The right legal form and well-drafted articles of association prevent most disputes between partners. With our experience in the food and beverage sector, we help you choose the form that suits your business.
What we handle
- Choice of legal form – IKE (private company), OE (general partnership), EE (limited partnership) or AE (société anonyme) – together with your accountant for the tax aspects.
- Drafting of the articles of association (καταστατικό), with terms on management, voting, contributions, withdrawal and transfer of the partners’ holdings (company parts, shares).
- Registration with the General Commercial Registry (ΓΕΜΗ) and everything needed to start operating.
- Amendments, entry or exit of partners, dissolution and liquidation.
- Coordination with the business operation notification (γνωστοποίηση) of the premises, because the new company is a new operator and the notification must be amended.
Frequently asked questions
IKE or OE for a café or restaurant?
It depends on the number of partners, liability for debts, tax and your plans. In an IKE, as a rule only the company is liable for its debts. There are, however, exceptions. A partner with a guarantee contribution is liable up to the amount set in the articles of association. The manager (διαχειριστής), who is often the partner, is personally liable for company taxes (e.g. VAT, withholding taxes) that were not paid through his or her own fault. In an OE, the partners are liable personally, without limit and jointly and severally. In an EE, the general partners are liable in the same way, while a limited partner who has paid in his or her contribution is not liable for the company’s debts. We discuss this together with your accountant before the company is formed.
I already run the premises as a sole proprietorship. What changes if I set up a company?
The company is a new operator. The change of operator is declared by amending the notification within 10 days, by both the old and the new operator (Article 9 of Law 4442/2016). Until it is declared, both are liable. We also check the lease agreement and the other permits, so that they are properly transferred to the company’s name.
See also: Business operation notification · Trademarks