When you’re involved in a cross-border legal matter, properly serving legal documents abroad can make or break your case. If your case involves a party located in Greece, you might be wondering: should I go through the Hague Service Convention, or should I opt for informal service of process?
Choosing the right method depends on a variety of factors—including the urgency of your case, enforceability needs, and cost considerations. In this article, we break down the two primary methods of international service of process in Greece to help you decide which one is right for your situation.
Greece and the Hague Service Convention
Greece is a signatory to the Hague Service Convention of 1965, a multilateral treaty that simplifies and standardizes the process of serving legal documents between countries.
What Does This Mean?
If your legal action originates in a country that is also a member of the Hague Convention—such as the United States, Canada, or the UK—you can request formal service of process in Greece under the Convention’s rules.
How Hague Service Works in Greece
Here’s a quick overview of how Hague service typically works:
- Prepare Documents
- The initiating party must prepare translated copies of the documents to be served, typically into Greek.
- Documents must be accompanied by the standard Hague Request Form, which includes:
- A Request form
- Certificate of Service
- Summary of the document to be served
- Optional warning notice
- These forms are part of the Hague Service Convention’s Model Forms and are used internationally (referred to as Form USM-94 in the United States).
- Submit to Central Authority
- The request is sent to Greece’s designated Central Authority, which is the Hellenic Ministry of Justice.
- Execution of Service
- The Greek Central Authority coordinates with local courts or judicial officers to deliver the documents.
- Once service is completed, a Certificate of Service is returned to the requesting country.
Timeline
Hague service in Greece can take 2–5 months, depending on the complexity of the case and local judicial workloads.
Cost
While the Greek Central Authority does not charge a fee for service, you may incur expenses for:
- Document translations
- Preparation of international service paperwork
- Mailing costs
Informal Service of Process in Greece
When time is of the essence, or when the Hague Convention process is too cumbersome, informal service is often used as an alternative. Informal methods may include:
- Private process servers
- Mail service (when permissible)
- Service via local agents or attorneys
- Email or social media (in rare and court-approved circumstances)
Benefits of Informal Service
- Speed: Documents can often be served within days or weeks, rather than months.
- Flexibility: No requirement to go through Greece’s Central Authority.
- Lower Costs: You avoid international bureaucratic procedures and long timelines.
Risks and Limitations
- May Not Be Enforceable: A Greek court or a foreign court may reject informal service if strict service rules apply.
- Limited Use in Hague Countries: Greece may not recognize informal service as valid under the Hague Convention.
- Not Suitable for All Case Types: Family law, probate, and enforcement proceedings often require formal proof of service.
Hague vs. Informal Service of Process: A Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Hague Service Convention | Informal Service |
|---|---|---|
| Legally Binding | ✅ Fully recognized in Greek and foreign courts | ⚠️ Risk of rejection in court |
| Timeline | ⏱ 2–5 months | 🚀 Few days to weeks |
| Translation Required | ✅ Yes (into Greek) | ✅ Often required |
| Proof of Service | ✅ Hague Certificate of Service | 📝 Affidavit of Service |
| Cost | 💶 Moderate to High (translation, mailing) | 💸 Lower (varies by agent) |
| Best For | Enforceable judgments, court compliance | Pre-litigation, fast delivery, notice only |
When You Should NOT Use Informal Service
Although informal service can be quick and convenient, there are scenarios where it’s legally risky:
- Your case involves judgment enforcement in Greece.
- The opposing party is likely to contest service.
- You expect to appear before a Greek court.
- You’re dealing with family law, probate, or criminal matters.
In these cases, Hague service is not just preferred—it may be required.
Which One Should You Choose?
Here’s a basic guide to help you decide:
- ✅ Choose Hague Service if:
- Your case will go to trial.
- You need an enforceable judgment in Greece.
- You’re serving someone uncooperative or likely to challenge the service.
- ✅ Choose Informal Service if:
- You’re in the early stages of negotiation or mediation.
- Time is a major factor.
- The risk of legal challenges is low.
Need Help Serving Documents in Greece?
At Process Server Corporation, we specialize in international process service, including both Hague and informal methods in Greece. Our team ensures your documents are delivered legally, efficiently, and with the documentation you need for court.
Contact us today for a free consultation or call +1 (800) 845-6093 to get started on your international service request.
Click Here to Submit Your Process Service Assignment Now
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For specific legal guidance, please consult with a qualified attorney.
