide authoritative guidance for investment, licensing, and taxation in Greece and on Mykonos specifically.

• Enterprise Greece - Official agency supporting foreign investments and export activity in Greece.
• AADE - Greek tax authority handling registrations, VAT, and corporate tax compliance.
• Gov.gr - Central portal for government services including licensing and permits.

6. Next Steps

1. Clarify your business goals and preferred corporate form, noting whether you plan operations on Mykonos or other Greek locations.
2. Gather essential documents for the target entity, including proof of identity, address, and any existing contracts or licenses.
3. Identify local counsel with experience in Mykonos tourism, real estate, and Greek corporate structuring.
4. Schedule an initial consultation to discuss structure options, timelines, and a transparent fee arrangement.
5. Request a written engagement letter and outline the scope of work, deliverables, and estimated costs.
6. Proceed with entity formation, due diligence, and licensing applications through GEMI and relevant authorities.
7. Establish ongoing compliance, including tax registrations with AADE and periodic reviews of licenses and permits.