Best New Business Formation Lawyers in Arta

About New Business Formation Law in Arta, Greece

New business formation in Arta operates under Greek national commercial law, with practical processes delivered locally by the Arta Chamber of Commerce and the municipal and regional authorities. Most companies are registered through the General Commercial Registry known as GEMI, either online via the Electronic One-Stop Service known as e-YMS or at a physical One-Stop Service point. Founders also register with the tax authority known as AADE, social security known as EFKA, and employment systems such as ERGANI. Common legal forms include the Private Company known as IKE, the Limited Liability Company known as EPE for legacy entities, the Société Anonyme known as AE, General Partnerships known as OE, Limited Partnerships known as EE, and sole proprietorships. Arta-based businesses must also comply with local licensing, zoning, and health and safety rules applied by the Municipality of Arta and the Region of Epirus.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

A lawyer can help you choose the optimal legal form for liability, governance, taxes, and investment plans. They draft or customize articles of association, shareholder agreements, partnership deeds, and founders agreements that fit your exact needs rather than using generic templates. They assess whether you can use the fast-track e-YMS route or need a notary and tailor-made statutes, and they coordinate filings with GEMI, AADE, and other registries.

Legal counsel is valuable for sector-specific licensing in food and beverage, tourism, retail, manufacturing, construction, transport, and other regulated activities. A lawyer can review leases for your Arta premises, confirm zoning and permitted uses, and handle permit notifications to the municipality or the Region of Epirus. They can also plan your tax and VAT position, set up accounting and myDATA e-books workflows, and draft employment documents compliant with Greek employment law for ERGANI filings. If founders are non-residents, a lawyer will guide you on tax numbers, translations, apostilles, and bank KYC. Finally, counsel helps protect brand and technology through trademarks and patents and prepares you for grants or private investment.

Local Laws Overview

Legal forms and capital. IKE is flexible for most SMEs with minimum capital from 1 euro and allows contributions in cash, in kind, or in services. AE suits larger ventures and investors and requires minimum share capital, which is typically 25,000 euros, subject to current law. OE and EE are simpler partnerships without minimum capital but can expose partners to personal liability. Sole proprietorships are quick to set up but do not provide corporate liability separation.

Formation routes. Many IKE, OE, and EE can be formed via the e-YMS One-Stop Service with standardized statutes. AE and more complex structures usually require a notary and customized statutes. All companies must be registered with GEMI. Name availability checks and KAD activity codes selection are part of the process.

Tax and VAT. Every business obtains a Greek Tax Identification Number known as AFM and registers with the competent tax office. Most businesses register for VAT unless they qualify for and elect the small enterprise VAT exemption, which is based on an annual turnover threshold set by AADE. Corporate income tax applies to companies and personal income tax applies to sole proprietors and partners. Municipal fees may apply to signage and public space use in Arta.

Accounting and e-books. Greek Accounting Standards apply. Businesses must issue invoices and report to AADE’s myDATA electronic books system. You will need an accountant from the start to set up e-invoicing, tax filings, and payroll.

Employment. Before hiring, you must register as an employer with EFKA and file employment registrations and schedules in ERGANI. Written employment agreements, minimum wage compliance, and health and safety planning are mandatory.

Beneficial ownership and corporate transparency. Companies must submit ultimate beneficial owner information to the Central Register of Beneficial Owners under anti-money laundering rules within the statutory deadline after incorporation and update it after changes.

Licensing, zoning, and inspections. Many low-risk activities operate by notification through the national NotifyBusiness system, while others require prior approval by the Municipality of Arta or regional authorities. Food businesses must meet Hellenic Food Authority hygiene requirements. Check premises zoning and building use through the municipality and the e-adeies permitting framework before signing a lease.

Intellectual property and brand. Greek trademarks are filed with the competent directorate at the Ministry of Development, and patents and designs are handled by the Hellenic Industrial Property Organization. Early checks reduce infringement risk and strengthen your brand.

Foreign founders. Non-resident founders can establish companies in Arta but will need Greek tax numbers, possibly a Greek tax representative, and official translations or apostilles for foreign documents. Digital signatures may be required for online filings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which legal form is best for a small business in Arta

For most new ventures, IKE is popular due to its limited liability, minimal capital, and flexible governance. OE and EE are simpler but can impose personal liability on partners. AE suits larger enterprises or those seeking institutional investors. Your choice should reflect liability tolerance, investor plans, taxation, and administrative burden.

How long does incorporation usually take

Using e-YMS for an IKE, OE, or EE with standard articles can take 1 to 3 business days if documents are ready. Incorporations requiring a notary, customized statutes, or sector approvals can take longer. Bank account opening and KYC can add time, especially for non-resident founders.

