Best New Business Formation Lawyers in Melissia

About New Business Formation Law in Melissia, Greece

Starting a business in Melissia follows the national legal framework that governs company formation, taxation, licensing and employment in Greece. Melissia is part of the Attica region, so legal and administrative steps are handled through national registries, local municipal offices and relevant state authorities. The process requires compliance with company law, tax law and sectoral licensing rules. Many formalities are processed through the General Commercial Registry - GEMI - and local tax and social security offices. Practical steps include choosing a legal form, preparing incorporation documents, registering the company, obtaining tax and social security numbers and securing any sectoral or municipal permits required for the activity.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

Forming a new business raises legal, tax and regulatory questions where a lawyer provides practical value. Common situations where legal assistance is useful include the following.

- Choosing the correct legal form - sole trader, general partnership, limited liability company, private capital company or public limited company - to match your liability, governance and tax goals.

- Drafting and reviewing founding documents, articles of association, shareholder agreements and bylaws to avoid future disputes and to set governance rules.

- Handling the formal registration process with GEMI and preparing notarial deeds when required.

- Negotiating and drafting commercial contracts, lease agreements and supplier or distribution agreements.

- Guiding compliance with employment law, drafting employment agreements, and advising on social security registrations and payroll obligations.

- Securing sectoral permits and licenses for regulated activities such as food services, construction, tourism, professional services and environmental matters.

- Advising on tax registration, VAT obligations and structuring for tax efficiency in coordination with an accountant.

- Protecting intellectual property, trademarks and trade names and advising on data protection - GDPR - compliance.

- Conducting due diligence for a purchase or investment and preparing investor or financing agreements.

Local Laws Overview

Key legal aspects to keep in mind when forming a business in Melissia include the following.

- Company types and formation rules: Greece recognises several legal forms with different liability, capital and governance requirements. Some forms require a notarial deed for incorporation, others may be formed through standard registration procedures. The private capital company form introduced in recent years offers flexibility and a low minimum capital option for small businesses.

- Registration and documentation: Businesses must register in the General Commercial Registry - GEMI - and obtain a tax identification number - AFM - from the local tax office. Registration triggers public disclosure of certain company data and enables legal operation.

- Tax and VAT: Companies are subject to corporate taxation, value added tax for taxable supplies and payroll and social security obligations when hiring staff. VAT registration and collection, correct invoicing and timely VAT and tax filings are essential.

- Employment and social security: Hiring employees requires registration with the national social security fund - EFKA - and compliance with employment contracts, minimum wage rules, working time and termination procedures.

- Licenses and permits: Many activities require sectoral permits from municipal authorities, health and safety inspections, fire department approvals or environmental permits. Local zoning and municipal regulations may also apply.

- Intellectual property and data protection: Trademark protection is provided through the national intellectual property authority for trademarks and patents. GDPR and Greek data protection law apply to handling customer and employee data.

- Language and formalities: Greek is the official language for most incorporation documents and filings. Translations or bilingual documents may be necessary. Courts and administrative bodies commonly operate in Greek.

Because laws and administrative practices can change, and because sectoral requirements differ, legal advice is recommended to ensure compliance with current rules and practices.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I choose the right legal form for my new business in Melissia?

Choosing a legal form depends on liability exposure, the number and role of founders, capital needs, tax considerations and plans to bring in investors. A sole trader is simple but exposes personal assets. Limited liability forms protect personal assets but have more formal requirements. Discuss your plans with a lawyer and an accountant to balance liability, governance and tax outcomes.

Do I need to be a Greek resident or citizen to form a company in Greece?

No. Foreigners and non-residents can form and own Greek companies. Practical matters such as opening a Greek bank account, obtaining a tax number - AFM - and handling administrative formalities often require local representation or a Greek tax resident director, so foreign founders commonly engage a local lawyer or representative.

What are the main registration steps to start a company?

