Against the backdrop of the expanding use of electronic apostilles, the Ministry of Digital Governance of Greece has been officially designated as an authority independently authorized to certify documents. The corresponding changes have been recorded on the portal of the Hague Conference on Private International Law.
Digitalization of apostille procedures in Greece
Previously, the authorities responsible for the apostille of documents in Greece were the offices of the decentralized county administrations and the courts. However, with the introduction of the new technologies, the situation has changed.
A key step towards the digitalization of document legalization in Greece has been the implementation of the e-Apostille system. In 2024 the section on document legalization via electronic apostille was officially updated on the official e-Government portal.
Only documents issued on or after 13 October 2023 are eligible for electronic apostille. The digital apostille is issued in three languages: Greek, English, and French.
Who is authorized to apostille documents in Greece
To obtain an electronic apostille, applicants must log in to gov.gr using their Taxisnet or e-banking credentials and certify their mobile phone number in the National Communications Register (EMEp).
Once the procedure is completed, the electronically stamped document is sent to the citizen’s electronic inbox. The document can be saved or printed via my.gov.gr.
Initially, the electronic apostille was introduced for the most in-demand types of documents. However, the practice was later expanded to cover the entire range of official documents..
Previously, when the apostille issuance was decentralized, the list of authorized bodies for legalization remained the same, but e-Apostille has changed the system. Now, on the website of the Hague Conference on Private International Law, the Ministry of Digital Development is officially listed as an authorized body together with the courts and the offices of the decentralized county administrations.
Unlike most states party to the Apostille Convention, in Greece, the body responsible for digitalization does not act as an intermediary but holds independent authority to certify documents. The Ministry has been legally empowered to issue apostilles for any documents obtained through gov.gr.
What is an apostille?
What is an apostille? Why do I need an apostille? How do I get an apostille? - Our video will explain everything you need to know about the apostille. If you have a document that needs to be certified with an apostille for use abroad, Schmidt and Schmidt will assist you! We provide apostille services in more than 100 countries worldwide.
