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New business formation in Arta follows Greek national law with local implementation by municipal and regional authorities in Epirus. Whether you launch a small sole proprietorship, a private company, or a larger corporation, you will interact with the General Commercial Registry known as GEMI, the Independent Authority for Public Revenue known as AADE for tax matters, and the social insurance authority EFKA. Many incorporations can be completed through a one-stop digital service, then supplemented by any sector specific licenses handled locally in Arta. The legal framework defines the available entity types, the incorporation steps, tax and accounting duties, employment registrations, and ongoing compliance. Local practice in Arta also matters, especially when you choose business premises that need permits or notifications to the Municipality of Arta.
Common Greek entity options include sole proprietorship known as atomiki epicheirisi, general partnership known as OE, limited partnership known as EE, private company known as IKE, limited liability company known as EPE, and corporation known as AE. Each option has different liability, governance, tax, and capital rules. Many entrepreneurs in Greece select the IKE because it is flexible, has no minimum capital requirement, and can be incorporated quickly.
A business formation lawyer in Arta can help you choose the right structure for your goals, risk profile, and tax planning. The difference between an IKE, an OE, and an AE affects liability exposure, governance, and future fundraising. A lawyer can map these factors to your specific situation.
If your business needs municipal or sector licenses, for example a cafe, retail food store, light manufacturing, tourism accommodation, or logistics warehouse, a lawyer coordinates the notifications and approvals with the Municipality of Arta, regional authorities, EFET for food activities, and the Fire Service. Local counsel helps you avoid delays and fines.
Lease negotiation for your business premises benefits from legal review. Greek leases often allocate fit out obligations, maintenance, early termination, use restrictions, and rent adjustment rules. A lawyer ensures the lease aligns with zoning and your licensing path.
Founders who are non residents or non EU nationals usually need help obtaining a Greek tax number known as AFM, setting up representation for tax and social security, and understanding residence and work permission issues. A lawyer coordinates with a notary where required and with your accountant for TAXISnet setup.
Counsel is also helpful for drafting articles of association, shareholder agreements, director appointment terms, employee agreements, data protection notices, standard terms and conditions for customers, and IP protection strategies. Early legal planning reduces disputes and compliance costs later.
Entity types and liability. Sole proprietorships are simple but the owner has unlimited liability and is taxed as an individual. Partnerships OE and EE are simple to form. In an OE all partners have unlimited liability, while in an EE at least one partner has limited liability. Private companies IKE offer limited liability, no minimum capital, and flexible contributions including non cash and guarantee contributions. Limited liability companies EPE exist but are less common for new formations. Corporations AE are suitable for larger ventures and require higher formality and minimum capital.
Incorporation channels. Many IKE, OE, and EE can be formed online using the One Stop Service known as YMS through the Single Digital Portal. AE and some other cases require a notary to execute the articles of association, then registration in GEMI by the Chamber. Upon incorporation, GEMI issues a GEMI number, AADE assigns a tax number AFM for the entity, and the company receives TAXISnet credentials.
Tax basics. Corporate income tax for legal entities is generally 22 percent, subject to change. Dividends to individuals are typically subject to 5 percent withholding. Sole proprietors are taxed under personal income tax brackets. The standard VAT rate is 24 percent, with reduced rates of 13 percent and 6 percent for specific goods and services. You must select your activity codes known as KAD during tax registration and determine if you must register for VAT at launch. Importers and exporters need an EORI number.
Accounting and e books. Businesses must keep books under the Greek Accounting Standards and report electronically through AADE myDATA e books. Many sectors have mandatory POS devices for card payments. Timely filing of VAT returns, withholding taxes, and annual financial statements is required. An accountant in Arta will manage routine filings and myDATA classifications.
Employment compliance. Before hiring, register the employer account with EFKA and declare employees through the ERGANI II platform. Employment contracts, working time, minimum wage, and health and safety obligations must comply with Greek labor law and any applicable collective agreements. Social security contributions are shared between employer and employee at rates set by law, which change from time to time.
Licensing and notifications. Many low risk activities operate after submitting an establishment or operation notification through the NotifyBusiness system, often handled by the Municipality of Arta. Activities with health or environmental impact may require prior approvals, such as health department opinions, EFET requirements for food handling, and fire safety certificates. Environmental permits follow categories under Law 4014 or subsequent updates for higher risk installations.
Premises and zoning. Your intended use must match the permitted use of the location under local urban planning rules. For signage, outdoor seating, or sidewalk use, municipal permits and fees may apply. Music use in venues requires licenses from collecting societies for copyrights and neighboring rights. A lawyer can align your lease, fit out, and licensing timeline.
Data protection and consumer law. If you process personal data you must comply with the EU GDPR and Greek implementation rules, including privacy notices, lawful basis, processor agreements, and security measures. Consumer facing businesses must follow consumer protection and e commerce rules on pricing, returns, warranties, and complaint handling.
Beneficial ownership and AML. Companies must register their ultimate beneficial owners in the Beneficial Owners Registry hosted by AADE within the statutory deadline after incorporation and keep information current. Certain professions and activities have anti money laundering duties, including customer due diligence and reporting.
Intellectual property. Trademarks can be registered nationally in Greece through the competent directorate of the Ministry of Development, or at EU level. Patents and designs are handled by the Hellenic Industrial Property Organization known as OBI. Early clearance of your brand and protection strategy is recommended.
Foreign founders. Non residents need a Greek tax number AFM, which can be obtained with a Greek representative or by power of attorney. Non EU nationals who will manage or work in Greece need an appropriate residence and work permit. Being a shareholder alone does not grant work rights. Bank account opening involves strict know your customer checks and can take additional time.
