Medical death certificate in Greece — what it is and who issues it
Last updated: July 2026 · Ελληνικά
The medical death certificate is the first document issued after a death: a doctor draws it up, confirming the death and its cause. Without it, neither the registration with the civil registry nor the burial can proceed. It is often confused with the civil death certificate — but they are different documents with different roles.
Who issues it
- In a hospital or clinic: the attending doctor of the institution.
- At home: the doctor who confirms the death (the attending doctor, or one who is called).
- For a sudden, violent or unexplained death: the authorities are notified and the certificate is issued by a coroner (ιατροδικαστής).
How it is used in practice
The medical certificate is used to register the death at the civil registry of the place where it occurred — from that registration come the civil death certificate and the burial permit. The registration must be done promptly (before the burial), and in the vast majority of cases the funeral home handles it, along with all related documents.
As a family, you'll rarely need to handle the medical certificate yourselves — but do confirm with the funeral home that the registration is complete, because every copy you'll need later depends on it.
Medical certificate vs civil certificate — the difference
- The medical certificate is a medical document: it confirms the death and its cause. It is issued once, by a doctor.
- The civil death certificate is the official registry document: this is what banks, EFKA, the tax office and services ask for, and it is issued in as many copies as you need.
- Insurers, especially for life policies, may ask for additional information on the cause of death — that's where the medical certificate or a related medical statement may be needed.
Frequently asked questions
The death happened at home — what do we do?
Call a doctor to confirm the death (the attending doctor, if there is one). If no doctor can certify the cause, or if the death is sudden/unclear, the authorities are notified and a coroner takes over. The funeral home can guide you on this immediately too.
Do banks or the state ask for it?
As a rule no — banks, EFKA and services ask for the civil death certificate. The medical certificate mainly concerns registering the death and, in some cases, insurers.
Can I get a copy of it later?
Its content is incorporated into the registration with the civil registry. If you need fresh medical documentation (e.g. for an insurer), contact the institution or doctor that issued it.
Procedures and details may change — confirm the steps with the responsible authority. This guide provides practical guidance, not legal advice.
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