Death certificate in Greece for heirs abroad
Last updated: July 2026 · Ελληνικά
If you are inheriting from Greece while living abroad, the Greek death certificate is the first document you'll need — for banks, the inheritance tax return, and accepting or renouncing the estate. You don't have to travel: there are three ways to obtain it remotely.
How to get it without being in Greece
- Online from gov.gr, if you hold Greek Taxisnet credentials — the copy is issued as a PDF with a verification code, for free.
- Through a relative in Greece who issues it on your behalf (gov.gr or a KEP office).
- With a power of attorney to a lawyer or notary in Greece — authorise them once and they handle the certificate, the tax and the inheritance together.
- Through the Greek consulate in your country of residence, which can also draw up the power of attorney.
Apostille & official translation for use abroad
If the certificate will be submitted to an authority outside Greece (a bank, court or notary), it usually needs the Hague Apostille and an official translation:
- Greece is a party to the Hague Convention — the Apostille is now also issued digitally (e-Apostille) through gov.gr.
- For use in another Convention country the Apostille is enough; no further consular legalisation is required.
- Order an official/sworn translation into the language of the foreign authority.
If the death happened abroad
When a Greek citizen dies abroad, the death must first be registered in Greece — otherwise, in the Greek records the deceased remains legally alive and nothing (banks, property, inheritance) can move. Registration is done at the Athens Special Registry (Ministry of the Interior):
- Through the Greek consulate at the place of death, or via a lawyer with power of attorney who files directly with the Athens Special Registry.
- With the foreign death certificate, bearing an Apostille and an official translation.
- Once registered, you can issue a Greek death certificate normally — including from gov.gr.
The deadlines are longer — but they run
For heirs resident abroad, the renunciation deadline is 1 year (instead of 4 months) and the inheritance tax return is also 1 year. That's more time, but letting the renunciation deadline lapse counts as acceptance — together with any debts. Start the certificate early, because every other step depends on it.
Frequently asked questions
Can I get the death certificate without coming to Greece?
Yes. With Greek Taxisnet credentials you issue it yourself from gov.gr. Otherwise a relative in Greece can issue it, or you authorise a lawyer/notary by power of attorney — which can also be drawn up at a Greek consulate.
Do I need an Apostille?
If the certificate will be filed with an authority outside Greece, usually yes — the Hague Apostille, now also issued digitally through gov.gr, together with an official translation. For use inside Greece it isn't required.
The person died abroad — what do I do first?
The death is first registered at the Athens Special Registry, through the Greek consulate or via a lawyer with power of attorney, using the foreign certificate (Apostille + translation). The Greek death certificate is then issued normally.
Procedures and details may change — confirm the steps with the responsible authority. This guide provides practical guidance, not legal advice.
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