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Arta is a regional hub in Epirus with strengths in agri-food, light manufacturing, logistics, renewable energy, and heritage tourism. Greek investment law applies uniformly across the country, while local procedures in Arta govern matters like spatial planning, building permits, and environmental approvals. Investors benefit from national incentives schemes and EU co-financed programs, with higher support intensities often available for less developed regions such as Epirus.
Investment in Greece is regulated through a mix of corporate, tax, real estate, licensing, and sector-specific rules. In practice this means forming a compliant legal vehicle, registering with the General Commercial Registry, securing tax and social security numbers, opening bank accounts that pass anti-money laundering checks, and obtaining any sectoral licenses. For projects in Arta, due diligence typically focuses on land use and environmental constraints, access to infrastructure, and fit with national incentive frameworks.
Arta’s location on the Ionia Odos corridor and proximity to the Amvrakikos Gulf make it attractive for logistics, processing of agricultural products, solar and small hydro projects, and boutique tourism. Local land planning, Natura 2000 protections, and cultural heritage safeguards are key considerations that should be addressed early in project design.
Company formation and structuring. Choosing between common Greek vehicles such as a Private Company IKE, a Limited Liability Company, or a Société Anonyme SA affects liability, governance, and tax. A lawyer aligns the form with investor goals and drafts articles, shareholder agreements, and management rules.
Real estate acquisition and development. Counsel coordinates land title checks at the Land Registry or Cadastre, reviews encumbrances and leases, verifies permitted land uses, handles notarial deeds, and supervises building and environmental compliance.
Investment incentives and subsidies. Applying under the Development Law or regional and EU programs requires careful eligibility analysis, documentation, and monitoring to avoid clawbacks. Legal support reduces risks around aid intensity, cumulation, and milestones.
Sectoral licensing. Food processing, energy, tourism accommodation, and logistics may need specific permits. Lawyers map the licensing path, liaise with authorities, and prepare submissions.
Tax and cross-border issues. Counsel coordinates with tax advisors on withholding, permanent establishment, VAT, transfer pricing, and profit repatriation, and drafts intra-group agreements consistent with Greek law.
Employment and compliance. Hiring in Greece requires written terms, registrations with social security EFKA, workplace policies, and adherence to collective agreements. A lawyer sets compliant frameworks and addresses immigration for foreign managers.
Contracts, financing, and securities. Loan, lease, supply, EPC, O&M, and security documents must reflect Greek law enforceability and registration formalities.
Disputes and alternative resolution. Local counsel manages negotiations, mediation, arbitration, or litigation in Greek courts, and navigates interim measures and enforcement.
Business forms and registration. Common vehicles are IKE Private Company, SA Société Anonyme, and partnerships. Incorporation occurs via the General Commercial Registry GEMI and the One Stop process. Foreign shareholders obtain a Greek tax number from the Independent Authority for Public Revenue and satisfy bank KYC rules before capitalization.
Investment incentives. The Development Law currently in force provides grants, tax exemptions, leasing subsidies, and wage cost support for eligible sectors. Aid intensity depends on company size and region, with Epirus typically qualifying for higher rates under the EU Regional Aid Map. Strategic investments may qualify for fast-track treatment under the strategic investment framework. Always confirm current schemes and thresholds before applying.
Real estate and land use. Purchases require a notarial deed, registration at the Land Registry or Cadastre, and payment of transfer taxes and fees. Due diligence in Arta should address zoning, forest maps, coastline and riparian restrictions, archaeological zones, building legality, and any Natura 2000 protections near the Amvrakikos Gulf. Many projects trigger environmental screening under Greek environmental law with categories that determine the depth of assessment.
Construction and permitting. Building permits are issued through local Urban Planning services using digital platforms. Projects may also require separate environmental approvals, fire safety certificates, and sector-specific licenses before operation.
Labor and social security. Employment is regulated by the Greek labor code and collective agreements. Employers must register with EFKA, submit hires to the ERGANI system, and observe working time, minimum wage, and health and safety rules. The Public Employment Service DYPA administers training and certain wage subsidies.
Tax and accounting. Companies are subject to corporate income tax, VAT where applicable, withholding on dividends and interest, and local real estate taxes such as ENFIA. Tax incentives or exemptions may apply depending on the investment scheme. Greek GAAP or IFRS may be used depending on the entity.
Capital markets and financing. The Hellenic Capital Market Commission supervises public offerings and investment services. The Bank of Greece supervises banking. There are no capital controls. Security over assets is registered through public registries to ensure enforceability.
Data and compliance. GDPR applies to personal data. Anti-money laundering obligations arise for relevant businesses. The Hellenic Competition Commission oversees merger control and antitrust.
Foreign ownership and residency. Foreign investors can own companies and real estate in Arta. Certain border-zone restrictions exist in parts of Greece and should be checked in advance, though Arta is typically not designated. A residence-by-investment option exists in Greece, but thresholds, eligible property types, and conditions change periodically, so verify current rules before planning.
