The enactment of Law 5089/2024 has made Greece the 16th European Union country to fully recognize civil marriage between individuals of the same sex! Since the law came into force on 17 March 2024, it has already led to significant legal, social, and practical developments, not only within Greece but also for couples wishing to have their marriage recognized abroad. However, let us first look at what is required in order to lawfully get married in Greece with your significant other, whether you already reside in Greece or you wish to come to Greece to celebrate your marriage and experience this unique occasion here.
In any case, to conclude a civil marriage in Greece, a marriage license is required, in accordance with the provisions of Greek law.
If you are a citizen of a non-EU country and reside permanently or temporarily in Greece, you can apply for the issuance of a marriage license at the Municipality where you reside.
To issue the marriage license, the following are required:
- Birth certificate issued within the last six months, officially translated into Greek and duly certified either with an apostille (if the issuing country is a party to the Hague Convention) or otherwise with consular legalization.
- Certificate of no impediment to marriage from your Embassy or other competent authority of your country, officially translated into Greek and duly certified either with an apostille (if the issuing country is a party to the Hague Convention) or with consular legalization, explicitly stating that the document is issued for the purpose of marriage between individuals of the same sex in Greece.
- Residence permit or other proof of legal residence in Greece.
If you do not reside in Greece but wish to come to our country to perform your marriage, you need a valid marriage license from your home country, issued in accordance with the law of your country, which allows same-sex marriages. If you do not possess a marriage license from your country, you can apply for a license from a Greek Municipality, under the above-mentioned conditions, provided that residence in Greece can be proven through documentation (e.g., temporary residence or through your partner). The required documents are the same as for residents of Greece.
If you are citizens of the European Union residing in Greece, you can apply for the issuance of a marriage license in Greece by submitting an application to the Municipality of your residence. You will need:
- Birth certificate issued within the last six months, officially translated into Greek and duly certified either with an apostille (if the issuing country is a party to the Hague Convention) or otherwise with consular legalization.
- Certificate of family status/certificate of no impediment to marriage from your home country, officially translated into Greek and duly certified either with an apostille (if the issuing country is a party to the Hague Convention) or otherwise with consular legalization.
- In case of a previous marriage or previous civil partnership, you must submit a Marriage Dissolution Certificate, officially translated and certified with apostille or consular legalization, or a Civil Partnership Dissolution Certificate, officially translated and certified with apostille or consular legalization, or a Death Certificate of the previous spouse, officially translated and certified with apostille or consular legalization.
- Solemn Declaration signed by you (pursuant to Law 1599/1986) stating that there is no impediment to concluding a marriage with a person of the same sex.
The conclusion of a civil marriage between same-sex individuals, although now legally established in Greece, may entail legal and administrative details requiring careful handling, especially regarding the collection, translation, and certification of documents. A specialized law firm with experience in family and private international law can safely guide you through every stage of the process, ensuring the smooth and valid celebration of your marriage in Greece.