Best New Business Formation Lawyers in Elliniko

About New Business Formation Law in Elliniko, Greece

Starting a new business in Elliniko follows the national legal framework of Greece while also requiring compliance with local municipal rules. Company formation, registration, tax and employment obligations are governed by Greek company law, tax law and social security law. Many practical steps must be completed in Greek, and some company types require a notary or minimum capital. Typical registration steps include choosing a legal form, preparing founding documents, registering with the General Commercial Registry, obtaining a tax identification number and value added tax registration, and securing any sector or premises licenses required by local authorities.

Elliniko is part of the Region of Attica and the Municipality of Elliniko-Argyroupoli. Local planning, building permits and certain trade licenses are handled at the municipal or regional level. National bodies set taxation, social security and company law rules, while specific sectors such as food service, tourism or environmental activities may need additional approvals from sectoral authorities.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

Forming a business involves legal, tax and regulatory choices with long-term consequences. A lawyer can help you choose the right company form for liability protection and tax efficiency, draft and review founding documents and shareholders agreements, and make sure statutory terms are correct and enforceable. Legal help is valuable when negotiating leases, supplier agreements, franchise agreements or investor term sheets.

Other common situations where you may need legal help include obtaining regulated licenses, handling employment contracts and termination rules, ensuring compliance with data protection and consumer law, conducting due diligence for investors or buyers, resolving disputes between founders, protecting intellectual property, and navigating cross-border issues when founders or clients are foreign.

Local Laws Overview

Key aspects of law and regulation relevant in Elliniko include the following.

Company forms - Greece recognises several common company types. The most frequently used are:

- Sole proprietorship - simplest option for a single owner with unlimited liability.

- General partnership (O.E.) and limited partnership (E.E.) - partnerships with personal liability rules.

- Private company limited by shares (E.P.E.) - limited liability vehicle, common for small to medium companies.

- Private company with limited liability and flexible capital rules (I.K.E.) - modern, flexible form introduced for small and medium enterprises and favored for ease and lower minimum capital requirements.

- Public limited company (A.E.) - suitable for larger businesses and public offering, subject to stricter capital and governance rules.

Registration and formalities - Companies must be registered in the General Electronic Commercial Registry - GEMI. Many company types require notarised articles of association and registration fees. The company must obtain a tax identification number - AFM - and register for VAT if taxable. Employees must be registered with the Unified Social Security Entity - EFKA.

Licences and permits - Local trade licenses, building and occupancy permits, health and safety approvals, fire safety certification and environmental permits may be necessary depending on activity. The municipal authority and regional services are the first contact points for premises and planning approvals.

Tax and accounting - Corporate income tax, VAT, payroll taxes and social contributions apply. Greece has specific invoicing, electronic bookkeeping and tax reporting rules. Some activities may be eligible for incentives or special tax regimes. Regular filing deadlines and penalties for late filing are enforced.

Employment law - Contracts, minimum wage rules, contributions, working time, termination rules and collective bargaining are governed by national employment law. Fixed-term contracts, probation periods, and severance must comply with statutory requirements.

Sector-specific rules - Hospitality, food service, construction, transport and environmental activities are tightly regulated. Food businesses need health authority approvals, tourism businesses must comply with tourism licensing, and construction requires building permits and technical certifications.

Compliance and enforcement - Regulators may impose fines, suspend operations, or order corrective measures for non-compliance. Administrative appeals and judicial remedies are available but can be time-consuming.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the fastest legal form to set up in Elliniko?

The private company I.K.E. is often the fastest and most flexible option for small and medium businesses. It has low formal capital requirements and simplified registration procedures compared with older corporate forms. Sole proprietorships are also simple to start but do not offer limited liability.

Do I need a Greek tax number to form a business in Elliniko?

Yes. Every company and every individual who participates in company formation must obtain a Greek tax identification number - AFM. Foreigners can obtain an AFM through the tax office with identification documents. A Power of Attorney can allow an authorised representative to obtain numbers and register the company on your behalf.

Can a foreign national or foreign company form a business in Elliniko?

Yes. EU and non-EU nationals may form companies in Greece. Certain restrictions apply to regulated sectors. Non-resident founders will still need an AFM and must comply with anti-money laundering and identification rules. Practical steps may be completed via authorised representatives in Greece.

