Best Investment & Business Structuring Lawyers in Peristeri

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

Peristeri, a municipality within the Athens metropolitan area, operates under Greek national law for business structuring. Investment and business structuring law covers formation, governance, and ownership arrangements for companies, as well as reorganizations such as mergers, splits, and acquisitions.

In practice, lawyers help align corporate structures with Greek tax rules, labor laws, and regulatory requirements. This includes choosing the right entity type, drafting foundational documents, and ensuring compliance with both national and EU law. Local specifics in Peristeri often involve municipal licensing, zoning considerations, and procedures for opening or expanding commercial premises.

2. Why You May Need a Lawyer

For residents and business owners in Peristeri, Greece, the following concrete scenarios commonly require specialized legal help:

• You plan to open a retail or hospitality business in Peristeri and need to select a corporate form, draft articles of association, and register with the tax and commercial authorities.
• You are acquiring a commercial unit in Peristeri and require due diligence on title deeds, encumbrances, zoning compliance, and permits from the municipality prior to closing.
• You intend a cross border investment via a Greek holding company and must structure intra group finance, transfer pricing documentation, and cross border tax planning compliant with Greek and EU rules.
• Your business undergoes a restructuring, such as a merger or acquisition of Peristeri based subsidiaries, and you need a tax efficient, compliant integration plan and board governance updates.
• You want to apply for investment incentives or subsidies offered through national or EU programs and require guidance on eligibility, compliance, and grant contracting.
• You face employment and labor law issues in Peristeri, including employee transfers, collective agreements, and compliance with Greek employment standards during a corporate restructure.

3. Local Laws Overview

Below are 2-3 key legal frameworks that commonly govern investment and business structuring in Greece, including Peristeri. For exact text and current status, consult official sources.

Greek Companies Law (Law 2190/1920) on Companies and Corporate Governance - This foundational statute governs formation, shareholding, governance, and dissolution of corporations including common structures used by investing entities in Greece. It has been amended repeatedly to modernize corporate governance and reporting obligations. For authoritative text, see the Hellenic Parliament or Gov.gr portals.

Income Tax Code for Corporate Taxation (Law 4172/2013) and Related Provisions - This framework sets out corporate income tax rates, taxable income calculations, and compliance duties for Greek companies, including those established in Peristeri. Rates and rules have been adjusted over time, with recent amendments affecting transfer pricing and anti avoidance measures. See official tax guidance for current rates and rules.

Value Added Tax Code (Law 2859/1999) and VAT Rules - This governs value added tax on goods and services in Greece, including intra EU transactions and cross border supply chains involving Peristeri entities. The VAT regime is subject to EU directives and may be updated through amendments to the tax code. Confirmation and updates are available via official tax sources.

Recent changes emphasize digital administration and compliance streaming, including electronic filing and invoicing at the national level. For practical, up-to-date guidance, consult official sources when planning any investment or restructuring in Peristeri.

For official texts and updates on these laws, visit the Hellenic Parliament and Gov.gr portals: - Hellenic Parliament: https://www.hellenicparliament.gr - Gov.gr: https://www.gov.gr

In addition, the Greek tax authority provides practical guidance and up-to-date rates and procedures. See the Independent Authority for Public Revenue (AADE) for tax-related questions and filing requirements: https://www.aade.gr.

When planning investment structures, you may also consult the official resources from the Ministry of Development and Investments and the Invest in Greece Agency for guidance on incentives and regulatory steps. Useful sources include: Ministry of Development and Investments and Invest in Greece Agency.

4. Frequently Asked Questions

What is the first step to form a company in Peristeri?

The first step is to decide the corporate form and draft the Articles of Association, then file with the General Commercial Registry and tax authorities. You will need resident director information, a Greek tax number, and a registered address in Greece. A local attorney can coordinate filings and ensure license and permit requirements are met.

How do I register for paying taxes as a Greek company?

