How do you apostille and translate documents for Greece in 2026?

Greek MFA guidance for documents used by public authorities is clear: authentication precedes official translation. If the issuing country is party to the 1961 Hague Apostille Convention and Greece accepts that route for the document type, obtain the Apostille from the competent authority in the issuing country before you translate. Non-Hague origins generally need consular legalisation paths that MFA and Greek consulates describe for that country.

EU Regulation 2016/1191 can exempt some public documents between member states from legalisation for certain uses. Do not assume every diploma or power of attorney sits in that exemption; check the receiving Greek desk’s live list. Keep originals and colour scans in one folder for AFM, residence, and customs files.

Search certified translators on gov.gr under citizen translation services, or use professionals Greek law also accepts such as registered lawyers who certify the translation, or graduates of the Ionian University translation department when their route applies. MFA maintains the Register of Certified Translators and states it does not itself translate your file at the Citizen Information Office.

Powers of attorney for tax representatives, marriage and birth certificates for family AFM filings, and foreign driving or civil documents for exchange desks are the usual pain points: Convert a driving licence and Paperwork after moving. Banks may accept English KYC for some products, but public counters still demand Greek: Open a bank account.