A Commercial Lawyer Greece can assist companies, entrepreneurs and business owners with the legal matters that arise during the establishment, operation and development of a business in Greece.
Commercial activity involves contracts, relationships with customers and suppliers, corporate decisions, regulatory requirements and, in some cases, disputes between businesses. Proper legal documentation can help establish clear rights and obligations before problems arise.
The Law Office of Anna Deftereou provides commercial and business legal services to Greek and international clients operating or planning to establish business activities in Greece.
Our legal assistance includes commercial agreements, company matters, business transactions, contractual disputes and ongoing legal support for companies and entrepreneurs.
Commercial Lawyer Greece – Legal Services
Every business has different legal requirements depending on its structure, activities and commercial relationships.
Our services may include:
- commercial contracts and agreements;
- company formation and corporate matters;
- shareholder and partner agreements;
- supplier and distribution agreements;
- business-to-business contracts;
- contract review and negotiation;
- commercial disputes;
- debt and payment claims;
- amendments to corporate documents;
- General Commercial Registry (GEMI) matters;
- e-commerce legal matters;
- business transactions;
- legal assistance for foreign companies operating in Greece.
Legal assistance can be provided for individual matters or as part of the ongoing legal needs of a business.
Commercial Contracts in Greece
Contracts form the basis of many commercial relationships.
A carefully drafted agreement should clearly establish the rights and obligations of the parties and address the practical issues that may arise during the business relationship.
Commercial contracts may include:
- supply agreements;
- service agreements;
- distribution agreements;
- agency agreements;
- confidentiality agreements;
- cooperation agreements;
- B2B contracts;
- commercial leases;
- sale and purchase agreements;
- licensing agreements.
Before signing a commercial agreement, its provisions should be reviewed in relation to the specific transaction rather than relying on a generic template.
Drafting and Reviewing Commercial Agreements
A commercial lawyer can assist with both the preparation of new agreements and the review of contracts proposed by another party.
A legal review may examine matters including:
- obligations of each party;
- payment terms;
- duration of the agreement;
- termination rights;
- liability;
- confidentiality;
- intellectual property;
- penalties;
- dispute resolution;
- applicable law;
- jurisdiction.
The objective is to ensure that the written agreement accurately reflects the commercial arrangement between the parties.
Company Formation in Greece
Entrepreneurs wishing to establish a company in Greece must select an appropriate legal structure and complete the relevant registration procedures.
Depending on the circumstances, legal assistance may include:
- reviewing the proposed company structure;
- preparation or review of corporate documents;
- articles of association;
- agreements between shareholders or partners;
- company name and corporate purpose;
- representation arrangements;
- corporate changes following incorporation.
Companies can be established electronically in Greece through the Electronic One-Stop Shop (e-OSS). The official procedure includes preparation and acceptance of the articles of association and subsequently leads to the relevant registrations, including GEMI and the issuance of a Greek tax identification number.
Official information is available through the Greek Government – Set up a business.
General Commercial Registry – GEMI
The General Commercial Registry (GEMI) is the national commercial publicity register for businesses in Greece.
Corporate acts, information and declarations subject to commercial publicity are registered and published through GEMI.
Businesses may also need to submit registrations or changes during their operation.
These may relate to matters such as:
- amendments to corporate information;
- changes in management;
- changes to company representation;
- amendments to articles of association;
- corporate decisions;
- other acts requiring commercial publicity.
The Greek government provides electronic services for submitting registration and modification requests to GEMI.
Official GEMI services are available through the General Commercial Registry – GEMI.
Corporate Changes and Amendments
A company may undergo numerous changes after its incorporation.
These can include:
- change of registered office;
- change of corporate purpose;
- appointment or replacement of directors;
- changes in representation;
- changes involving shareholders or partners;
- amendments to articles of association;
- capital-related corporate decisions;
- company restructuring.
Depending on the type of company and the specific change, corporate documentation and registration with the competent authorities may be required.
Legal assistance can help ensure that the relevant corporate decisions and documents correspond to the intended change.
Shareholder and Partner Agreements
The relationship between shareholders or business partners can significantly affect the operation of a company.
A written agreement may regulate issues such as:
- decision-making;
- management;
- voting;
- transfer of interests or shares;
- funding obligations;
- distribution of profits;
- entry of new investors;
- departure of a shareholder or partner;
- confidentiality;
- deadlock situations;
- dispute resolution.
These agreements can be particularly important where two or more individuals establish a business together.
B2B Commercial Agreements
Business-to-business transactions often involve continuing commercial relationships rather than isolated purchases.