Agricultural and cooperatives. Arta has a strong agri food sector. Agricultural cooperatives and producer groups have a distinct legal framework with specific governance and state support rules. If you plan processing or storage of agricultural products, expect additional food safety and environmental requirements and coordination with regional authorities.
Many new ventures select the IKE private company because it offers limited liability, flexible capital contributions, and quick formation, often through the one stop digital service. If you plan a very small operation with low risk and minimal partners, a sole proprietorship or an OE partnership can be adequate. For larger investments or future listing or significant equity financing, an AE corporation may be more suitable. Your choice should balance liability, governance, investor expectations, and tax planning.
If all documents are ready and the activity does not require prior approvals, a straightforward IKE can be incorporated in 1 to 3 business days through the online one stop service. Obtaining a bank account, POS device, and any required sector notifications or fire safety certificates can add days or weeks, depending on the activity and premises readiness.
Choose the entity type and company name, prepare articles of association using the model where possible or by notary where required, file through GEMI or the one stop service, obtain the company AFM and TAXISnet credentials, register activity codes KAD with AADE, register with EFKA if you will employ staff, arrange premises and submit any notifications or license applications, and set up accounting and myDATA. For many sectors you must also acquire a POS device and register it.
Many IKE, OE, and EE incorporations can be completed without a notary by using model articles through the one stop service. A notary is required for AE and certain cases, such as customized articles or contributions in kind that must be documented formally. Your lawyer will advise whether a notary is needed in your case.
Most companies pay corporate income tax at a general rate of 22 percent, subject to any legislative changes, and withholding tax on dividends of 5 percent when distributed to individuals. VAT at 24 percent applies to most goods and services, with reduced rates for specific categories. Payroll taxes and social security contributions apply when you hire employees. Municipal fees and stamp taxes may apply in specific circumstances. Your accountant can provide tailored estimates.
Greek residents apply at the competent local tax office. Non residents apply through the designated tax offices for foreign residents, often via a representative or power of attorney. You will need identification, proof of address, and representation details. A lawyer and accountant in Arta can coordinate the process and set up TAXISnet access for filings.
Some service businesses can operate from a home address if the activity is compatible with residential use and any homeowners association rules. You still need to declare the business seat to AADE and comply with tax and accounting rules. Activities involving customers on site, food handling, storage of goods, or machinery usually require commercial premises with appropriate use and safety conditions.
Food and beverage activities typically require a health department opinion, a fire safety certificate, and an operation notification through NotifyBusiness. You also need to address waste disposal, water and sanitation, and any outdoor seating permits with the Municipality of Arta. If you play music, obtain licenses from collecting societies. Requirements vary by layout and capacity, so plan your fit out with licensing in mind.
Register the business with EFKA as an employer, submit hires through ERGANI II before work starts, provide written terms to employees, pay at least the statutory minimum wage and any applicable allowances, observe working time and leave rules, and pay social security and payroll taxes on time. Health and safety measures and risk assessments are mandatory. Keep personnel records and display required notices.
Conduct searches to ensure your brand is available, then file a national trademark application in Greece or an EU trademark. Protect inventions and designs through OBI where eligible. Use confidentiality and IP assignment clauses with employees and contractors. Register domain names and align branding across Greek and Latin scripts if needed.
General Commercial Registry GEMI and One Stop Service YMS for company registration, operated under the Ministry of Development and Investments.
Independent Authority for Public Revenue AADE for VAT, income tax, TAXISnet access, myDATA electronic books, and EORI registration.
Unified Social Security Fund EFKA for employer registration and social insurance matters.
ERGANI II information system for employee registrations, maintained by the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs.
Chamber of Arta Epimelitirio Artas, which supports local businesses and operates the local GEMI office.
Municipality of Arta Business Licensing Department for operation notifications, signage permits, outdoor seating, and municipal fees.
Region of Epirus competent directorates for development, environment, and industry related permits and inspections.
NotifyBusiness platform for establishment and operation notifications for specific activities.
Hellenic Food Authority EFET for food business regulations and guidance.
Hellenic Data Protection Authority for GDPR guidance and national rules.
Beneficial Owners Registry managed through AADE for ultimate ownership declarations.
Hellenic Industrial Property Organization OBI for patents and designs, and the national Trademarks Directorate for trademark registrations.
Enterprise Greece for investment support and export promotion services.
OPEKEPE and the Ministry of Rural Development and Food for agricultural subsidies and cooperative guidance, useful for agri food ventures in Arta.
Clarify your business plan, expected turnover, team, and risk profile, then choose an appropriate legal form. Decide on your company name in Greek and Latin characters and check availability. Engage a lawyer in Arta to draft or review the articles of association and any shareholder agreements and to map licensing requirements for your specific activity and premises.
Coordinate with an accountant in Arta to select the correct KAD activity codes, plan VAT and myDATA compliance, and prepare for payroll if you will hire staff. Obtain founder AFM numbers and set up representation if you are a non resident. Prepare the company seat documentation, for example a lease, and gather identification documents and any special permits required for your sector.
Complete incorporation through the one stop service or a notary as required, register with AADE and EFKA, and open a business bank account. If your activity requires notifications or approvals, submit them before opening. Put in place internal policies for data protection, invoicing, and consumer law compliance, and register your brand if appropriate.
If you need legal assistance, contact a business lawyer who practices in Arta. Share your objectives, timeline, and budget, ask for a checklist tailored to your sector, and request a fixed fee where possible for incorporation and licensing. Laws and procedures change, and local practice matters, so professional guidance will help you launch smoothly and stay compliant.
