Best New Business Formation Lawyers in Thivais

About New Business Formation Law in Thivais, Greece

Starting a business in Thivais follows the national legal framework of Greece, with some procedures carried out locally through chambers, municipal services, and regional authorities. Greek law provides several entity types, streamlined one-stop-shop registration, and digital tax and employment systems. The most common forms are the Private Company - IKE, the Limited Liability Company - EPE, the General Partnership - OE, the Limited Partnership - EE, and the Société Anonyme - AE. Incorporation typically involves name clearance, drafting articles, registration with the General Commercial Registry - GEMI, tax registration with the Independent Authority for Public Revenue - AADE, and any sector-specific licensing. Many activities can start operating by submitting a notification to the municipality under the simplified licensing framework.

Thivais sits within Boeotia in Central Greece, so regional and municipal rules on zoning, signage, and certain operating notifications may apply. Greece supports digital-first compliance, including myDATA e-books for invoices and the ERGANI system for employees, which helps new businesses standardize post-incorporation obligations.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

New business formation can be straightforward, but many entrepreneurs benefit from legal help to avoid delays and costly errors. Common situations include selecting the best entity type for tax, liability, and investor needs, structuring multi-founder agreements and governance, preparing customized articles and shareholder agreements, clearing a company name and distinctive title at GEMI, reviewing a commercial lease for zoning and permitted uses, navigating licensing and notification rules for food service, tourism, manufacturing, logistics, or regulated services, ensuring compliance with data protection, consumer rules, advertising, and IP protection, handling foreign founder requirements such as apostilles, sworn translations, and Greek tax numbers, planning for employment law, health and safety, and contractor engagement, and managing sector approvals such as environmental permits, signage permits, or outdoor seating rights on municipal space. A local lawyer who regularly handles formations in the area can coordinate with the accountant, notary, chamber, and municipal departments to complete steps in the correct order and timeline.

Local Laws Overview

Entity types and core statutes. IKE - Private Company under Law 4072 or 2012 as amended is flexible, allows low or zero capital, and suits most SMEs and startups. AE - Société Anonyme under Law 4548 or 2018 fits larger ventures and equity financing and has a minimum capital of 25,000 euros. OE and EE partnerships are quick to form and often used for small trade and services. Greek Accounting Standards under Law 4308 or 2014 apply to bookkeeping and financial reporting, and audit thresholds depend on size criteria.

Registration pathway. Many entities can be incorporated through the One-Stop-Shop service operated by GEMI or select civil law notaries. Steps usually include name and distinctive title pre-approval, drafting articles using the standard template or customized clauses, GEMI registration and issuance of a GEMI number, tax number and activation at AADE, and social security registration where needed. IKE and partnerships often complete in 1 to 3 business days when documentation is complete.

KAD business activity codes. You must select one or more KAD codes that describe your activities. These codes determine licensing, VAT treatment, municipal fees, and eligibility for incentives. Choosing the correct KAD at formation helps avoid reclassifications later.

Licensing and notifications. Law 4442 or 2016 introduced a notification-based regime for many activities. In practice, many retail, services, and hospitality businesses begin operations by filing an operating notification to the municipality. Activities with health and safety or environmental impacts may require prior approval or an environmental commitment decision. Thivais businesses should confirm with the municipal Business Licensing Department which activities use notification versus prior licensing.

Tax and invoicing. Corporate income tax for companies is generally 22 percent. Partnerships are taxed at the entity level with specific rules. VAT in Greece is commonly 24 percent, with reduced rates for certain goods and services. Registration for VAT is typically required upon start if you perform taxable supplies. All businesses use AADE myDATA electronic books to report income and expenses. Use certified invoicing methods and cash registers when required by your KAD.

Employment and payroll. Before any employee starts, you must register the employment contract in the ERGANI information system. Minimum wage is set by national decision and is 830 euros per month as of 2024 for full time employees, plus allowances where applicable. Employers must register with EFKA for social security and observe health and safety rules, including a written risk assessment for most workplaces.

Banking and UBO. Banks apply know-your-customer checks and may require in-person account opening. Companies must report their ultimate beneficial owners to the national Beneficial Ownership Register within prescribed deadlines.

Real estate and zoning. Check permissible land use before signing a lease. Many fit-outs require notifications or building permits via the national e-permitting system handled by engineers. Outdoor signage and seating on municipal space require municipal permissions and fees.

Intellectual property and consumer law. Protect trademarks through the Greek trademark authority and consider EU trademark coverage. Consumer-facing businesses must comply with price display, receipt issuance, complaint handling, and withdrawal rights for distance sales. Data processing must comply with GDPR and guidance from the Hellenic Data Protection Authority.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which company type is best for a small business in Thivais

For most small to medium ventures, the IKE is popular due to flexible governance, low capital, and quick registration via the One-Stop-Shop. If you expect outside investors or plan a larger operation with a board and share classes, consider an AE. Partnerships suit very small teams when liability and taxation fit your plans.

