Claiming Greek Citizenship By Descent: What You Need To Know

Thinking about reconnecting with your Greek roots? Here’s a simplified breakdown of how you might be eligible for Greek citizenship by descent:

1. Parental Heritage: If your mother or father is a registered Greek citizen, you qualify automatically.
2. Born in Greece: If you were born in Greece and one parent held legal residency for at least five years before your birth, you're eligible.
3. Out-of-Wedlock Birth: If your parents weren’t married, citizenship is granted through a Greek mother. If the father is Greek, legal proof of paternity is required.
4. Adoption: Adopted by a Greek citizen before turning 18? You’re entitled to Greek citizenship.
5. Third-Generation Greeks: If a grandparent was born in Greece or naturalized, you may apply—though your parent might need to claim citizenship first.

Your eligibility may also depend on when you were born and your parents' marital status at the time. To avoid pitfalls, consult Expat Law early on—accurate legal advice can save time and money.

Building Your Case: The Required Documentation

Once eligibility is confirmed, the next step is to secure your Certificate of Registration, the official record of your status as a Greek citizen. Here's what you'll need:

• Valid passport and birth certificate
• Christening/baptism certificate (if applicable)
• Passport-sized photo that adheres to official guidelines
• Your children's birth and baptism records (if applying for them too)
• Parents’ marriage certificate, indicating civil or religious union
• Parents’ and grandparents’ birth certificates (plus death certificates, if needed)
• Proof of Greek municipal registration
• Divorce or name change documentation (if applicable)
• Recent criminal record certificate
• Certified Greek translations of all documents
• Registration of foreign marriages in the Special Registry of Athens.

Once everything is in order, you will book an appointment with the Greek consulate closest to you and submit your application along with a €150 fee. Keep in mind, though, that processing may take up to two years, so plan ahead.

The Application Process

With documents in hand, you’re ready to submit your file to Greek authorities. A carefully assembled application boosts your chances of approval—every accurate document and form gets you closer to reclaiming your heritage.

The Perks of Greek Dual Citizenship

Greece allows dual nationality, meaning you don’t have to give up your existing citizenship. As a Greek citizen, you gain:

• The right to live and work in Greece and across the EU
• Access to Greek public healthcare and education
• Voting rights in Greek elections

But citizenship also comes with duties. Be sure to understand any tax obligations or, for male citizens, mandatory military service requirements.

Let Expat Law Guide You

The journey to Greek citizenship can be complex, but you don’t have to do it alone. Expat Law offers personalized legal support tailored to your unique background, including in-depth guidance for more complicated cases like asylum, deportation defense, and dual nationality.

Contact Expat Law here:

📧 kyveli@expatlaw.gr
📱 +30 694 555 1914 (call or text)

Have questions or need guidance tailored to your case? Don’t hesitate to get in touch—we’re here to help!