The IKE Private Company is popular due to flexible governance, limited liability, and relatively simple setup. For larger or regulated projects, the SA may be preferred because it is well suited to complex shareholding, governance, and financing structures. The right choice depends on capital needs, investor participation, and exit plans.
Yes. Foreign individuals and companies can acquire real estate in Arta. A Greek notary prepares the deed, title is checked at the Land Registry or Cadastre, and the buyer obtains a Greek tax number. Always verify land use, building rights, and any environmental or archaeological constraints before signing.
Select a name and legal form, draft articles, register with GEMI through the One Stop service, obtain a tax number from the tax authority, open a bank account and deposit capital if required, register for VAT and social security as needed, and make any sector-specific notifications. A local accountant and lawyer usually coordinate filings and timing.
Yes. The Development Law offers state aid such as grants, tax exemptions, and wage subsidies for eligible sectors including agri-food, manufacturing, tourism, logistics, and renewable energy. Aid intensity depends on company size and regional status. Additional programs may be available through regional and EU funds. Legal counsel can map the optimal scheme and ensure compliance.
Simple incorporations can often be completed within days once documents and tax numbers are ready. Timelines extend when there are foreign corporate shareholders, bank KYC requirements, or sectoral licenses. Early document preparation accelerates the process.
Typical items include corporate income tax, VAT on goods and services where applicable, payroll taxes and social security for employees, withholding tax on dividends and interest, real estate transfer taxes and notary and registry fees for property, and annual property tax. Incentives may reduce the overall burden if eligibility criteria are met.
Most processing facilities and energy installations require environmental screening or a full impact assessment depending on size and location. Natura 2000 sites and protected areas near the Amvrakikos Gulf add specific requirements. Obtain environmental advice early to select suitable sites and avoid delays.
Lawyers review title and encumbrances at the Land Registry or Cadastre, confirm zoning and building rights, check forest and coastline boundaries, verify archaeological and cultural restrictions, review building permits and legality certificates, and ensure utilities access. Technical experts provide surveys and environmental screening as needed.
In some cases yes, but there are strict cumulation rules to prevent exceeding permitted aid intensities. Each scheme sets conditions on combining with other national or EU funds. Legal and financial advisors should structure the package to remain compliant.
Parties may choose Greek courts, mediation, or arbitration seated in Greece. Contracts often include governing law and jurisdiction clauses. Greece has a modern arbitration framework and recognizes and enforces foreign arbitral awards in line with international conventions.
Ministry of Development and Investments. Policy, incentives, and strategic investments frameworks.
Enterprise Greece. National investment promotion and support agency.
Hellenic Development Bank. Financing tools for SMEs and projects.
General Commercial Registry GEMI and One Stop Service. Company incorporation and filings.
Independent Authority for Public Revenue IAPR. Tax registration and compliance.
Hellenic Capital Market Commission. Supervision of capital markets and investment services.
Hellenic Competition Commission. Merger control and antitrust.
Bank of Greece. Banking supervision and financial system information.
Chamber of Arta. Local business support, certificates, and networking.
Regional Authority of Epirus and Municipality of Arta. Local planning, building, and environmental services.
Greek Cadastre and local Land Registry of Arta. Property records and registrations.
Management Unit for Amvrakikos Gulf protected area. Guidance on activities within protected zones.
Define the project. Draft a concise business plan covering the activity, site needs, capital structure, and timeline. Identify whether the project likely triggers environmental or sectoral licensing.
Engage local advisors. Retain a lawyer with investment and real estate experience in Epirus, an accountant familiar with Greek tax and incentives, and a technical consultant for permitting and environmental matters.
Screen sites and legal constraints. Commission preliminary title checks, zoning confirmations, and environmental screenings for candidate properties in or near Arta. Align location choice with licensing feasibility.
Choose the legal vehicle. Select and incorporate the appropriate entity, obtain tax numbers, open bank accounts, and prepare governance documents and shareholder agreements.
Map incentives and financing. Assess eligibility under the Development Law and regional or EU programs. Prepare an incentives application package and align financing documents with aid conditions.
Plan permits and approvals. Build a permitting matrix with responsible authorities, documents, and indicative timelines. Sequence design, environmental, and building permits to avoid hold ups.
Contract carefully. Use Greek-law compliant contracts for acquisition, construction, supply, employment, and financing. Include clear governing law, jurisdiction, and dispute resolution clauses.
Maintain compliance. Set up accounting and tax reporting, labor registrations, data protection policies, and corporate secretarial calendars. Monitor incentives obligations and milestones to prevent clawbacks.
If you need legal assistance now, prepare a short project brief, identification documents for stakeholders, corporate documents of any foreign parent, and any existing site or permit information. Share these with counsel to receive a tailored roadmap, timeline, and fee estimate before proceeding.
