Greece is a party to the Hague Apostille Convention (in force since 18 May 1985). A U.S. public document bound for Greece needs a single apostille from the competent authority of the state that issued or notarized it, or from the U.S. Department of State for federal documents. No embassy or consular legalization is required, and Greece's authorities cannot demand one.
Ratified 1985-03-19; in force 1985-05-18 (HCCH).
The route, step by step
- Identify the issuing office
State or local signature → that state’s competent authority. Federal signature → U.S. Department of State. How to tell.
- Prepare the right version
Certified copies for vital and court records; complete notarization for private documents. Preparation checklist.
- Request the apostille
Name Greece as the destination on the request form so the office issues an apostille (not an authentication certificate).
- Translate if required
Confirm with the receiving office in Greece whether a translation is needed and by whom it must be made.
Using U.S. documents in Greece
Greece accepts U.S. apostilles. Translations must be by the Translation Service of the Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs (now largely replaced by certified translators on the official register), a Greek lawyer, or a certified translator — U.S. notarized translations are not accepted. Procedures: Greek citizenship by descent (apostilled birth, marriage and death certificates in the line; registration at the dimotologio via consulates), marriage (apostilled birth certificate, single-status affidavit sworn before a notary or the consulate, divorce decree; church weddings add baptism records), residence permits (apostilled FBI check for some categories; apostilled birth and marriage certificates), inheritance (apostilled affidavits of heirship and death certificates, used before Greek notaries and courts), and Golden Visa property purchases (apostilled POAs).
Why U.S. documents are sent to Greece
- Greek citizenship by descent
- residence permit (Golden Visa, FIP)
- marriage in Greece
- inheritance/property
- university admission
Greece-specific points
- Greek Embassy USA: official US documents with original signature/seal are apostilled directly; private documents (medical, legal) must first be notarized; business documents need notary or chamber certification; university documents need notary or registrar verification.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need an apostille or legalization for Greece?
An apostille. Greece is a Hague Convention member, so no embassy legalization is needed.
Who issues the apostille for Greece?
The U.S. state that issued or notarized the document, or the U.S. Department of State for federal documents — never a U.S. embassy, and never Greece’s embassy.
Does Greece require a translation?
Requirements vary by the receiving authority in Greece; translate after the apostille with the translator type they specify.
