Best Investment & Business Structuring Lawyers in Thessaloniki

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

Investment and business structuring in Thessaloniki falls under both national corporate and tax frameworks and local licensing rules. Thessaloniki residents often navigate a mix of Greek corporate statute, investment incentives, and EU guidelines. The city is a logistics and industrial hub in northern Greece, which shapes practical compliance needs for new ventures and restructurings.

Recent reforms have aimed to streamline licensing and permit processes for investments, with emphasis on digital submissions and faster environmental approvals. Understanding how these national rules apply at the regional level in Central Macedonia helps ensure timely project initiation and ongoing compliance. A local legal counsel familiar with Thessaloniki's administrative practices can help tailor structuring to access incentives and minimize delays.

2. Why You May Need a Lawyer

Investors and business owners in Thessaloniki often face concrete, location-specific scenarios that benefit from expert legal guidance.

• You plan to set up a company in the Thessaloniki Port area or the Sindos industrial zone and require the correct corporate form, capital structure, and licensing path to operate legally.
• You are negotiating a real estate transaction for commercial use in Thessaloniki and need due diligence on title, zoning, environmental constraints, and permit timing.
• You want to use the Fast Track Investment mechanism to accelerate a large-scale project and need to prepare the required integrated package for one-stop licensing.
• Your family business in Thessaloniki seeks a formal restructuring, succession plan, or cross-border investment with EU partners, requiring corporate reorganization and tax planning.
• You are acquiring or merging with a local company and require precise alignment of share transfers, competency transfer, and local regulatory approvals.
• You need compliant cross-border hiring, payroll, and social security arrangements for Greek employees, especially in the context of regional incentives and subsidies.

3. Local Laws Overview

Greek investment and business structuring operate under a mix of corporate, tax, and investment-specific laws. The following laws are central to structuring decisions in Thessaloniki and have undergone notable reforms in recent years.

Law 4399/2016 - Investment Law (Fast Track)

This law created an integrated framework to simplify licensing for strategic investments in Greece, including a one-stop shop and accelerated environmental procedures. It is frequently used by large projects and can impact timelines for Thessaloniki-based initiatives seeking fast-tracked approvals. The law has been amended to update eligibility criteria and streamline procedures over time.

Law 2190/1920 - S.A. and Limited Liability Company Regulation

This foundational statute governs the formation, governance, and operations of Greek corporations such as Sociétés Anonymes (S.A.) and Limited Liability Companies (L.L.C.). It provides the standard corporate structures used by Thessaloniki businesses and is amended periodically to reflect EU and national policy changes.

Law 4172/2013 - Income Tax Code

The Income Tax Code sets out corporate taxation rules, rates, allowances, and compliance obligations for Greek entities and resident individuals with business income. It remains a key reference for budgeting, pricing, and post-formation tax planning in Thessaloniki.

Source: Law 4399/2016 - Investment Law and its amendments, available on official government portals.

Source link: gov.gr

Source: Law 2190/1920 - S.A. and Limited Liability Company Regulation, as amended.

Source link: gov.gr

Source: Law 4172/2013 - Income Tax Code, including corporate tax provisions.

Source link: gov.gr

These references reflect the core legal framework for establishing and restructuring businesses in Thessaloniki, with updates addressing licensing efficiency, corporate governance, and tax obligations. For specific projects, counsel can tailor the relevant combination of these laws to your circumstances and timeline. Always verify the current text of laws on the official gov.gr portal for any amendments.

4. Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Investment Law and how does it affect a Thessaloniki project?

The Investment Law provides a streamlined path for licensing and permits for eligible projects. In Thessaloniki, applicants may access a one-stop process and faster environmental approvals, depending on project scale and sector. A legal review helps determine eligibility and document requirements.

How do I form a company in Thessaloniki under Greek law?

Formation typically follows Law 2190/1920 for corporate structures, including S.A. and L.L.C. steps such as notarized Articles of Association, capital requirements, and registration with the General Commercial Registry. Local counsel helps coordinate with notaries, banks, and authorities.

Do I need a local lawyer for licensing in the Sindos industrial area?

Yes. Local counsel helps navigate zoning, environmental, and permitting rules that vary by zone. They can coordinate with municipal services to minimize delays and ensure filings meet Thessaloniki region requirements.

What fees should I expect for corporate structuring in Greece?

Costs include notary and registration fees, legal advisory fees, and potential taxes on share capital and filings. The exact amounts depend on corporate form and project complexity, so a detailed quote is essential before engagement.

How long does it typically take to obtain a business license in Thessaloniki?

Timeline varies by project and licensing pathway. Standard procedures can take several weeks to a few months, while Fast Track investments may shorten timelines for eligible projects. A prepared dossier improves predictability.

Can foreign investors set up a Greek company in Thessaloniki quickly?

Foreign investors can use the same corporate framework as local investors, but may face additional documentation and due diligence requirements. Engaging local counsel early helps align documents with Greek and EU obligations.

Is there a difference between an S.A. and an Ltd for Thessaloniki operations?

Yes. An S.A. typically suits larger capital structures and listing potential, while an Ltd is common for smaller, closely held businesses. Tax and governance implications differ, so choose the form based on size, funding, and exit strategy.

What documents are usually required to register a company in Greece?

You generally need identity documents, a tax identification number, Articles of Association, proof of address, and initial capital evidence. Additional documents may be requested for non-residents or specific sectors.

What is the timeline for VAT registration in Greece?

VAT registration typically occurs soon after establishment or upon first taxable activity. Expect a process spanning a few weeks, with ongoing quarterly VAT filings once registered.

What is the difference between direct investment and portfolio investment under Greek law?

Direct investment involves owning and controlling a business entity, while portfolio investment relates to acquiring financial assets without controlling operations. Tax and regulatory implications vary across the two categories.

Should I consider cross-border licensing for investments in Northern Greece?

Yes. Cross-border investments can involve additional EU and neighbor-country requirements. A local lawyer can coordinate with authorities and ensure compliance across jurisdictions.

Do I need a local tax representative for non-residents investing in Greece?

Non-residents may need local tax registrations or representatives for certain activities. An attorney can assess whether a local tax presence is required and arrange filings accordingly.

5. Additional Resources

• Invest in Greece Agency (Investingreece.gov.gr) - Official gateway to investment services, licenses, and investor support for Greece, including Thessaloniki projects.
• Ministry of Development and Investments (mindev.gov.gr) - Central government authority overseeing investment policy, licensing frameworks, and economic development initiatives in Greece.
• Gov.gr - Official portal for Greek laws, regulations, forms, and government services, including investment and corporate guidance.

6. Next Steps

1. Clarify your Thessaloniki project goals, scope, and budget to set a realistic legal plan and timeline.
2. Gather key documents such as identity IDs, corporate documents, property titles, and any due diligence reports.
3. Meet a Thessaloniki-based corporate lawyer or firm to review structure options and applicable laws (2190/1920, 4399/2016, 4172/2013).
4. Request a formal engagement letter with a detailed scope, fee structure, and milestone dates.
5. Prepare and submit the initial dossier for licensing, permits, or investment support via the one-stop mechanisms if eligible.
6. Review and finalize all corporate documents, including Articles of Association, share capital, and governance provisions.
7. Proceed with registrations, tax registrations, and any required local permits, while establishing a compliance calendar for ongoing filings.