What documents do I need to form a company

You will need identification for all founders and directors, Greek Tax Identification Numbers, a company name and purpose with KAD codes, articles of association or partnership deed, proof of registered office such as a lease submitted to AADE, declarations on beneficial owners, and any sector-specific documents. Foreign documents must be officially translated and may require apostille or consular legalization.

Can foreign nationals open a company in Arta

Yes. Non-residents can be shareholders and directors. They must obtain a Greek Tax Identification Number, arrange official translations and legalization where needed, and meet bank KYC requirements. A Greek tax representative is often required for non-residents. A lawyer can coordinate these steps.

Do I need a physical address in Arta

Yes, every company needs a registered office address. Home offices are possible if permitted by zoning and the lease or ownership terms. For customer-facing activities, confirm that the premises are suitable and that the intended use is allowed under local planning rules.

Will my new business have to register for VAT

Most businesses register for VAT upon start. There is a small enterprise VAT exemption available for low annual turnover if you opt in and you meet the threshold set by AADE. Even if exempt, you must keep records and may not be able to recover input VAT. An accountant can assess what is optimal for you.

What are the main taxes I should plan for

Plan for corporate income tax if you form a company, personal income tax for sole proprietors, VAT where applicable, social security contributions to EFKA, withholding taxes on certain payments, and municipal fees for signage or outdoor use. Timely filings and myDATA reporting are essential to avoid penalties.

How do I legally hire my first employee

Register as an employer with EFKA, create payroll with an accountant, submit hiring notices and work schedules in ERGANI before the employee starts, and provide a written employment agreement. Comply with minimum wage, working hours, and health and safety rules. Keep staff records available for inspection.

Do I need a license to open a cafe, bar, or retail shop in Arta

Many retail and hospitality activities operate via notification through the national system, but you must still meet premises, hygiene, fire safety, and accessibility standards. Food and drink businesses have specific health requirements. The Municipality of Arta and the Region of Epirus will indicate whether your activity is notification-based or requires prior approval and inspections.

What ongoing compliance is required after formation

Maintain accounting records and myDATA e-books, file tax and VAT returns, pay social security and payroll taxes, update GEMI on company changes, keep ultimate beneficial owner information current, renew sector licenses if applicable, and comply with GDPR for customer and employee data. Annual financial statements may need publication in GEMI.

Additional Resources

Arta Chamber of Commerce and Industry known as Epimelitirio Artas, which operates as a One-Stop Service for many formations and supports GEMI registrations.

General Commercial Registry known as GEMI for company registration and publication of corporate acts.

Independent Authority for Public Revenue known as AADE for tax numbers, VAT, and electronic tax services including myDATA.

Unified Social Security Fund known as EFKA for registration of self-employed and employers and social security contributions.

ERGANI information system for employment registrations and workforce filings.

Municipality of Arta for local business notifications, licensing guidance, signage permits, and zoning information.

Region of Epirus Directorate of Development for sector licensing and regional business support and incentives.

Directorate of Trademarks at the Ministry of Development for national trademark registration and management.

Hellenic Industrial Property Organization for patents and industrial designs.

Hellenic Data Protection Authority for GDPR guidance and data protection compliance.

Next Steps

Clarify your business model, founders, funding plan, and desired legal form. Identify your activity codes known as KAD and preferred company name. Shortlist premises in Arta and ask the landlord to confirm permitted use.

Engage a local lawyer and an accountant early. Share your identity documents, any foreign company documents, and a brief description of your activities. Your advisors will confirm whether e-YMS is suitable or if you need a notary and customized statutes.

Obtain Greek Tax Identification Numbers for all founders and arrange for certified translations and apostilles where needed. Set a realistic timeline for bank account opening and know-your-customer checks, especially if there are foreign shareholders or directors.

Prepare a compliant lease and file it electronically with AADE, or arrange a valid registered office service. Your lawyer will coordinate GEMI filings, AADE registration, and beneficial owner submissions, and your accountant will set up myDATA and tax profiles.

If you plan to hire, register as an employer with EFKA and prepare employment documentation and ERGANI filings. If your activity is regulated, your lawyer will submit notifications or license applications to the Municipality of Arta or the Region of Epirus.

Keep a compliance calendar for tax filings, payroll deadlines, GEMI updates, license renewals, and data protection obligations. Revisit your structure if you bring in investors or expand into new activities.

This guide is informational and not legal advice. Laws and thresholds change. For tailored assistance in Arta, consult a qualified Greek business lawyer and a licensed accountant before you proceed.