Register the company with the Independent Authority for Public Revenue (AADE) and obtain a Tax Identification Number. This enables corporate income tax filings, VAT registrations, and payroll tax withholdings for employees in Greece. An attorney can help set up e filing and compliance calendars.

What is the difference between a Greek S.A. and a Ltd. for investment?

An S.A. typically requires higher share capital and is aimed at larger operations with broader public shareholding, while a Ltd. suits smaller enterprises with simpler governance. Each structure has distinct governance, reporting, and liability implications under Law 2190/1920 and subsequent amendments.

Do I need a local director or manager for a Peristeri company?

Greek corporate law generally requires at least one Greek resident director for certain company types, depending on the form chosen. A local presence helps with governance and regulatory compliance, though non residents may be allowed in some structures with appropriate arrangements.

How long does it take to complete a company formation in Greece?

Typically, formal company registration can take 2 to 6 weeks after document preparation, subject to due diligence and licensing conditions. Delays often arise from obtaining municipal or sectoral permits, or from corporate bank account openings.

What costs should I expect when forming a company in Peristeri?

Costs include notary and registration fees, legal drafting, notarial attestations, and initial capital requirements depending on the entity type. Ongoing costs encompass annual filings, audit or accounting services, and periodic regulatory fees.

Do I need to appoint a Greek tax representative?

Foreign entities with Greek operations may need to appoint a Greek tax representative for VAT and local tax compliance. This ensures accurate reporting and timely filings under Greek tax law.

What if I am buying real estate for business purposes in Peristeri?

Due diligence should cover title checks, zoning compliance, building permits, and potential municipal constraints. A local lawyer coordinates with notaries and authorities to ensure a clean transfer and proper registration of the property.

Can I structure a cross border holding via Greece?

Yes, Greece supports cross border holdings, including management control via Greek entities and optimized tax structures compliant with EU rules. Careful transfer pricing documentation and intercompany agreements are essential.

What is the process to obtain an operating license for a new Peristeri business?

Operating licenses depend on the business sector and may require municipal permits, health and safety approvals, and sectoral licenses. A local attorney helps assemble the licensing package and submits it to the appropriate authorities in Peristeri.

Do I need to consider VAT registration for my Peristeri business?

Most Greek businesses must register for VAT if their taxable turnover exceeds threshold or if engaging in VATable cross border activities. Your lawyer can assess whether registration is required and help with compliance and invoicing rules.

Is residency or a visa required for foreign investors setting up in Greece?

Foreign investors may be eligible for Greek residency programs tied to investment, employment, or business creation. An attorney can outline applicable programs, application timelines, and documentation needed.

5. Additional Resources

The following official sources provide authoritative information on Greek investment, corporate law, and taxation:

• Hellenic Parliament - Official texts of Greek laws and amendments. https://www.hellenicparliament.gr
• Gov.gr - Central government portal with access to legal texts and administrative procedures. https://www.gov.gr
• Independent Authority for Public Revenue (AADE) - Tax authority for corporate tax, VAT, and filing requirements. https://www.aade.gr
• Ministry of Development and Investments - Policy guidance on investments, licenses, and business development. https://www.mindev.gov.gr
• Invest in Greece Agency - National level investment promotion and regulatory guidance. https://www.enterprisegreece.gov.gr

6. Next Steps

1. Clarify your business objectives and the Peristeri location you will operate from, including sector and anticipated scale.
2. Gather foundational documents such as identification, proof of address, corporate documents, and any property or lease information for the required filings.
3. Consult a local Investment & Business Structuring lawyer with Greek law experience to discuss entity type, governance, and compliance plan.
4. Request a written engagement letter outlining scope, fees, and timelines before starting work on formation or restructuring.
5. Prepare and file the necessary corporate documents, notify tax authorities, and begin licensing processes with Peristeri authorities if applicable.
6. Set up ongoing compliance arrangements, including annual accounts, tax filings, and governance minutes, with a clear calendar and responsibilities.
7. Review incentives and funding options through the Invest in Greece Agency and Ministry of Development and Investments as part of your planning.