How long does incorporation take

With complete documents, a standard IKE or partnership can often be registered within 1 to 3 business days. An AE may take longer because of notarial deeds and more formalities. Allow additional time for bank account opening, municipal notifications, and any sector licenses.

Do I need a notary

Many IKE formations can use a standardized template through the One-Stop-Shop without a notary. You will need a notary if you want customized articles beyond the template or you are forming an AE. A notary is also used when property is contributed in kind or when specific clauses must be notarized.

Can a foreigner be the sole founder

Yes. Foreign nationals can form and own Greek companies. You will need a Greek tax number, valid identification, and legalized plus officially translated corporate documents if a foreign company is a shareholder. Non-EU founders should also review residence and work authorization requirements.

What capital do I need

An IKE can have very low or even zero nominal capital, though practical working capital will be needed. An AE requires at least 25,000 euros paid in. Banks and counterparties may expect evidence of capital and a realistic financial plan.

What taxes will my new company pay

Companies generally pay 22 percent corporate income tax on profits, advance tax prepayments, and VAT on taxable supplies at 24 percent or reduced rates where eligible. Employer social contributions apply to salaries. Local fees may apply for signage or use of public space. An accountant will calculate deadlines and filings.

How do I choose the right KAD code

List your main and secondary activities, then match them to the closest KAD codes. The primary KAD should reflect your core turnover. A lawyer or accountant can help you select codes that align with your actual operations, licensing, and potential incentives. You can add secondary KADs if your business expands.

Do I need a physical address in Thivais

Yes, you must declare a registered seat. It can be an office, a shop, a co-working space that permits business registration, or a virtual office where legally acceptable. Make sure your lease allows your intended KAD and that zoning fits your use.

Can I start operating with a notification instead of a license

Many activities can start after filing an operating notification with the municipality under Law 4442 or 2016. Examples include several retail and hospitality uses. High-risk or specialized activities may still require prior permits. Confirm the regime that applies to your KAD in Thivais before opening.

What are the key post-incorporation steps

Obtain or activate your tax number, register with AADE for VAT if applicable, set up myDATA e-books and invoicing, open a bank account, register employees in ERGANI if any, enroll with EFKA, file the Beneficial Ownership Register details, complete any municipal notifications or sector licenses, procure a certified cash register if required, and set up privacy plus health and safety policies.

Additional Resources

General Commercial Registry - GEMI offices serving Boeotia for company registration and changes.

Chamber of Boeotia - support for new businesses, name clearance assistance, and advisory programs.

Municipality of Thivais - Business Licensing Department for operating notifications, signage, and use of public space.

Independent Authority for Public Revenue - AADE - for tax numbers, VAT registration, myDATA e-books, and filings.

Single Social Security Entity - EFKA - for employer registration and contributions.

ERGANI Information System - for employment registrations and labor filings.

Hellenic Data Protection Authority - guidance on GDPR compliance for businesses.

Regional Authority of Central Greece - environmental and regional permits where applicable.

Greek trademark authority and the Hellenic Industrial Property Organization - for trademarks, designs, and patents.

Local bar associations and accountants in Boeotia - professional help with formation and compliance.

Next Steps

1 - Define your business model, founders, and funding. Choose an entity type and governance that matches your goals, liability tolerance, and investor expectations.

2 - Engage a local lawyer and an accountant. They will coordinate KAD selection, articles, tax planning, and licensing steps specific to Thivais.

3 - Prepare documents. Secure identification, Greek tax numbers, lease or property documents, and translations plus legalizations for any foreign documents.

4 - Reserve your name and distinctive title and draft the articles. Use the One-Stop-Shop template when appropriate or customized clauses if your structure requires it.

5 - Register with GEMI and activate tax and social security. Set up myDATA, invoicing, and bookkeeping from day one.

6 - Complete municipal and sector steps. File operating notifications, obtain permits, and arrange signage or outdoor use approvals as needed in Thivais.

7 - Open a bank account and file the Beneficial Ownership Register. Banks may require in-person verification and a basic business plan.

8 - Implement compliance. Draft employment contracts, workplace safety measures, privacy notices, and consumer terms if you sell to the public.

9 - Calendar your obligations. Track VAT returns, corporate income tax, payroll, and GEMI updates to avoid penalties.

This guide provides general information only and is not legal advice. For tailored guidance on forming a business in Thivais, consult a qualified Greek business lawyer and a licensed accountant before you proceed.