Business Setup & Local Representation in Greece | Industrial Licensing & Regulatory Consulting
Your Local Representative in Greece for Business Setup
Greece offers real opportunities for foreign businesses and investors — in food production, manufacturing, industrial processing, and many other sectors. But the path from business idea to fully licensed, operating facility is not straightforward. Regulatory requirements are numerous, documentation is substantial and language-specific, and coordinating with Greek public authorities without a trusted local partner can be slow, costly, and unpredictable.
That is where we come in.
With over 30 years of professional experience in Greece, we serve as your dedicated local representative — your eyes, hands, and voice on the ground. We manage the full scope of licensing, technical studies, facility design, authority liaison, and supplier coordination, so you can focus on your business strategy while we handle the Greek side of things.
Whether you are a European manufacturer looking to establish a production unit, an international food brand seeking a compliant Greek processing facility, or a foreign investor evaluating industrial opportunities, we provide end-to-end support under a single point of contact.
What We Do for You
Industrial Facility Design
Space planning, equipment layout, production flow design, and technical drawings for manufacturing plants, food processing units, and workshops — prepared in full compliance with Greek Law and EU standards.
Business & Industrial Licensing
Complete management of installation and working licenses, business operating permits, and sector-specific approvals from Greek authorities, including Regional authorities, Ministries, Environmental departments, and Municipalities.
Food Business Compliance
HACCP study preparation, food safety management system design, labeling compliance under EU Regulation 1169/2011, and food establishment licensing — from artisan producers to large-scale processors.
Fire Safety Studies & Permits
Fire safety studies required for Greek business licensing, prepared according to Greek Fire Service specifications and submitted on your behalf.
Electrical & Technical Installation Studies
Electrical installation drawings, water and sewage studies, and all other technical studies required to secure your business operating license in Greece and for construction.
Supplier & Partner Network
Introductions and coordination with vetted Greek suppliers, contractors, equipment vendors, and professional partners relevant to your industry sector.
Public Authority Liaison
Direct handling of all communications and submissions to Greek public authorities — Regions, Municipalities, Environmental departments, Health Inspectorates, and others — on your behalf, in Greek.
Site Search & Location Advisory
Research and evaluation of suitable industrial zones, business premises, or production sites in Greece, including zoning analysis and suitability assessment for your specific planned activity.
Greece for Foreign Businesses: Opportunities & Challenges
Before committing to a market entry, you deserve an honest picture of the Greek business environment. Here is a frank assessment based on 30 years of working within it.
Opportunities
- Strategic EU location bridging Europe, the Middle East, and North Africa
- Competitive industrial land and real estate costs compared to Western Europe
- Skilled, educated workforce, particularly in engineering and food sciences
- Access to EU funding programs and investment subsidies
- Strong tourism ecosystem supporting food, hospitality, and retail businesses
- High-quality raw materials, especially in agri-food, olive oil, and wine sectors
- Growing government openness to foreign direct investment
Challenges to Navigate
- Multi-layered licensing process requiring coordination across several authorities
- Regulatory timelines can be lengthy without experienced local guidance
- Documentation requirements are substantial and must be prepared in Greek
- Finding reliable local contractors and suppliers without local knowledge is difficult
- Zoning and land-use regulations vary significantly by municipality
- Environmental compliance requirements are increasingly stringent
The single most effective way to reduce both risk and time-to-market in Greece is to have an experienced local professional manage your regulatory and operational presence from day one. That is precisely what we offer.
How We Work Together
Step 1 — Initial Consultation (Free)
We discuss your business concept, sector, scale, and objectives. We assess feasibility, outline the likely licensing path, and give you an honest timeline and cost estimate with no obligation.
Step 2 — Site & Location Assessment
Where needed, we research and evaluate suitable locations in Greece — industrial zones, commercial premises, or greenfield sites — and advise on zoning compatibility with your planned activity.
Step 3 — Technical Studies & Facility Design
We prepare all required technical documentation: facility layout drawings, HACCP studies, fire safety studies, electrical installation plans, and any other mandatory studies for your licensing application.
Step 4 — Licensing & Permit Applications
We submit and manage all applications to the relevant Greek authorities on your behalf, respond to queries, attend inspections, and track progress until all permits are granted.
Step 5 — Supplier & Contractor Coordination
We connect you with trusted local suppliers, construction contractors, and equipment vendors, and can coordinate their work during the facility fit-out and commissioning phase.
Step 6 — Ongoing Local Representation
After your facility is operational, we remain available as your local point of contact for regulatory renewals, compliance monitoring, inspections, and any administrative matters that require in-country presence.
About Your Representative
Panagiotis Skiadas is a licensed chemical engineer based in Athens, Greece, with over 30 years of professional experience across industrial licensing, food business compliance, facility design, fire safety consulting, and regulatory affairs.
Throughout his career he has worked with Greek businesses of all sizes — from small food producers and artisan workshops to large industrial operators — guiding them through every stage of licensing, design, and compliance. He holds deep familiarity with the Greek regulatory framework at national, regional, and municipal levels, and maintains active working relationships with the authorities and professional networks that matter for getting your project done efficiently.
The services offered to international clients are exactly the same services delivered to Greek clients for decades — now structured specifically for foreign businesses that need a competent, reliable, and communicative partner on the ground in Greece.
Communication with international clients is conducted in English throughout every stage of the engagement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to be physically present in Greece to get my business licensed?
In most cases, no. As your local representative, we manage all submissions, inspections, and authority communications on your behalf. We will advise you if your personal presence becomes necessary for a specific step — this is rare but possible depending on the nature of the business.
How long does it take to license a food business or industrial facility in Greece?
Timelines vary depending on the type of business, the required permits, and the responsible authorities. A food establishment with a simplified HACCP study can be licensed within weeks; a larger industrial facility may require several months. We provide a realistic timeline estimate during our initial consultation based on your specific situation.
Can you help us find an industrial site or production space in Greece?
Yes. We advise on suitable industrial zones and business locations across Greece, assess the zoning and regulatory compatibility of specific sites with your planned activity, and help you understand the implications of different locations before you commit.
What sectors do you have the most experience with?
Our core expertise covers food production and processing businesses (including HACCP, labeling, and food establishment licensing), general industrial and manufacturing facilities, and commercial and workshop operations. We have worked across food and beverage, chemical processing, hospitality, and light manufacturing, among others.
What are your fees for local representation services?
Fees are project-specific and depend on the scope of services required. We offer a free initial consultation during which we provide a fee proposal tailored to your needs. Pricing is transparent and agreed in writing before any work begins.
Do you work with EU-based companies only, or also with companies from outside Europe?
We work with businesses and investors from anywhere in the world considering market entry in Greece. Whether you are based in the EU, the UK, the US, the Middle East, or elsewhere, the licensing and setup process is the same — and our services apply equally.
Let's Talk About Your Project in Greece
If you are considering establishing a business, production unit, or industrial facility in Greece and need a trusted local partner to manage the process, we are ready to help.
Contact us for a free initial consultation. Tell us about your project, and we will give you an honest assessment of the path forward.
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Location: Athens, Greece — available for projects nationwide