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- Ελληνικά
The Ministry of Interior wishes to inform the public that, as of 1 October 2023, signature and/or stamp certifications by Certifying Officers will be made using a new stamp.
The new stamps, as shown in the relevant sample, will be round with three concentric circles. The outer circle will read "Certifying Official" in Greek, Turkish and English, and will also include a unique seven-digit code for each Certifying Official. The middle circle shall contain the full name of the Certifying Official in Greek and Latin characters. Finally, in the inner circle the Certifying Official should sign, write the amount of the certification charge and write the date.
It is noted that according to Article 10 of the Certifying Officials Law of 2012, the Certifying Official is paid "[...] two euro (€2) for each signature or stamp certified. Provided that where a Certifying Official is called upon to certify a signature and/or seal in any other place or area, subject to the proviso to subsection (1) of section 5, a sum of five euros (€5) shall be paid in respect of each such signature or seal." It is further noted that the prices referred to in Article 10 do not include stamp duty costs. Therefore, no charges other than the amounts stated in Article 10 of the Certifying Officials Law may be requested for signature and/or stamp certification and the public is advised to exercise caution.
It is also noted that Certifying Officials are the only ones who can certify a signature and/or stamp, as the provisions of the "Certifying Officials Law". Documents on which signatures are certified by a person who is not a designated Certifying Official will not be accepted by government agencies. Exceptions to the above are cases falling within the provisions of the 'Administration of Estates of Deceased Persons Act (Cap. 189)' section 48, 'Real Property (Possession, Registration and Valuation) Act (Cap. 224)' section 82, 'Transfer and Mortgage of Immovable Property Act 1965 (9/1965)' section 10 and 'Chambers of Commerce and Industry Act 1968 (56/1968)' section 6.
The Ministry of Interior also informs that Certifying Officers, based on the provisions of the "Certifying Officers Act of 2012" are appointed only to certify signatures and/or seals placed before them on documents. Therefore, it becomes clear that Certifying Officers are prohibited from certifying true copies of any document, the authenticity of documents and the like, such as copies of diplomas or other certificates or certifying copies of identity cards or passports. Faithful copies may be requested only by the issuing authority concerned.
Finally, it is emphasised that there are no specialities among Certifying Officers, whereby all can certify signatures placed before them on any kind of document where signature certification is required. A list of appointed Certifying Officers is available on the website of the Ministry of Interior.
(AF/EXP)
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