For most food and beverage businesses (“shops of sanitary interest”, ΚΥΕ), such as cafés, bars and restaurants, the “operating licence” has been replaced by the business operation notification (γνωστοποίηση) under Law 4442/2016. The exception is entertainment venues (κέντρα διασκέδασης), which need prior approval and a licence for establishment and operation from the Municipality (articles 351–354 of Law 5314/2026). Submission looks simple, but its mistakes show up at the first inspection, when the business is already operating.
Working with specialised engineers, we handle the whole procedure: from checking the premises before the lease to submitting the notification and the file you will show at inspections. We follow progress daily, so that you do not lose time with bureaucracy.
What we handle
- The pre-lease check of the premises before you lease or buy.
- Gathering and checking the supporting documents, together with the engineer, so that the plans comply with health legislation.
- Submitting the notification on the OpenBusiness platform and following it up.
- The music declaration and the extended music hours permit and the permit to use public space, where needed.
- Changes: change of operator or company, activity, premises or legal representative.
- The business file with the documents that inspection authorities ask for.
Businesses with an old licence or an old notification: deadline 31/12/2026
A business operating under an old licence must register (απογραφή) on OpenBusiness. A business with a notification submitted before OpenBusiness must upload its supporting documents. The deadline is 31 December 2026 (articles 14A–14B of Law 4442/2016, article 59 of Law 5255/2025). If the supporting documents are not uploaded in time, the sanctions for missing supporting documents apply (article 14B of Law 4442/2016).
Common mistakes
- Submitting before checking whether the premises are permitted under planning rules and under the building regulations (κανονισμός πολυκατοικίας).
- An activity in the notification that does not match what the business actually does.
- Square metres, spaces and seats that do not match the plans.
- A change of company or owner without amending the notification.
Frequently asked questions
Do I still need an operating licence for a café or restaurant?
For most food service businesses, the operating licence has been replaced by the notification. Some approvals, however, are granted separately, such as the permit to use public space and the extended music hours permit, where the Municipality provides for it.
I am selling the business or changing company. What do I need to do?
A change of operator is declared by amending the notification. It is best prepared before the transfer, so that the business does not operate for a single day without a correct notification in the name of the new operator.
Who files the notification, the lawyer or the engineer?
Usually both are needed. The engineer handles the technical side; the lawyer handles the legal side, the lease and anything concerning inspections and sanctions. We work together with engineers, so you have one point of contact for everything.
See also: Pre-lease check · Legal Umbrella