Document Witnessing & Identity Verification in Greece

Document witnessing and identity verification in Greece covers three small but frequent needs: a certified copy of a passport, diploma or other document (επικύρωση αντιγράφου), a certified signature on a declaration or form (γνήσιο υπογραφής), and a written confirmation by a lawyer of who you are, for a bank, a pension fund, an embassy or a company registry. People also search for a notary in Greece, an apostille, a certified translation or a life certificate for a pension. Some older lists and lawyer pages call this service “Proof of Identity & Document Witnessing Service”. English-speaking lawyers in Greece explain which body does what and take care of the whole chain.

Who uses this

• Expats whose home bank, pension provider or tax office wants a copy of their passport certified by a lawyer, or a yearly proof that they are alive.
• Applicants for residence permits, citizenship or university places who need certified copies of foreign documents for a Greek file.
• Heirs, buyers and sellers who must sign declarations for a Greek notary, bank or land registry while living elsewhere.
• Companies that need a director’s identity and signature confirmed for a Greek bank or the business registry.

How it works in Greece

Unlike in several other countries, a Greek lawyer is entitled to certify true copies of documents and to certify translations under the Lawyers’ Code, so a lawyer’s stamp on a copy of your passport is a regular document here. A signature, by contrast, is certified by a public authority: any Citizens Service Centre (ΚΕΠ), police station or administrative office certifies the signature of a person who signs in front of the officer, and holders of Greek Taxisnet codes can do it digitally on gov.gr. Deeds, powers of attorney and sworn declarations for property or inheritance go to a notary (συμβολαιογράφος). Documents that will travel abroad receive an apostille from the regional Decentralised Administration, from the court for judicial documents, or electronically for gov.gr documents; for countries outside the Hague system the Foreign Ministry legalises instead.

Points to check

The receiving body sets the rules: a British pension fund, a German bank and a Greek migration office each have their own list of who may certify and in which words. A lawyer’s certified copy is sometimes enough on its own and sometimes needs an apostille on the lawyer’s signature. Foreigners without Taxisnet codes cannot use the digital signature service and go to a ΚΕΠ in person with their passport. Video or remote certification is not something to count on. This page is general information, not legal advice.

What a lawyer does

Checks what the receiving body will accept, certifies the copies and translations a lawyer may certify, confirms your identity in a signed letter, accompanies you to the ΚΕΠ or notary where a public certification is required, obtains the apostille and sends the file where it has to go. Where a document gives someone authority to act for you, see power of attorney; related documents are described under criminal record certificate, civil status certificates and AFM number application. For a sale signed from a distance see property sale.

Questions and answers

Is a Greek lawyer a notary?

No. Notaries draw up deeds and powers of attorney. Lawyers certify copies and translations, confirm identity and prepare the documents a notary or a ΚΕΠ will certify.

Can a lawyer certify a copy of my passport for my bank abroad?

Yes. Whether the bank also wants an apostille on the lawyer’s certification depends on the bank.

Where is a signature certified in Greece?

At a Citizens Service Centre, a police station or any administrative office, in person, or digitally on gov.gr with Greek credentials.

Can I get a life certificate for my foreign pension in Greece?

The form usually comes from the pension provider and is completed before a ΚΕΠ officer, a consulate or, where the provider allows, a lawyer.

Do certified copies need a translation?

Only when the receiving body does not read the language of the document; the lawyer can certify the translation as well.