Athens civil registry — Greek death certificate
Last updated: July 2026 · Ελληνικά
The Athens civil registry is one of the busiest in the country — responsible for every death that occurred within the City of Athens, including the major central hospitals. Here's when it concerns you and the fastest way to get a copy of the record.
When the Athens registry is responsible
A death is registered at the civil registry of the place where it occurred — not the place of residence. This is the most common point of confusion: if someone lived in, say, Marousi but died in a central Athens hospital, the record is drawn up at the Athens civil registry.
Because Athens has many major hospitals (Evangelismos, Laiko, Alexandra, Ippokrateio and others), many families from across Attica — and all of Greece — end up seeking records from this particular registry.
How to get a copy
- Online via gov.gr with Taxisnet credentials — for digitised records (as a rule from 2013 onward). Free, wherever you live.
- From any KEP office, anywhere in Greece — you don't need to come to Athens.
- In person at the Athens civil registry (central Athens, Mitropoleos area), mainly for old/non-digitised records, corrections or special cases. Check the City of Athens website for opening hours and any appointments.
Registering a new death in Athens
For a death that has just occurred in the City of Athens, the registration is almost always handled by the funeral home, with the medical death certificate — before the burial. Confirm with them that registration is complete; from that point you can issue copies electronically.
Frequently asked questions
I live outside Athens — must I come to the registry?
Almost never. For digitised records, the copy is issued from gov.gr or any KEP office in your area. A visit is mainly needed for old records that haven't been digitised — and even then, first ask whether they serve by email or via a KEP office.
The death was in an Athens hospital but the funeral was elsewhere — where is the record?
At the Athens civil registry, because the place of death is what counts. The place of burial or residence doesn't change which registry is responsible.
How many copies will I need?
Usually 5–10: banks, EFKA, the tax office, insurers and utilities each ask for one. Issue as many as you need for free from gov.gr, whenever you need them.
Procedures and details may change — confirm the steps with the responsible authority. This guide provides practical guidance, not legal advice.
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