The UK Apostille: What It Is and How to Get One For Your Wedding in Greece?

This article refers not only to general Apostille information, but also to specific instructions on how to obtain an Apostille for your legal documents in the UK.

Our couple Aaron & Holly getting legally married in Mykonos

What is an apostille?

An apostille is a certification process used to verify the authenticity of public documents—such as birth or marriage certificates, educational records, or corporate documents—ensuring they are recognised in another country that is a member of the Hague Convention.

The apostille simplifies the process of legalising documents for international use, replacing the need for a more complex diplomatic procedure. Established under the Hague Convention of 1961, it allows documents to be legally recognised across borders. Currently, 91 countries accept the apostille as a valid form of legalisation. Greece is one of them!

Why might you need an apostille to be married in Greece?

If you’re planning to get married in Greece legally, one crucial step you will need to take is obtaining an apostille for your official documents.

Here are a few specific papers that require an apostille when getting married in Greece:

-          Birth Certificate: Greek authorities, including the town hall and the Greek church, will request an apostilled copy of your birth certificate to verify your identity and citizenship. The authorities need to confirm your personal details before approving your marriage.

-          Proof of Legal Capacity to Marry: Greece asks for a document proving that you're legally allowed to marry, such as a declaration of no impediment to marriage. If such a document is issued in your home country, it will need to be apostilled to ensure its acceptance abroad.

-          Divorce Decree (if applicable): If either of you has been previously married and divorced, you will be asked to provide an apostilled copy of your divorce decree. This confirms that you're legally free to marry again.

How do you obtain an apostille?

1. Prepare your Documents:

Ensure the documents required for your marriage in Greece are official public documents. For a detailed list of documents you may check our other posts, for religious and civil weddings in Greece.

2. Obtain certification (If applicable):

Prior to being issued an apostille by the FCDO, certain documents must first be certified by a solicitor or a notary public. This step helps to confirm the documents' authenticity.

3. Submit your Documents to the FCDO:

Once your documents are fully prepared and all final checks have been completed, they must be submitted to the Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office (FCDO) for the issuance of the apostille.

4. Wait for processing:

Once the documents are submitted to the FCDO, they will conduct the final checks and determine whether to issue the apostille. This process can take as little as 2 days when using a third-party service, or several weeks if managing the process independently.

5. Receiving the Apostille:

Once the FCDO has issued the apostille, it will either be mailed directly to the recipient’s address or returned to a third-party provider, who will then forward it to you.

Common challenges encountered in the apostille process:

1. Lack of Preparation:

Improperly prepared documents, such as those lacking necessary notarization or certification, may be rejected by the FCDO, leading to potential delays.

2. Processing Delays:

The FCDO frequently experiences a significant backlog of documents awaiting apostille, which can lead to extended processing times. To expedite the process, you may consider utilising a third-party service that can streamline the procedure for you.

3. Incorrect Presentation of Documents:

Certain documents, such as those from the General Register Office (GRO), must be submitted as original physical copies, as photocopies will not be accepted. However, some documents may be submitted in photocopied format. It is essential to verify the requirements before submission.

Ready to get legally married in Greece?

When getting married abroad, the process can feel overwhelming, especially with important documents like birth certificates and divorce decrees needing to be authenticated and apostilled. Using a trusted wedding planner that can direct you to an apostille service in your country can simplify the process significantly. These services handle all the details, including any solicitor certification if required, ensuring your documents are quickly and properly prepared. This not only saves time but also gives you peace of mind, helping you focus on your upcoming wedding without worrying about paperwork delays.

A gift from your planner: if you are in the UK, let Apostille Solutions know you were referred by Nymfee, and you will receive a 10% discount on your apostille services. This is a non-sponsored article and we receive no commissions from this :)