Nikos Dendias was born in Corfu. 

He is a graduate of the Athens College and of the Athens University Law School (with honors). He holds a Master of Laws (LL.M.) from the University of London, specializing in Maritime and Insurance Law (University College - UCL) and Criminology (London School of Economics - LSE). He is a Supreme Court lawyer. 

From March 2004 to December 2015 he was MP for Corfu with Nea Dimokratia. In January 2015 he was elected MP for Athens 2nd District, first in votes among his fellow candidates on N.D. ballot. In January 2016 he was appointed parliamentary spokesperson of Nea Dimokratia.

He has served as Minister of National Defense from November 2014 until January 2015, as Minister of Development and Competitiveness from June 2014 until November 2014, as Minister of Public Order and Citizen Protection from June 2012 until June 2014, as well as Minister of Justice,  from January 2009 to the national elections of October 4, 2009. 

He has served on numerous Parliamentary Committees. Has been elected as Chairman of the Migration Committee of the Council of Europe in 2013 and Vice President in 2012, being a member of the Committee since 2004. He is married to Dafni Lala and has three children.