Greek citizenship by descent allows individuals with a parent or grandparent who is a Greek citizen to claim citizenship and reconnect with their heritage.
Obtaining citizenship gives the right to access, live, and work in all 27 European Union member countries without a visa. Additionally, Greek passports are internationally recognized, granting visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 187 countries.
This guide explains how to get Greek citizenship by descent, covering the application process, eligibility requirements, and other legal details.
- What is Greek Citizenship by Descent?
- 5 Benefits of Being a Greek Citizen
- Who is Eligible for Greece Citizenship by Descent?
- Required Documents for Greek Citizenship by Descent
- How to Apply for Greek Citizenship by Descent
- How long does it take to get Greek citizenship by descent?
- Cost of Greek Citizenship by Descent
- Does Greece allow dual citizenship?
What is Greek Citizenship by Descent?
Greek Citizenship by Descent is the process of acquiring Greek citizenship through ancestry. You can claim Greek nationality if you have a Greek parent, grandparent, or even great-grandparent. The law allows descendants to apply regardless of where they were born.
According to Greek citizenship law, those born to a Greek mother before May 8, 1984, or to a Greek father before 1982 (when the law changed to allow citizenship to pass through the mother as well) may also be eligible.
Additionally, those born on Greek soil to at least one parent born in Greece automatically acquire Greek citizenship.
Who is Eligible for Greece Citizenship by Descent?
You are eligible to obtain Greek citizenship by descent if:
- You were born in Greece, and at least one parent had been legally resident in Greece for a minimum of five years.
- You have a Greek father or mother. If your parents are unmarried and only one holds Greek nationality, you must provide a paternity test (for the father) or an affidavit of acknowledgment of birth.
- You were adopted by a Greek citizen.
- You have a grandparent who was born in Greece or was naturalized as a Greek citizen.
- You were born outside Greece and can prove your Greek ancestry through the Records of a Municipality of the Hellenic Republic.
You can also apply for Greek citizenship through your parents or grandparents, even if they aren’t Greek citizens themselves. If they have Greek ancestry, they must apply for Greek citizenship before you can. The key to citizenship by descent is proving each generational link to Greece.
If you’re applying through a grandparent or a more distant relative, any family members between you and that relative may need to obtain Greek citizenship first. So, if they haven’t done so yet, then you will need to gather ancestral records.
5 Benefits of Greek Nationality by Descent
Greek citizenship by descent offers several benefits, including the chance to live in Greece and enjoy its beautiful coastlines and countryside. Below are the top 5 advantages of acquiring Greek citizenship.
- Economic opportunities: Holding Greek citizenship allows you to enjoy several economic opportunities in the country, such as opening a business, making profitable investments, and working within the European Union.
- Access to healthcare and education: Greece has a strong social system, including healthcare, education, political participation, and cultural prowess. Obtaining Greek citizenship will grant you access to all of these systems.
- Freedom of movement within the European Union: Greek citizenship grants the invaluable privilege of European Union membership, offering visa-free travel to all member states and the ability to live, work, and study in any European Union country.
- Voting rights: Greek citizenship allows full voting rights in national, local, and European Parliament elections. They can also run for public office and actively participate in the political process at various levels.
- Greek passport: If you obtain Greek citizenship, you are eligible to apply for a Greek passport, which ranks 42nd on the Global Citizen Solutions Global Passport Index. This strong passport allows visa-free travel to numerous countries, offering great mobility and opportunities.
Required Documents for Greek Citizenship by Descent
To apply for Greek citizenship, visit your nearest Greek consulate or embassy. Be ready to show proof of your Greek ancestry. The office may ask for additional documents, and they will inform you if needed. It’s important to note that the Greek consulates do not “grant” citizenship but help you follow the legal process to claim it. Once you are officially registered in a Greek municipality, your right to Greek citizenship is recognized, which then allows you to apply for a Greek passport.
Here is a list of required documents and supporting documentation required by the Greek government to claim Greek citizenship:
- Your birth certificate: A certified copy of your birth certificate showing your date and place of birth.
- Parent’s or grandparent’s Greek birth certificate: A copy of your parent’s (or grandparent’s, if claiming descent through them) Greek birth certificate or Greek citizenship certificate.
- Proof of Greek ethnicity or heritage: This includes your parents’ or grandparents’ birth certificates, baptism certificates, marriage certificates, or any other proof of ancestral Greek citizenship. Any other documented evidence supporting your Greek heritage can also be submitted.
- Legal documents from the ancestor’s municipality in Greece: Official records from the municipality in Greece where your ancestor was registered confirm their Greek citizenship.
