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The civil union agreement or cohabitation agreement is a legal agreement reached between a couple that chooses to live together but doesn’t wish to get married; it allows them similar rights as a married couple.

This article provides you information about the civil union agreement in Greece, including:

  • What rights partners get
  • What the process is
  • What documents you need
  • How much it costs

If you have any more questions, please don’t hesitate to message us on Facebook. We will do our best to get you answers as soon as possible.

How can I legally recognize my relationship in Greece?

Greece recognizes a cohabitation (living together) agreement, as an alternative to marriage.

Many people choose to sign a civil union agreement instead of getting married, because it’s easier to terminate it, than issuing a divorce.

Also, as same-sex marriage is not allowed in Greece, many same-sex couples chose the option of a civil union agreement in order to make their relationship official.

Only recognised refugees are allowed to sign a civil union agreement currently in Greece. According to the asylum legislation, as interpreted by Greek notaries, asylum-seekers are not consideredeligible to sign a civil union contract.

The civil union contract sets all obligations and responsibilities in the couple’s common life for as long as they are partners. The agreement regulates all issues around parenting and child care, taxation, social security, property, inheritance, etc.

You cannot sign a civil union contract with someone you have blood, marriage or adoption relationship with.

How can I sign a civil union agreement?

You need to have your agreement drafted and signed in front of a public notary.

Partners’ surnames do not change, after signing a civil union agreement. In the contract partners have to state what is the surname that they wish their r children to get. Every partner, in his / her social relations, can use the other partner’ s surname or add it next to his/hers, as long as he/ she has the other partner’s consent to do so.

The only difference in same-sex couples’ contracts is that the agreement doesn’t cover parenting and child-care issues. This is because under the Greek law, same-sex couples are not allowed to adopt children; they can only become foster parents, meaning that they can take care of a child and make it part of their family for a specific period of time.

Both partners need to be present and sign the civil union contract.

After the signatures, you will need to submit a copy of the contract to the municipality registry in order for the contract to become valid.

You need to be above the age of 18 in order to sign a civil union agreement. Minors and people who are under adult guardianship following a court decision, because of the fact that they experience mental health problems or physical disabilities, are not allowed to sign a civil union contract.

How much does it cost?

The cost for a civil union contract is around € 200 - 250. This is the minimum amount you will pay for a simple around 8-pages long contract draft template that covers the basics. You will pay more if you wish to add more pages and specific provisions in your contract or if you want to hire a lawyer.

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What documents do I need?

The documents that you and your partner need are:

  • A Greek ID or a Residence Permit, or a national Passport with a valid visa allowing the owner to legally enter and stay in Greece.
  • Your AFM and AMKA and
  • Your National Insurance numer (required for the registration of the contract at the Municipality Registry).

How can I terminate a civil union agreement?

You can terminate a civil union agreement if:

  • Both partners decide so and sign a common agreement; with mutual consent, you can terminate the agreement at any time.
  • The partner who wishes to terminate it,invites the other partner to present himself / herself before a public notary and sign a common declaration of termination; if the other partner refuses to sign, the contract is terminated without his/her participation, three months afterwards.
  • Partners decide to get married through a religious or civil marriage ceremony; the civil union agreement will be terminated automatically.