Is a notary required to incorporate a company?

For many company types, such as A.E. and E.P.E., notarised articles and signatures are required. I.K.E. formation can often be completed through a standard template available electronically, or with simpler formalities, but using a notary is still common practice to certify signatures. A lawyer can confirm the exact requirements for your chosen form.

How long does registration typically take?

Times vary by company type and complexity. Simple I.K.E. formations can be completed in a few business days to a couple of weeks if all documents are in order. More complex A.E. incorporations or cases requiring special approvals or permits can take longer. Delays often result from incomplete documents, translation needs, or pending permits for premises.

What local permits may I need for a retail store or cafe in Elliniko?

Common permits include a municipal trade license, health and hygiene approval for food handling, fire safety certificate, building occupancy permit if you alter premises, and possibly environmental or waste management permits. If the business involves outdoor seating, a special municipal authorisation for use of public space may be needed.

What are the ongoing compliance obligations after incorporation?

Ongoing obligations include bookkeeping and annual financial statements, corporate tax returns, VAT returns if applicable, payroll reporting and social security contributions for employees, and maintaining registered records at GEMI. Companies must also hold statutory meetings and record minutes according to their articles of association.

How should I choose between an I.K.E., E.P.E. and A.E.?

Consider factors such as liability protection, number of shareholders, capital needs, governance complexity, investor expectations and cost of compliance. I.K.E. suits startups and small businesses seeking flexibility. E.P.E. is a traditional limited liability company for small to mid size ventures. A.E. is appropriate for larger enterprises or those planning a public offering. Legal and tax advice tailored to your business plan will help you choose.

What are typical costs for forming a company?

Costs depend on company type and services used. Typical items include notary fees, registration fees at GEMI, lawyer or accountant fees for document preparation, capital contribution if required, and costs for obtaining permits. Expect higher costs for A.E. formation and regulated activities. Ask for a written estimate from professionals before starting.

How do I close or liquidate a company if things do not go as planned?

Liquidation follows formal procedures under Greek law, including settling debts, selling assets, preparing liquidation accounts, filing notices with GEMI and tax authorities, and distributing remaining assets to shareholders. Voluntary liquidation and strike-off have different rules. A lawyer and accountant should be involved to avoid unresolved tax or social security liabilities.

Additional Resources

General Electronic Commercial Registry - GEMI - central registry for company incorporation and filings.

Independent Authority for Public Revenue - AADE - issues tax identification numbers, VAT registration and tax guidance.

Unified Social Security Entity - EFKA - responsible for employee social security registration and contributions.

Municipality of Elliniko-Argyroupoli - local authority for building permits, trade licenses and municipal approvals.

Region of Attica - regional authority for environmental permits and regional planning controls.

Hellenic Fire Service - issues fire safety certificates for commercial premises.

Hellenic Food Authority - EFET - oversees food safety and hygiene for food businesses.

Athens Chamber of Commerce and Industry - business support, training and local business information relevant to Elliniko area.

Enterprise Greece and the Hellenic Ministry of Development - resources for investment incentives and business promotion.

Hellenic Data Protection Authority - guidance on data protection obligations and GDPR compliance for businesses.

Next Steps

1 - Prepare a clear business plan that lists the proposed activity, expected turnover, premises, staffing and initial capital. This will guide the legal form and licensing needs.

2 - Gather identification documents for founders and any corporate documents for foreign entities. If documents are in another language, arrange certified translations.

3 - Contact a local lawyer or law firm with experience in commercial and corporate law in Greece. Provide your business plan and ask for a written scope, fees estimate and timeline.

4 - Decide on the company form and have founding documents drafted and reviewed. If a notary is required, schedule notarisation.

5 - Register the company with GEMI, obtain AFM and, if necessary, VAT registration, open a company bank account and register employees with EFKA.

6 - Apply for all required local and sectoral permits before opening premises to the public. Maintain a compliance calendar for tax, social security and corporate filings.

7 - Keep clear records and use professional accounting and legal support for ongoing compliance. If you expect cross-border activity or investors, ensure agreements are clear on jurisdiction and dispute resolution.

If you are unsure where to start, request an initial consultation with a lawyer to map out legal steps, anticipated costs and realistic timelines tailored to your project in Elliniko.