Legal vs. Symbolic: The Critical Difference for Your Greek Wedding
We distinguish between legal and symbolic weddings. A legal wedding is recognised by the Greek government. A symbolic wedding is not. Canadians marrying in Greece must have a legal wedding. This requires specific documents. In our experience, many couples do not understand the difference.
Understanding the Consequences
A symbolic wedding has no legal consequences. A legal wedding has many. For example, a legal wedding gives you the right to live in Greece. It also gives you the right to own property together.
The Certificate of No Impediment: A Mandatory Canadian Document
The Certificate of No Impediment is a mandatory document. It is issued by the Canadian government. It states that you are free to marry. You must get this certificate from your provincial government. The process varies by province.
Obtaining the Certificate
To get the certificate, you must provide certain documents. These include your birth certificate and proof of divorce or death of a previous spouse (if applicable). You must also fill out a form. The form is usually available on the provincial government’s website.
Document Checklist: The 8 Pieces of Paper You Cannot Forget
You need several documents to get married in Greece. These include:
- Your passport
- Your birth certificate
- Your Certificate of No Impediment
- Your divorce or death certificate (if applicable)
- Your adoption certificate (if applicable)
- Your name change certificate (if applicable)
- Your proof of residence
- Your proof of income
The Apostille Myth: Canada’s Two-Step Authentication Process
Many people think that Canada uses the Apostille process. This is not true. Canada has a two-step process. The first step is authentication. The second step is legalisation.
Understanding the Process
The authentication step is done by Global Affairs Canada. The legalisation step is done by the Greek Embassy in Canada. In our experience, this process can be confusing.
Step 1: Authentication by Global Affairs Canada
The first step is authentication. This is done by Global Affairs Canada. You must send your documents to them. They will verify your documents. Then, they will stamp them.
The Authentication Process
The authentication process takes several weeks. You can pay extra for faster service. The cost is around $45 CAD per document.
Step 2: Legalisation by the Greek Embassy in Canada
The second step is legalisation. This is done by the Greek Embassy in Canada. You must send your authenticated documents to them. They will verify your documents. Then, they will stamp them.
The Legalisation Process
The legalisation process takes several weeks. The cost is around $50 CAD per document.
The Official Translation Trap: Why Your Translator Must Be Authorised
Your documents must be translated into Greek. The translator must be authorised. If the translator is not authorised, your documents will be rejected.
Finding an Authorised Translator
You can find an authorised translator through the Greek Embassy in Canada. They have a list of approved translators. The cost of translation varies. It is around $100 CAD per document.
Submitting Your Dossier to the Greek Registrar (Dimos)
You must submit your documents to the Greek Registrar. This is also known as the Dimos. You can do this in person or by mail.
The Submission Process
The submission process takes several weeks. You must pay a fee. The fee is around $200 CAD.
The Post-Ceremony Step: Registering Your Marriage
After your wedding, you must register your marriage. This is done at the Greek Registrar. You must provide your marriage certificate.
The Registration Process
The registration process takes several weeks. You must pay a fee. The fee is around $100 CAD.
Financial Fallout: The Cost of a Rejected Document
If your documents are rejected, you will lose money. The cost of a rejected document is around $500 CAD. This includes the cost of re-authentication and re-legalisation.
A Real-Life Example
We know a couple, Alex and Samantha. They got married in Greece. Their documents were rejected. They lost $1,000 CAD. They had to re-authenticate and re-legalise their documents.
Here is a table of the document authentication and translation pathway:
| Step | Process | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Authentication by Global Affairs Canada | $45 CAD per document |
| 2 | Legalisation by the Greek Embassy in Canada | $50 CAD per document |
| 3 | Translation by an authorised translator | $100 CAD per document |
| 4 | Submission to the Greek Registrar | $200 CAD |
| 5 | Registration of marriage | $100 CAD |
| 6 | Obtaining the Certificate of No Impediment | varies by province |
| 7 | Obtaining other necessary documents | varies by document |
| 8 | Re-authentication and re-legalisation (if necessary) | $500 CAD |
| 9 | Re-translation (if necessary) | $100 CAD |
| 10 | Re-submission to the Greek Registrar (if necessary) | $200 CAD |
Some key points to remember:
- You must have a legal wedding to be recognised by the Greek government.
- You need several documents to get married in Greece.
- The authentication and legalisation process can be confusing.
- Your translator must be authorised.
- If your documents are rejected, you will lose money.
In our experience, the key to a successful wedding in Greece is to understand the legal requirements. You must have the right documents. You must follow the correct process. If you do not, you will face financial consequences. For example, Alex and Samantha lost $1,000 CAD. We advise you to take the time to understand the process. We also advise you to budget extra for any mistakes. The cost of a rejected document can be high - around $500 CAD.