Apostilled documents in London for use in Greece

London apostille for Greece is issued by the FCDO Legalisation Office, and a fresh certified copy can be ordered from Westminster Register Office at 317 Harrow Road, London W9 3RJ.

London → Greece

Hague Members

Destination Greece

Destination status Hague Convention member

Issued by The Legalisation Office (Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office)

Standard turnaround Up to 25 working days, plus postage

Information validated 20 August 2026

Complete Guide

London Apostille Greece | Legalisation for Greece

How to get a UK apostille for use in Greece, including the steps from London and requirements specific to Greek authorities.

In this guide

Apostille vs. Embassy legalisation for Greece
Greece's Hague status & what it means
The London → Greece route step by step
Destination-specific requirements
Cost & timing for this route

Apostille vs. Embassy legalisation for Greece

An apostille is the only certification you need for UK documents to be recognised in Greece, thanks to both countries being part of the Hague Convention. Since Greece joined in 1985, there's no need for further embassy or consular legalisation once you have this stamp. The process for document legalisation for Greece requires just one government office, not multiple layers of approval. This applies to public documents like birth, marriage, and death certificates, which can be processed with a single step.

Greece's Hague status & what it means

Greece's membership in the Hague Convention since 1985 ensures a straightforward process for verifying UK documents. An apostille for Greece serves as confirmation that the signature on your document is genuine, according to British authorities. This arrangement between countries means Greek authorities will accept the apostilled document without question. The system exists to prevent the need for further checks once the paper carries this special stamp.

The London → Greece route step by step

Start by requesting a replacement certified copy from the Westminster Register Office at 317 Harrow Road, London W9 3RJ if you have a vital record like a birth certificate. This protects your original from being lost in the post. Then, send the fresh copy to the Legalisation Office in Milton Keynes for the apostille. The apostille from United Kingdom to Greece must be attached directly to your document by the Legalisation Office's clerks, who check the signature against their records. Return postage is added to make sure the stamped document comes back to you safely.

Destination-specific requirements

Greek authorities often request certified translations of documents, but this is done after the apostille is in place. The translation must match the apostilled version exactly. When considering what you need for an apostille for Greece, factor in the possible requirement for a certified translator who understands legal Greek. Keep in mind that some offices in Greece may have specific formatting preferences, so it's wise to check about these in advance.

Cost & timing for this route

The official fee quoted by the Legalisation Office applies per document, with a reduced rate available to registered businesses using their dedicated service tier. This office handles apostille stamps for the whole UK from their base in Milton Keynes, and the London origin of your document does not affect their processing schedule. The Westminster Register Office charges separately for certified copies of civil records. Their desk handles these orders during business hours for walk-ins who prefer counter service.

Frequently Asked Questions

London → Greece apostille FAQ

How long does the London apostille for Greece take?

The FCDO Legalisation Office (PO Box 6255, Milton Keynes MK10 1XX) issues the apostille for documents sent from London. The standard postal route typically takes up to 25 working days, whereas the faster registered service is completed more quickly. Because the office works by post, there is no desk you can visit in person. A common mistake is assuming the office will return the original paper, but you should send a fresh certified copy instead. Once you receive the stamped paper, you can send it on to the Greek authority that will accept it.

Do I need to send the original document or can I use a certified copy for the apostille?

For an apostille the office only needs a paper that already carries an official signature, so a fresh certified copy is acceptable. The Westminster Register Office (317 Harrow Road, London W9 3RJ) issues certified copies of birth, marriage and death records and works solely by post. Sending the original is not required and can risk loss, so you should order a new copy from that register. Make sure the copy shows the registrar’s stamp, because the apostille office checks that the signature is genuine. After you receive the certified copy you can forward it to the FCDO Legalisation Office for the apostille stamp.

What fee do I have to pay for an apostille on a document destined for Greece?

An official fee applies for each document that receives the apostille. The standard postal service costs £45 per document, while the faster registered service costs £40 per document for businesses that qualify. The fee is paid to the FCDO Legalisation Office when you send your paper. Do not confuse these amounts with any extra charge from courier or translation services, as those are separate matters. After the fee is received the office attaches the apostille stamp and returns the paper to you.

Is there any extra step after receiving the apostille before the document is accepted in Greece?

Greece has been a member of the Hague Convention since 1985, so the apostille is the only certification the Greek authorities require. Once the apostille stamp is attached, the document can be presented directly to the Greek office that will use it. No embassy or consular legalisation is needed, which saves time and avoids extra paperwork. A frequent error is to send the paper to the Greek embassy for a further stamp, which the embassy will usually refuse because the apostille is already sufficient. Therefore you can forward the apostilled paper to the Greek recipient or authority without any further steps.

Can I get an apostille for a marriage certificate issued in London for use in Greece?

If you need a marriage certificate issued in London for use in Greece, first order a fresh certified copy from the Westminster Register Office (317 Harrow Road, London W9 3RJ). The certified copy will bear the registrar’s signature and official stamp, meeting what the apostille office looks for. Send that copy to the FCDO Legalisation Office, where the office adds the apostille stamp that Greece recognises. Because Greece accepts the apostille, you do not have to obtain any extra legalisation from the Greek embassy. After receiving the apostilled certificate you can include it in your Greek paperwork or send it to the Greek authority that requested it.

How It Works

Four steps to your Greece-ready apostille

No office visits, no queues. The entire process is handled remotely and you track every step in real time.

Prepare your document

Obtain the original document (or a certified copy) you need to use abroad, and check whether it must be notarised first.

Confirm the requirements

Verify the document is eligible for an apostille.

Submit to The Legalisation Office

The apostille is issued by The Legalisation Office, the competent authority. The government fee is £45 / document (standard postal); £40 / document next-day (registered businesses).

Receive your apostille

The authority attaches the apostille certificate, making the document valid abroad with no further embassy legalisation.

Where to go

Where London documents are certified and apostilled

These are two different offices doing two different jobs. The local register office issues the certified copy of a London birth, marriage or death record — check its current appointment rules before going. The apostille itself before use in Greece comes from the FCDO Legalisation Office, the UK's single competent authority, which accepts documents by post rather than in person.

Westminster Register Office

Certified copies of civil records (birth, marriage, death)

317 Harrow Road, London W9 3RJ

Directions →

FCDO Legalisation Office

Issues the apostille — UK-wide, by post

PO Box 6255, Milton Keynes MK10 1XX

Directions →

Document Types