Yes, cousin marriage is legal in Greece under strict civil and religious conditions, governed by the Hellenic Civil Code and overseen by local ecclesiastical authorities. Since 2023, couples must obtain a civil marriage license first, with religious ceremonies requiring prior civil registration to ensure compliance with EU anti-discrimination directives.
Key Regulations for Cousin Marriage in Greece
- Age and Consent: Both parties must be at least 18 years old, with explicit written consent if either is under 25, as per Article 1351 of the Hellenic Civil Code.
- Civil Pre-Registration: A mandatory civil marriage certificate must be issued by the local municipality (Δήμος) before any religious ceremony, aligning with Law 4800/2021.
- Prohibited Degrees: Marriages between first cousins are permitted, but double first cousins (sharing both sets of grandparents) face additional scrutiny under Article 1352, requiring genetic counseling if requested by authorities.
The Ministry of Interior’s 2026 compliance framework mandates digital verification of kinship degrees via the Hellenic Electronic Registry of Civil Status (Ελληνικό Ηλεκτρονικό Μητρώο Πολιτικής Κατάστασης), streamlining oversight. Violations may result in annulment proceedings under Article 1371, with penalties enforced by the Family Law Courts of First Instance.