Home › Blog › Who Can Perform Official Translations?
Certified Translation

Who is Authorised to Perform Official Translations in Greece?

May 2026 · 7 min read

One of the most common questions we receive is: "Who can produce an official translation?" The answer is not self-evident, because in Greece this right is not granted to every translator — only to specific categories of persons and authorities expressly defined by law.

In this article, we provide a comprehensive analysis, with reference exclusively to official government sources, of who holds this right, what each law stipulates, and what the differences are between the categories.

1. Certified Translators — Ministry of Foreign Affairs Registry

Legal basis: Law 4781/2021, Subdivision Z, Articles 145–150 (ΦΕΚ 31Α/28.02.2021)

Under Law 4781/2021, the Translation Service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs — which had operated under Law 3566/2007 and Law 4505/2017 — was abolished and replaced by the Corps of Certified Translators.

According to the official website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs:

  • Who they are: The Certified Translators Registry includes translators certified by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs — former members of the Translation Service integrated into the new system.
  • What they translate: They officially translate, from a foreign language into Greek and vice versa, public and private documents, as self-employed professionals.
  • How it works: Each translation receives a unique serial number (barcode) through the digital portal metafraseis.services.gov.gr and bears an Approved Electronic Signature.
  • Finding a translator: Search through gov.gr at metafraseis.services.gov.gr/search .
  • Oversight: Complaints against certified translators are submitted in writing to the ST1 Directorate of Personnel and Administrative Organisation of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (epopteiaspm@mfa.gr).

Source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs — mfa.gr/services/mitroo-pistopoiimenon-metafraston

2. Lawyers Registered with a Greek Bar Association

Legal basis: Law 4194/2013, Article 36 §2(c) (Code of Lawyers, ΦΕΚ Α΄ 208/27.09.2013) & Article 454 of the Code of Civil Procedure

Under Article 36 §2(c) of the Code of Lawyers:

"The work of the lawyer includes: (c) The translation of documents drafted in a foreign language, as well as the translation of Greek documents into any foreign language. The translation has full force before any Judicial or other Authority, provided it is accompanied by a certified copy of the translated document and the lawyer certifies that they have sufficient knowledge of the language from and into which they translated."

What this means in practice:

  • Every lawyer who is a member of a Greek Bar Association may translate from and into any foreign language.
  • No foreign language or translation degree is required — a declaration of adequate knowledge of the language suffices.
  • The translation must always be accompanied by a certified copy of the original document.
  • The force is full before every Judicial or other Authority.

Regarding courts (Article 454 of the Code of Civil Procedure): If a foreign-language document is presented before a court, it must be accompanied by an official translation. However, should it be deemed necessary during the hearing, the court may order translation by an expert witness.

Source: Law 4194/2013, Article 36 — Lawspot/Nomothesia

3. Graduates of the Ionian University — DFLTI

Legal basis: Presidential Decree 169/2002 (ΦΕΚ Α΄ 156) & Advisory Opinion NSC 495/2004

Under Presidential Decree 169/2002, graduates of the Department of Foreign Languages, Translation and Interpreting (DFLTI) of the Ionian University with a specialisation in translation or interpreting have as their primary professional activity:

"...the translation at all procedural stages thereof and/or the issuance of any documents (public and private) or other texts on behalf of any public authority or third party, in accordance with applicable legislation, being responsible for the validity of their content."

  • Languages: English, French, German, Spanish, Italian — the languages studied as part of their degree (per Advisory Opinion NSC 495/2004).
  • Direction: From Greek into their languages of study and vice versa.
  • Where they may work: In public or private sector bodies, as self-employed professionals, in international organisations (UN, EU, Council of Europe, UNESCO, OECD, NATO), in public services, courts, publishing houses, etc.

Source: Presidential Decree 169/2002 (ΦΕΚ Α΄ 156)

4. Notaries

Legal basis: Law 2830/2000, Article 1 §2 (Code of Notaries, ΦΕΚ Α΄ 96/16.03.2000)

Under the Code of Notaries:

"The notary may, at their own responsibility, translate into Greek documents drafted in a foreign language that are presented to them and are necessary for the execution of one of the acts referred to, authenticating them for the purpose of the translation and for their accuracy."

Important limitation: The authority of notaries is restricted in comparison with the other categories:

  • It applies exclusively to documents necessary for the execution of notarial acts.
  • Notaries translate only into Greek (not vice versa).

Source: Law 2830/2000 (ΦΕΚ Α΄ 96/16.03.2000)

5. Greek Consular Authorities Abroad

Legal basis: Law 3566/2007 (Ministry of Foreign Affairs Organisation)

Greek embassies and consulates abroad retain the right to issue official translations. The procedure, delivery time, and cost may vary significantly from country to country.

Comparison Table

Authority / Person Legal Basis Languages Direction Restrictions
MFA Certified Translators Law 4781/2021 Per certification From/into Greek —
Lawyers Law 4194/2013, Article 36 Any (with declaration of knowledge) From/into Greek Declaration of adequate knowledge required
Ionian University Graduates PD 169/2002, Advisory Opinion NSC 495/2004 EN, FR, DE, ES, IT From/into Greek Languages of study only
Notaries Law 2830/2000, Article 1 §2 At discretion Into Greek only Notarial acts only
Greek Consular Authorities Law 3566/2007 Per case From/into Greek Abroad only

Equivalence

All official translations from the above categories carry equal legal force. However, some authorities may request a translation exclusively from a specific category. We always recommend confirming with the receiving authority before commissioning.

What AADE Recognises

The Independent Authority for Public Revenue (AADE) — with document Δ.ΟΡΓ.Δ 1008736 ΕΞ 2019/18-01-2019 — specified the persons and authorities that may carry out translations of foreign public documents submitted to its services. It recognises the same categories: certified translators, lawyers, DFLTI Ionian University graduates, and Greek consular authorities.

Source: AADE — Δ.ΟΡΓ.Δ 1008736 ΕΞ 2019

The Wordhub Team

At wordhub.gr, our team includes graduate translators from the DFLTI of the Ionian University as well as a lawyer registered with a Greek Bar Association, ensuring that every official translation:

  • Fully meets all applicable legal requirements
  • Is accepted by every Greek public authority, court, and international organisation
  • Can be accompanied by a certified copy of the original, authenticated by our lawyer

See also: What is an Official Translation in Greece? →

Important notice: This article has been prepared following thorough research and is based exclusively on official government sources. Wordhub is a private translation and interpreting services company — it is not a public body and does not provide legal advice. Legislation may be amended, and each authority may apply the rules differently. We always recommend confirming the exact procedure and requirements directly with the authority or service to which you will submit your documents.

Official Sources

Need an official translation?

Wordhub provides certified translations accepted by all Greek authorities, courts, and international organisations. Fast turnaround and competitive rates.

Get a free quote

← Back to Blog

We always strive to keep our articles up to date, but we recommend that clients confirm the exact process with the relevant authority. Wordhub is a private organisation providing professional translation and interpreting services.