How to Register Your Foreign Marriage in Greece
How to Register Your Foreign Marriage in Greece: A Legal Guide by Economou & Economou law office in Athens Greece.
If you’ve had the joy of celebrating your wedding abroad and are now looking to have it recognized in Greece, the process involves specific legal steps. At Economou & Economou law office, our expertise in family law ensures that your foreign marriage is registered seamlessly and legally recognized within Greece. Below, we outline the procedure in clear legal terms.
1. Legal Basis for Recognition of Foreign Marriages in Greece
According to Greek law, marriages that are legally performed and valid under the law of the country where they took place are generally recognized in Greece. This recognition is crucial as it affects your legal status, inheritance rights, tax obligations, and more.
2. Required Documentation
To register your marriage in Greece, you’ll need to gather the following documents:
– Marriage Certificate: A certified copy of your marriage certificate issued by the relevant authority in the country where the marriage took place.
– Apostille or Legalization: The marriage certificate must bear an Apostille stamp if issued in a country that is a signatory to the Hague Convention. If not, the document must be legalized by the Greek consulate in that country.
– Official Translation: The marriage certificate must be translated into Greek by the Translation Service of the Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs, a lawyer in Greece, or a certified translator.
– Passports and Identification: Copies of both spouses’ passports or identification cards.
– Proof of Residency: If applicable, documentation showing your residency in Greece.
3. Submitting the Application
The application for registration must be submitted to the local Registrar’s Office (Lixiarcheio) in the municipality where you reside or intend to reside in Greece. If neither spouse is a resident, the application can be submitted in the municipality where your last known residence was, or at the municipality of your spouse’s family origin if they are Greek.
4. Legal Implications
Registering your marriage in Greece carries several legal implications, including:
– Change in Marital Status: Your marital status will be officially updated in the Greek Civil Registry, affecting all legal documentation in Greece.
– Tax and Financial Obligations: Your new status may influence your tax obligations, especially regarding joint taxation and property rights.
– Family Law Rights: Registration ensures that Greek family law applies to your marriage, which is crucial in cases of divorce, child custody, and inheritance.
5. Time Frame and Costs
The registration process typically takes a few weeks, depending on the municipality’s workload. There are minor fees associated with the translation of documents and administrative costs for registration.
6. Potential Legal Challenges
While the process is straightforward, certain issues can arise:
– Document Discrepancies: Any inconsistencies between the documents or issues with the Apostille/legalization may delay the process.
– Dual Citizenship Considerations: If one or both spouses have dual citizenship, it may affect the registration process, particularly regarding which country’s laws take precedence.
– Recognition of Non-Traditional Marriages:Marriages that do not align with Greek law (e.g., same-sex marriages) may face additional legal challenges and may not be recognized.
Conclusion
If you want to Register your foreign marriage in Greece, that requires legal advice and careful attention to detail. At Economou & Economou, our legal team specializes in navigating the complexities of Greek family law, ensuring your marriage is properly recognized and your rights protected.
For personalized legal advice and assistance with your marriage registration, contact Economou & Economou the leading family law experts in Greece by email at: econlaw@live.com or by phone at (+30) 2103603824
The above provides a comprehensive overview, ensuring that you understand the process and the importance of professional legal assistance by the best family lawyers in Greece of Economou & Economou law office in Athens.
learn more about family law in Greece by following the link here: https://www.econlaw.gr/portfolio-item/best-family-lawyers-in-greece/
learn more about Economou & Economou law office as the best recommended family office in Greece by lawzana here: https://lawzana.com/lawyer/economou-economou-law-office/athens-attica
