Have you arrived from Greece and need to have Greek documents recognised for a procedure in Belgium? Good news: because Greece is in the European Union, some formalities are lighter. Here is which records to translate, when the apostille falls away and how to build an accepted file.
📖 See also: apostille or legalisation · immigration documents · sworn translation guide · which translation is accepted
Greece in the EU: an important simplification
Regulation (EU) 2016/1191 abolishes the apostille between EU countries for certain public documents, in particular civil status records (birth, marriage, death, single status). Better still, it provides standard multilingual forms that the Greek authority can attach to the record. This form repeats the entries in all EU languages and can, in many cases, dispense with a translation. Ask for it systematically from the issuing Greek authority.
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When a sworn translation is still required
The multilingual form does not cover everything. A sworn translation from Greek into French or Dutch is still often required for:
- Documents outside the scope of the regulation (diplomas, transcripts, court judgments).
- Civil status records issued without a multilingual form.
- Records the administration wants to read in full, beyond the standard entries.
So check with the recipient service whether the multilingual form is enough or whether a translation is requested. Our guide which translation is accepted details what Belgian administrations expect.
Which Greek documents to have translated?
Depending on your procedure (residence, marriage, diploma equivalence, employment), the most requested Greek records are:
- Civil status records: birth certificate, marriage certificate, certificate of single status.
- Diplomas and transcripts for an equivalence or a job.
- Criminal record extract from Greece.
The Greek alphabet and the transliteration of names
Greek records are written in the Greek alphabet: the sworn translator must transliterate your surname and first name in a way consistent with your Belgian documents (residence permit, identity card). A divergent spelling frequently leads to a rejection. Always indicate the spelling already used on your Belgian papers.
In short: for Greek civil status records, first ask for the EU multilingual form (often without apostille or translation). For diplomas, judgments and criminal records, plan a sworn Greek-French or Greek-Dutch translation, with names transliterated as on your Belgian papers.
How to proceed
- Gather your Greek records and confirm the list with the Belgian administration.
- Request the EU multilingual form for the civil status records concerned.
- Entrust the sworn Greek-French or Greek-Dutch translation for the documents outside the scope.
- Specify the spelling of your name as it appears on your Belgian papers.
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FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Since Greece is in the EU, is an apostille still needed?
For civil status records covered by Regulation (EU) 2016/1191, no: the apostille is abolished between EU countries. For other documents, authentication may still be useful. See our apostille or legalisation guide.
Does the multilingual form remove the need for a translation?
Often yes for the civil status records concerned. But diplomas, judgments and criminal records are excluded and usually require a sworn translation. Confirm with the recipient service.
Into which language should I translate in Belgium?
Into French or Dutch depending on the region and the service. Ask for the target language before ordering, as explained in our sworn translation guide.
How do I avoid a rejection because of my name?
Give the translator the spelling appearing on your Belgian residence permit or identity card. The sworn translator transliterates the Greek alphabet consistently to avoid a rejection.
Urgent Greek procedure to complete?
Express available for your Greek records. Sworn translation ready for the Belgian administration.