Overview
Process Server in Greece: How Service of Process Works
Greece implemented the Hague Service Convention through Law 1334/1983 and has objected to Article 10, closing off postal service and direct delivery through non-stipendiary bailiffs. Requests go through the Hellenic Ministry of Justice in Athens, which routes them to the competent Public Prosecutor for the district where the person to be served resides; a process server then executes service under the Greek Code of Civil Procedure. Greece requires formal service requests to be paid with a flat processing fee, currently €50, and reports one of the fastest standard timelines among Hague jurisdictions at about one month.
Who serves process
Who Can Serve Legal Documents in Greece
Greece is a civil-law country, and under the Code of Civil Procedure (Articles 122 and following) documents are served by a court process server (dikastikos epimelitis). The Hague Service Convention was implemented by Law 1334/1983.
The Central Authority is the Hellenic Ministry of Justice, which sends requests to the competent Public Prosecutor. Greece objects to every Article 10 method and to consular service. Formal service only happens if documents are in Greek or translated into Greek, and the Hague Conference lists a flat fee of €50, paid by bank transfer to the Ministry.
Typical documents include summonses and complaints (agogi), court orders and notices.
Proof you receive: certificate or sworn affidavit
The process server prepares a report of service, and the Hague Certificate of Service is returned for filing with your court.
Ministry of Justice Central Authority Filing
We prepare and submit the Hague request, together with the required flat processing fee, to the Hellenic Ministry of Justice, which forwards it to the competent Public Prosecutor for execution by a process server.
Certified Greek Translation
Formal service will only be effected if the document is written in, or translated into, Greek. We prepare certified Greek translations to keep filings on Greece's fast timeline.
Fixed-Fee Filing Preparation
Unlike many Hague jurisdictions that charge no fee, Greece requires a flat processing payment by bank transfer to the Ministry of Justice — we ensure this is included correctly so the request isn't returned unprocessed.
Treaties
Hague Service Convention and Greece
Greece is a party to the Hague Service Convention, so documents can be sent to its Central Authority, which arranges service and returns a Certificate of Service. Greece has made a declaration on Article 10, which limits service by post or by private agents, so we confirm which methods are open before choosing one.
Greece is also a party to the Hague Evidence Convention, so witness testimony and documents can be requested with a Letter of Request.