- Marriage certificate of the applicant’s parents: The marriage certificate of the applicant’s parents is legally certified and officially translated into Greek.
- Proof of your own Greek residence: If applicable, you may need to provide evidence that you or your ancestor resided in Greece for a certain period of time (this is sometimes required for cases where the family emigrated).
- Military service records: Military service records may be required if your ancestor (typically male) served in the Greek military.
- Passport copies: Copies of passports for both the applicant and their parents or grandparents. These must show the individual’s identity and nationality.
- Apostilled birth certificate: Your birth certificate (and possibly your parents’ or grandparents’) should be apostilled, verifying its authenticity for international use.
- Application form: The required application form, fully completed and signed, must be submitted with your citizenship application.
- Criminal record certificate: A clean criminal record certificate must be apostilled and issued within the last six months. This is required for all applicants, including those applying through descent.
- Translation of documents: All documents not in Greek must be officially translated into Greek by a certified translator.
How to Apply for Greek Citizenship by Descent
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to start Greek citizenship by descent application:
Step 1: Conduct genealogical research: Establish your Greek connections by gathering documents that prove your ancestry, such as birth certificates, marriage certificates, and other proof of Greek heritage.
Step 2: Prepare your documents and register: Collect all necessary documents, such as birth and marriage certificates. If you’re in Greece, register them at the local registry office. If you’re abroad, contact your nearest Greek consulate or embassy for guidance on the next steps.
Step 3: Submit your application: Make an appointment at the nearest Greek consulate or embassy to submit your completed application along with the required documents.
Step 4: Document review: The consulate will review your documents to verify your Greek descent. If additional documents are needed, they will inform you.
Step 5: Interview (if required): You may be asked to attend an interview with the Consul General to further assess your connection to Greece.
Step 6: Approval process: Your application will be sent to the relevant Greek authorities for review and approval. This step can take several months to over a year.
Step 7: Final decision: Once your application is reviewed, the Greek authorities will make a decision. If approved, you will receive your Greek citizenship.
Step 8: Complete final procedures: After approval, you may need to take an oath of Greek citizenship and complete any other formalities.
Step 9: Obtain a Greek birth certificate and passport: Once your citizenship is confirmed, you can apply for a Greek birth certificate. Then, proceed to obtain a Greek passport either at the Passport Office in Greece or the nearest Greek consulate.
After registration with the Greek Municipality and the passport issuance, the applicant is officially considered a full Greek citizen, acquiring the rights and duties provided by Greek law.
How long does it take to get Greek citizenship by descent?
It’s important to understand that each Greek citizenship by descent application is unique, and the time until you get citizenship may vary. However, the typical wait time for Greek citizenship by descent is two years for straightforward cases. If you’re asked to provide additional paperwork, it may last up to three years.
Cost of Greek Citizenship by Descent
When applying for Greek citizenship by descent, you should account for different expenses:
- Application fees: The cost of the application fee for Greek citizenship by descent typically ranges between €150 and €300.
- Document translation and legalization: You need to translate all required documents into Greek and legalize them. Generally, the cost of translating a single document ranges from €20 to €50, depending on its complexity. The legalization of each document varies from €15 to €30.
- Traveling cost: You might be asked to travel to Greece during the application process for Greek citizenship by descent, so you should budget for travel expenses such as flights and accommodation.
- Lawyer fees: If you are struggling to understand the Greek citizenship by descent application process, it’s best to hire a lawyer or a consultant. They will simplify the process for you, but you expect the cost of their services to be from €500 to €2,000. The cost of legal fees varies depending on the complexity of your application.
- Additional fees: In some instances, you might be asked to provide additional documents. So, to get them, you might need to pay additional fees. Typically, the cost of these fees is minimal.
Does Greece allow dual citizenship?
Greece is one of the European Union countries that allows dual citizenship. Therefore, anyone obtaining Greek dual citizenship does not need to renounce their existing citizenship when they become a Greek citizen. The inverse is true for existing Greek citizens taking on a second citizenship. However, you’ll have to do your own research to discover whether the dual citizenship option is open to you. Depending on the rules of your current nationality, you may be required to renounce your other nationality.
How Can Global Citizen Solutions Help You?
Global Citizen Solutions is a boutique migration consultancy firm with years of experience delivering bespoke residence and citizenship by investment solutions for international families. With offices worldwide and an experienced, hands-on team, we have helped hundreds of clients worldwide acquire citizenship, residence visas, or homes while diversifying their portfolios with robust investments.
We guide you from start to finish, taking you beyond your citizenship or residency by investment application.
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