Since 2015, with Law 4356/2015, Greece has recognized the possibility of concluding a Civil Partnership between same-sex individuals, regardless of nationality. The procedure is simple but requires specific documents, especially when it involves foreign nationals. The following text summarizes the necessary documents for the conclusion of a Civil Partnership in Greece by both:
a) same-sex nationals of third countries, and
b) same-sex citizens of the EU, whether residing in Greece or abroad.
A) Nationals of third countries (outside the European Union)
Whether they reside in Greece or abroad and have come to Greece for the purpose of concluding a civil partnership with their significant other, they are required to submit the following documents:
- Valid passport.
- Proof of legal residence in the country (residence permit, entry visa, certificate of submission of a residence permit application, etc.).
- Certificate of non-marriage/family status from the country of origin, 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, they must submit a Certificate of Dissolution of the marriage or a Civil Partnership Dissolution Certificate, or a death certificate of the previous spouse. These documents must also be officially translated into Greek and bear either an apostille (if the issuing country is a party to the Hague Convention) or consular legalization.
- 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.
- Greek Tax Identification Number (AFM), if one has been issued in Greece. Otherwise, a solemn declaration must be submitted stating that no AFM exists.
- Proof of residence in Greece (e.g., tax form E1, electricity bill) or certificate of residence abroad (optional).
B) If the individuals wishing to conclude a Civil Partnership in Greece are citizens of an EU Member State, or at least one of them is an EU citizen, they are required to submit the same documents as above, with the sole exception that no proof of legal residence in Greece is required (such as a residence permit or entry visa), as they benefit from the freedom of movement and residence within the European Union under EU law and are therefore not required to prove the legality of their stay for this specific act.
All the above-required documents must be submitted to the notary before the drafting of the Civil Partnership agreement. Upon receipt and verification of completeness of the documents, the notary proceeds to draft the Civil Partnership agreement and invites the parties to appear before them for the signing.
The signing of the Civil Partnership agreement must be done in person by both parties before the notary. Authorization or representation by proxy is not permitted. Therefore, the physical presence of the interested parties in Greece at the time of signing is required.
After signing, the Civil Partnership must be submitted within ten (10) days to the competent Registry Office for its registration and the issuance of a registration act of the Civil Partnership. This registration is a prerequisite for the legal effects to be produced, both between the parties and towards third parties.
To ensure the correct and smooth completion of the procedure, it is recommended that the interested parties consult a specialized law firm in order to ensure compliance with the required formalities and to avoid delays or rejections due to incomplete or invalid documentation.