Sworn Translation in Greece: Why Apostille Comes First

“Where’s the apostille? No, not on the translation - on the original. And it should’ve been done BEFORE the translation.” That’s roughly what every fifth Ukrainian hears when they show up at a Greek migration office with translated documents but the wrong sequence of paperwork. Documents get rejected, the money you paid for the translation is gone, and you’re starting from scratch. Let’s break down how certified translation works in Greece and why the “apostille first, translation second” rule isn’t a suggestion - it’s a hard requirement.

How Document Translation Works in Greece¶

In 2021, Greece completely overhauled its document translation system. Law 4781/2021 shut down the old Translation Service at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and replaced it with a decentralized Registry of Certified Translators (Μητρώο Πιστοποιημένων Μεταφραστών).

Now, official translations in Greece can be done by three categories of professionals:

Certified translators from the MFA registry - former Translation Service employees and newly qualified translators registered at metafraseis.services.gov.gr. They work as freelancers and can translate in both directions.

Lawyers - members of Greek Bar Associations (Δικηγορικός Σύλλογος). This is Greece’s biggest difference from other EU countries. Any Greek lawyer who can demonstrate knowledge of the source language has the right to produce certified translations with full legal force. This comes from Article 36 of Law 4194/2013 (Code of Lawyers).

Graduates of the Translation Department at the Ionian University - under Presidential Decree 169/2002.

All three categories produce translations with equal legal weight. The translator affixes a personal seal and signature, taking full responsibility for accuracy.

Unlike Germany, where there’s a clear registry of sworn translators for each federal state, Greece doesn’t have a single centralized register. The EU e-Justice portal explicitly states that Greece “does not have a website that publishes a list of sworn translators.” The MFA registry covers only a portion - the rest are lawyers and Ionian University graduates scattered across the country.

Why Apostille Always Comes Before Translation¶

This is the most common mistake Ukrainians make in Greece, and it costs real money. The logic is straightforward, but if you don’t know it ahead of time, you’ll end up paying twice.

An apostille is a special stamp that confirms your document is genuine and was issued by an official body. For Ukrainian documents, it’s issued in Ukraine - by the Ministry of Justice (for birth, marriage, divorce certificates), the Ministry of Education (for diplomas), or the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (for everything else).

Here’s why the order matters - apostille first, translation second:

The apostille is placed on the original document in its original language. It certifies the authenticity of the signature, the authority of the person who signed, and the genuineness of the seal. Then the translator translates both the document and the apostille text into Greek - the apostille becomes part of the translation.

If you do it the other way around - translate first, apostille later - the apostille would certify the translation (a different document), not the original. The entire authentication chain breaks down. One Greek translation portal (Translation Embassy) puts this requirement in capital letters: “THE HAGUE APOSTILLE SHOULD ALWAYS BE OBTAINED BEFORE THE TRANSLATION IS DONE.”

Where to Get an Apostille in Ukraine¶

Important: an apostille on Ukrainian documents can only be obtained in Ukraine. Ukrainian consulates abroad don’t issue apostilles - a common surprise for those who’ve already left the country.

How Much Does Translation Cost in Greece¶

Minimum rates for certified translation in Greece are set by joint ministerial decision 092.1/AS 4151, but in practice each translator or agency sets their own prices. Here are real rates from Greek translation agencies:

Note: all prices are subject to 24% VAT (Greece’s standard rate). This adds up fast compared to what you see on the price list.

Lawyer translations tend to cost more - 20-40 euros per page, but it varies a lot depending on the specific lawyer and city.

For comparison: a translation bureau in Ukraine charges around 280-310 UAH per page (7-8 euros), but Greek authorities typically won’t accept such translations without additional certification in Greece. So trying to save money by translating in Ukraine before you leave probably won’t work.

Estimated Cost for a Typical Document Package¶

Where to Find a Ukrainian Translator in Greece¶

Ukrainian isn’t the most common language in Greece’s translation system. Finding a translator is doable, but start looking early.

1. MFA Registry (metafraseis.services.gov.gr)¶

The most reliable option. Go to gov.gr - translator search and search for the “Ukrainian - Greek” language pair. There might not be many translators listed for Ukrainian, but they do exist.

2. Greek Lawyer With Language Skills¶

Any lawyer who’s a member of a Greek bar association and knows Ukrainian can produce a certified translation. Contact the local bar association (Δικηγορικός Σύλλογος) in Athens, Thessaloniki, or your city.

3. Translation Agencies¶

Athens and Thessaloniki have agencies with Ukrainian translators on staff - for example, Athens Translation Center (from 15 € per page) or LinguaMost (from 15 € per order).

If you can’t find a Ukrainian-to-Greek translator at all, ask the specific institution whether they’ll accept an English translation. Some agencies (MFA for visas, Ministry of Education for diplomas) occasionally accept English translations, though it’s not standard.

Which Documents to Translate: Checklist for Ukrainians¶

For Temporary Protection¶

Temporary protection for Ukrainians in Greece has been extended until March 4, 2027. For the application itself, translation usually isn’t needed - a biometric passport is enough. You must apply within 90 days of entering Greece. But for subsequent procedures, you’ll need translations:

• Children’s birth certificates (for school enrollment)
• Marriage certificate (for family-related procedures)
• Medical records (for non-emergency healthcare)
• Children’s school records (for enrollment in Greek schools)

For Employment¶

• Diploma with supplement (for qualification recognition)
• Professional training certificates
• References from previous employers

For Education¶

• School certificate or diploma with full transcript
• Grade transcript
• Language exam certificates

Every document from Ukraine needs an apostille. The rule - apostille first, translation second - applies to all document types without exception.

How Greece Differs From Other EU Countries¶

If you’ve already dealt with document translation for Germany or France, Greece’s system might surprise you:

The standout feature is the lawyer-as-translator option. In Germany, France, or Spain, only specially appointed sworn translators can do this work. In Greece, any bar-registered lawyer with language skills can produce a translation with full legal force. That’s both an advantage (more options) and a challenge (harder to find a dedicated translator - you’re searching among lawyers too).

FAQ¶

How much does a certified translation cost in Greece?¶

From 15 to 25 euros per page (up to 230 words) plus 24% VAT. Medical documents cost more - from 20 euros per page. Urgent translations run 30-50% higher. Lawyer translations cost 20-40 euros per page. A full document package for one person typically runs 250-450 euros.

Will Greece accept a translation done in Ukraine?¶

Greek institutions generally don’t recognize notarized translations from Ukraine. They require translations from one of three types of authorized translators in Greece. If you’ve already had documents translated in Ukraine, you’ll likely need to get them re-translated. The difference between translation types really matters here.

Why does apostille go before translation, not after?¶

The apostille certifies the authenticity of the original document - its signature, seal, and the signer’s authority. If you apostille the translation, you’re certifying a different document, not the original. The translator needs to translate both the document and the apostille text - so the apostille must be on the original before translation happens.

Where can I find a Ukrainian-to-Greek translator?¶

Through the MFA’s certified translator registry at gov.gr, through a local bar association, or via translation agencies in Athens and Thessaloniki. Ukrainian is a rare language in Greece, so book your translator well in advance.

Do all Ukrainian documents need an apostille for Greece?¶

Yes, all official documents submitted to Greek government bodies need one. Greece and Ukraine are both members of the Hague Convention, so apostille is used instead of consular legalization. You can only get it in Ukraine - consulates abroad don’t issue apostilles.