Can I marry someone of the same sex?
Yes: same-sex civil marriage is fully allowed. Under Law 5089/2024 ("Equality in civil marriage", Gazette A' 27/16.02.2024), Article 1350 of the Civil Code provides for marriage between two persons "of different or the same sex", with full rights. Married same-sex couples can jointly adopt, and step-parent (second-parent) adoption is allowed. Parental bonds lawfully formed abroad are recognised in Greece. An existing civil partnership can be converted into marriage. This is civil marriage only — not religious. Surrogacy/medically-assisted reproduction is not available to male couples (Law 5197/2025). In short: yes to marriage and adoption.
📋 The rules
- Civil marriage of two persons of the same sex: allowed
- Joint adoption and step-parent adoption
- Parental bonds formed abroad are recognised
- An existing civil partnership can convert to marriage
- Only civil marriage — not religious
🔓 Exceptions
- Surrogacy/assisted reproduction for men: no (Law 5197/2025)
- Religious (Orthodox) same-sex marriage: not provided for
- Civil partnership: still exists as an option
⚠️ Penalties & fines
There are no "sanctions" — this is enabling family law that extends rights. The key limit is that surrogacy and medically-assisted reproduction are not available to men or single men: Law 5197/2025 (Gazette A' 76/16.05.2025) clarified that inability to gestate due to biological sex is not medical infertility. Note the common confusion: this exclusion did not come from Law 5089/2024 but from the separate Law 5197/2025. To get married: you follow the same civil-marriage procedure (marriage licence from the municipality, fee), and for adoption the relevant court procedure.
📎 Official sources
- Law 5089/2024 — equality in civil marriage →
- Law 5197/2025 (Gazette A' 76/2025) — assisted reproduction →
- gov.gr — marriage and family →
❓ Frequently asked
Is same-sex marriage allowed in Greece?
Yes. Under Law 5089/2024, in force since February 2024, civil marriage is allowed between two persons regardless of sex, with full civil rights. It's civil marriage only — the Church does not perform a religious same-sex marriage.
Can we adopt a child?
Yes. Married same-sex couples can jointly adopt, and step-parent adoption of a spouse's child is allowed. This fully recognises the parental relationship of both parents towards the child, with the rights and duties that entails.
Is surrogacy allowed for male couples?
No. Law 5197/2025 clarified that the inability to gestate due to biological sex is not medical infertility, so men or single men cannot use surrogacy in Greece. This restriction did not come from the marriage-equality law itself.
Is a marriage or parenthood from abroad recognised?
Yes. Parental bonds and same-sex families lawfully formed abroad are recognised in Greece, with an implementing circular. This protects children and the rights of parents who move to or return to the country.
What about an existing civil partnership?
An existing civil partnership can be converted into marriage if both partners wish. The civil partnership still exists as a separate option for those who don't want marriage, with its own rights and obligations.
🔎 Common searches
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