Typical steps include choosing and reserving a company name, preparing incorporation documents and any notarial deed required, registering the company at GEMI, obtaining an AFM from the tax office, registering for VAT if applicable, and registering with EFKA for social security when you hire staff. Sectoral permits and municipal approvals must be obtained before commencing regulated activities.

How long does company registration usually take?

Timing varies with company type and sector. Simple registrations can be completed in a few days to a few weeks once all documents are ready. If notarial deeds, capital deposits or sectoral permits are required, the process can take longer. Delays may also occur if filings are incomplete or if additional approvals are needed.

Are there minimum capital requirements?

Minimum capital rules depend on the company form. Some modern company forms allow very low minimum capital, while traditional forms such as public limited companies have higher thresholds. Exact requirements change over time, so consult a lawyer or accountant for the current capital conditions that apply to the form you plan to use.

What taxes will a new business in Melissia face?

A business must comply with corporate or income tax rules, VAT obligations if it makes taxable supplies, payroll taxes and social security contributions for employees, and municipal taxes or fees. Tax rates, deductions and incentives vary and are subject to change, so coordinate with a tax advisor to plan registrations and filings.

Do I need a Greek bank account to incorporate?

A Greek bank account is usually required to deposit share capital when formation rules require it, and it is practically necessary for local collections and payments. Nonresidents can open accounts, but banks may require additional documentation and in-person verification. A local lawyer or accountant can assist with bank introductions and documentation.

What permits or licenses might I need in Melissia?

Permits depend on the business activity. Examples include food business hygiene permits, tourism operation licenses, construction permits, professional practice licenses, fire safety approvals and environmental permits. Local municipal zoning and signage rules also apply. Check sectoral regulations early to avoid starting operations without required authorisations.

How should I protect my company name and brand?

Register your trade name and trademarks with the national intellectual property authority to protect your brand. Also register your company name in GEMI and consider domain name registration. A lawyer can conduct searches to identify conflicting marks and advise on protection strategies both in Greece and internationally.

What should I bring to my first meeting with a lawyer or advisor?

Prepare a summary of your business idea, expected ownership structure, planned activities, projected turnover, any draft contracts or lease offers, and personal identification. Also bring any draft contracts with partners or investors. Clear objectives and documents enable the lawyer to provide targeted advice on company form, registration steps, permits and compliance needs.

Additional Resources

Useful institutions and organisations to consult when forming a business include national registries, tax and social security bodies, municipal offices and business support organisations. Relevant bodies include the General Commercial Registry - GEMI - for company registration, local tax offices for AFM and VAT matters, the national social security fund - EFKA - for employee registrations, the municipal office of Melissia for local permits and zoning, and the Hellenic intellectual property authority for trademark protection. Business support and investment promotion organisations can provide guidance on incentives and funding. Chambers of commerce and local business associations in Attica also offer practical advice and contacts for local suppliers and services. Finally, seek a licensed Greek lawyer experienced in company formation and a certified accountant familiar with Greek tax and payroll rules.

Next Steps

Follow these practical steps if you need legal assistance to form a business in Melissia.

- Prepare a clear summary of your business idea, owners and financing plan.

- Contact a local lawyer who specialises in company formation and a certified accountant to review tax and accounting implications. Insist on experience with the relevant sector and with foreign founders if applicable.

- Arrange an initial consultation to decide on the legal form, to identify required permits and to obtain a checklist of documents you must provide.

- Reserve a company name and prepare incorporation documents. If a notarial deed is required, schedule the notary signing.

- Open a Greek bank account if necessary and arrange any capital deposits.

- Register the company in GEMI, obtain the AFM, register for VAT if required and complete social security registrations for planned employees.

- Apply for and secure any sectoral or municipal permits before commencing operations, and put in place essential contracts such as leases, supplier agreements and employment contracts.

- Maintain ongoing compliance with accounting, tax filings and corporate governance obligations. Stay in touch with your lawyer and accountant for updates on regulatory changes that may affect your business.

If you are unsure where to start, schedule a consultation with a lawyer early in the process. Early legal input reduces risk, speeds registration and helps you avoid costly compliance mistakes.