Get Birth Certificates in Greece

A birth certificate (πιστοποιητικό γέννησης / pistopoiitiko gennisis) in Greece is a fundamental document required for registering a child in the municipal registry, obtaining a national identity card (ταυτότητα), enrolling in school, and applying for a passport. This guide explains how to get birth certificates in Greece, with details for Athens and Thessaloniki.

How Birth Registration Works in Greece

In Greece, birth registration is handled by the Ληξιαρχείο (Lixiarcheio — Civil Registry Office) of the municipality where the birth occurred. Births must be declared within 10 days of delivery. In practice, the hospital where the birth takes place usually assists with the initial documentation, and a parent or other authorized person takes the birth declaration to the local Lixiarcheio.

After registration at the Lixiarcheio, the birth is also recorded in the Δημοτολόγιο (Dimotologio — Municipal Register), which is maintained by the municipality where the family is registered. The AMKA (social security number) is also assigned to the newborn. Greece has a gov.gr digital platform that increasingly offers access to civil records online.

Documents Required for Birth Certificate in Greece

Hospital birth declaration (ιατρική βεβαίωση γέννησης)
Both parents’ Greek identity cards (ταυτότητα) or passports
Parents’ marriage certificate (if married)
For unmarried parents: a joint declaration of paternity recognition can be made at the Lixiarcheio
Completed declaration form

For foreign nationals, additional documents such as passports and residence permits may be required. Contact the local Lixiarcheio for guidance on specific requirements.

Getting a Birth Certificate in Athens

Athens is the capital of Greece and is made up of multiple municipalities, each with its own Lixiarcheio. The birth must be registered at the Lixiarcheio of the municipality where the birth took place. Major hospitals in Athens include Maternité — Mitera, Alexandra Hospital, and Attikon University Hospital, all of which provide birth declaration documentation.

After the Lixiarcheio registers the birth and issues the birth certificate (ληξιαρχική πράξη γέννησης), parents should also update the Dimotologio at the municipality where their family is registered. Athens residents can use the gov.gr platform to request civil document copies digitally, reducing the need for in-person visits to multiple offices.

Getting a Birth Certificate in Thessaloniki

Thessaloniki is Greece’s second-largest city and the capital of the Macedonia region. Civil registration in Thessaloniki is handled by the Lixiarcheio of the Thessaloniki municipality and surrounding area municipalities. The process in Thessaloniki follows the same national procedures as in Athens.

After the birth in a Thessaloniki hospital, parents visit the Lixiarcheio with the required documents and receive the birth certificate. The Municipal Register (Dimotologio) is then updated at the relevant municipality. Thessaloniki also has access to Greece’s gov.gr digital platform for civil record requests.

Birth Registration for Foreign Nationals in Greece

Foreign nationals who give birth in Greece must register the birth at the local Lixiarcheio. They should also contact their home country’s embassy or consulate in Athens to register the birth and obtain the home country birth certificate. Many embassies in Athens provide this consular service.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get a birth certificate in Greece?

The birth certificate (ληξιαρχική πράξη γέννησης) is typically issued within a few days of the declaration at the Lixiarcheio. Certified copies can be requested at any time after the original registration.

Can I get a Greek birth certificate online?

Greece’s gov.gr platform provides digital access to various civil documents. Certified birth certificate extracts can be requested online through gov.gr using Taxisnet credentials, and in many cases the document is delivered digitally.

What is the AMKA and is it assigned at birth registration?

The AMKA (Αριθμός Μητρώου Κοινωνικής Ασφάλισης) is Greece’s social security number. It is assigned to the child during the birth registration process and is used for healthcare, taxation, and other social services.

Can a Greek birth certificate be used internationally?

Yes. Greece is a member of the Hague Apostille Convention. Greek birth certificates can be apostilled by the competent Greek authority for use in Hague Convention member countries. For other countries, legalization through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs may be required.

Conclusion

Getting a birth certificate in Greece involves registering the birth at the local Lixiarcheio within 10 days and updating the Municipal Register. Whether in Athens or Thessaloniki, the process follows a clear national framework. Greece’s gov.gr digital platform also makes it increasingly easy to access civil documents online. A Greek birth certificate is the foundation of your child’s legal identity and their access to education, healthcare, and public services in Greece.