Clear contractual terms can regulate:
- prices;
- payment deadlines;
- order procedures;
- minimum quantities;
- delivery;
- quality standards;
- warranties;
- exclusivity;
- termination;
- liability.
The agreement should correspond to the actual commercial relationship between the parties.
Supplier Agreements
Businesses frequently depend on suppliers for products, materials or services.
Supplier agreements may address:
- products or services supplied;
- prices;
- payment terms;
- delivery schedules;
- product specifications;
- quality requirements;
- delays;
- defective products;
- termination;
- liability.
A clear agreement can reduce uncertainty when problems arise concerning delivery, payment or performance.
Distribution Agreements
Distribution arrangements can involve important commercial considerations, particularly where a distributor receives rights concerning a specific geographic territory or customer group.
Relevant contractual provisions may include:
- territory;
- exclusivity;
- products covered;
- minimum purchase obligations;
- pricing arrangements;
- marketing responsibilities;
- intellectual property;
- duration;
- termination.
International distribution arrangements may also require consideration of applicable law and jurisdiction.
Service Agreements
Businesses frequently engage independent professionals, contractors or other companies to provide services.
A service agreement can define:
- scope of services;
- deliverables;
- deadlines;
- fees;
- payment terms;
- confidentiality;
- intellectual property;
- liability;
- termination.
Clearly defining the scope of the work can be particularly important where services are provided over an extended period.
Confidentiality Agreements – NDAs
Businesses may need to disclose commercially sensitive information during negotiations, collaborations or potential transactions.
A confidentiality agreement or NDA can establish rules regarding:
- what information is confidential;
- permitted use of the information;
- disclosure to third parties;
- duration of confidentiality obligations;
- return or destruction of information;
- consequences of unauthorised disclosure.
The appropriate provisions depend on the nature of the information and the commercial relationship.
Commercial Negotiations
Legal assistance can also be useful before a contract is signed.
During commercial negotiations, proposed terms may have legal consequences that are not immediately apparent from their commercial wording.
A lawyer can review proposed terms, identify contractual risks and assist in negotiating amendments before the parties enter into a binding agreement.
Commercial Disputes in Greece
Commercial disagreements may arise even where the parties have a written agreement.
Common disputes can concern:
- unpaid invoices;
- breach of contract;
- delayed performance;
- defective performance;
- termination of agreements;
- supplier disputes;
- distribution disputes;
- disagreements between business partners;
- damages resulting from contractual breaches.
The first step is generally to review the agreement, correspondence, invoices and other available evidence.
Breach of Commercial Contract
When one party fails to perform its contractual obligations, the available legal options depend on the agreement and the circumstances.
Issues may include:
- failure to make payment;
- failure to deliver goods;
- delayed delivery;
- failure to provide agreed services;
- breach of confidentiality;
- unlawful termination;
- failure to meet contractual specifications.
Legal analysis should consider both the wording of the contract and the conduct of the parties.
Unpaid Commercial Debts
Late or unpaid invoices can create significant problems for businesses.
Before taking legal action, relevant documents should be reviewed, including:
- contract or agreement;
- invoices;
- delivery documents;
- correspondence;
- payment records;
- acknowledgements of debt.
Depending on the circumstances, the matter may initially be addressed through formal communication or negotiation, while judicial remedies may be considered where necessary.
Negotiating Commercial Disputes
Not every commercial disagreement needs to result immediately in court proceedings.
Where appropriate, negotiations can be used to seek a practical resolution.
This may involve:
- payment arrangements;
- settlement agreements;
- modification of contractual obligations;
- termination agreements;
- resolution of outstanding claims.
Any settlement should clearly document the obligations agreed between the parties.
Business Transactions
Businesses may require legal assistance when entering into significant transactions.
Legal work may include:
- review of contractual documents;
- due diligence;
- negotiation of terms;
- preparation of agreements;
- review of corporate information;
- examination of liabilities relevant to the transaction.
The scope of the legal review depends on the nature and value of the proposed transaction.
Company Information and Corporate Due Diligence
Before entering into an important commercial relationship or transaction, it may be useful to examine publicly available corporate information concerning the other party.
GEMI provides access to public information concerning registered Greek businesses, including their legal form, status, incorporation information, management and other registered corporate information.
Official company searches can be conducted through GEMI Business Publicity.
Where required, certificates and copies of documents registered with GEMI can also be obtained electronically.
Legal Services for Start-ups
Start-ups often require legal assistance at an early stage of their development.
Relevant matters may include:
- company formation;
- founders’ arrangements;
- commercial contracts;
- confidentiality agreements;
- relationships with suppliers;
- relationships with customers;
- corporate changes;
- online business activities.
Addressing these issues early can provide a clearer legal framework as the business develops.
Commercial Lawyer Greece for International Companies
Foreign companies doing business in Greece may require legal assistance concerning Greek commercial and corporate matters.
Assistance may involve:
- establishment of business activity in Greece;
- Greek commercial agreements;
- contractual negotiations;
- corporate matters;
- GEMI procedures;
- business transactions;
- disputes with Greek companies;
- cooperation with Greek suppliers or distributors.
Legal assistance can also be provided remotely where the company’s representatives are located outside Greece.
Cross-Border Commercial Agreements
Contracts involving companies from different countries require particular attention to provisions concerning:
- applicable law;
- jurisdiction;
- payment currency;
- delivery;
- taxation-related contractual provisions;
- termination;
- dispute resolution.
The fact that one party is located outside Greece does not by itself determine which law or court will apply to every dispute.
These issues should therefore be addressed when drafting or reviewing the agreement.
E-commerce and Online Businesses
Commercial law is also relevant to businesses operating online.
E-commerce businesses may require legal assistance concerning:
- Terms and Conditions;
- commercial agreements;
- consumer transactions;
- privacy documentation;
- GDPR;
- returns and refunds;
- online sales.
For detailed information regarding online stores, see our E-commerce Lawyer Greece.
This dedicated service covers the legal framework for e-shops and online businesses without mixing that specific search intent with the broader commercial-law services on this page.
Commercial Property Matters
Businesses may also require legal assistance when purchasing, leasing or reviewing commercial property in Greece.
For transactions involving real estate, see our Real Estate Lawyer Greece.
Before purchasing property, legal due diligence can also be carried out through our Property Legal Check Greece.
Commercial and Civil Law
Some business disputes involve broader contractual and civil-law issues.
Where a matter concerns contractual obligations, damages or other civil-law questions, related information is available on our Civil Lawyer Greece.
Ongoing Legal Support for Businesses
Businesses do not necessarily require legal assistance only after a dispute occurs.
Ongoing legal support may include:
- reviewing new contracts;
- preparing agreements;
- responding to contractual issues;
- corporate documentation;
- negotiations;
- reviewing proposed transactions;
- addressing legal questions arising during daily business operations.
This allows legal issues to be considered when commercial decisions are being made rather than only after a disagreement has arisen.
Commercial Lawyer Greece – Frequently Asked Questions
Can a lawyer review a commercial contract before I sign it?
Yes. A proposed commercial agreement can be reviewed before signature to examine the rights, obligations, liability provisions, termination terms and other contractual conditions.
Can you prepare a commercial agreement from the beginning?
Yes. Commercial agreements can be drafted according to the specific transaction and relationship between the parties rather than using a generic template.
Can you assist a foreign company doing business in Greece?
Yes. Legal assistance can be provided to international companies concerning contracts, corporate matters, transactions and other commercial-law issues in Greece.
Can a company be established online in Greece?
Yes. Greece provides an Electronic One-Stop Shop for company formation. Depending on the procedure, the relevant company information and articles of association are submitted electronically and the subsequent registrations are processed through the system.
What is GEMI?
GEMI is Greece’s General Commercial Registry. It functions as the national commercial publicity register in which acts, information and declarations subject to commercial publicity are registered and published.
Can I search information about a Greek company?
Yes. Public GEMI services allow searches for registered businesses using information such as the company name, tax identification number or GEMI number.
Can you assist with a dispute between companies?
Yes. The relevant contracts, correspondence and other evidence can be reviewed to determine the legal issues and available options.
Do you handle e-shop legal matters?
Yes. For online stores, our dedicated E-commerce Lawyer Greece page covers Terms and Conditions, privacy, consumer protection and related e-commerce matters.
Can commercial legal services be provided remotely?
Yes. Many commercial matters involving document review, contracts and corporate documentation can be handled for clients located outside Greece, depending on the requirements of the specific matter.
Commercial Lawyer Greece – Legal Assistance
Commercial relationships can involve significant contractual and financial obligations.
Legal assistance can be useful when establishing a company, preparing an agreement, negotiating a business transaction or dealing with a commercial dispute.
A Commercial Lawyer Greece can examine the legal aspects of the transaction or business relationship and assist with the preparation, review and implementation of the relevant legal documents.
The Law Office of Anna Deftereou provides commercial legal services to businesses, entrepreneurs and international clients requiring assistance with business matters in Greece.
Contact Our Law Office
For commercial contracts, company matters, business transactions or commercial disputes in Greece, you can contact our office to discuss the specific matter and the legal assistance required.
Law Office of Anna Deftereou
39 Stadiou Street, Athens, Greece
Tel.: +30 210 323 8062