The Complete Guide to Greece Citizenship by Descent

Greece citizenship by descent allows individuals with Greek heritage to reclaim citizenship through ancestral ties, connecting you to one of Europe's most historically rich nations. 

This pathway lets you reconnect with your Greek roots while gaining one of Europe's most valuable passports and full European Union citizenship rights. 

Whether your Greek ancestor emigrated generations ago or your parents were born in Greece, you may be eligible to restore your birthright and pass it on to future generations.

What Does "Greece Citizenship by Descent" Mean?

Greece citizenship by descent (also called citizenship by ancestry) refers to the legal process that allows individuals with Greek heritage to obtain Greek citizenship based on their ancestral connections. This pathway reflects Greece's recognition of its vast global diaspora and the principle that Greek heritage transcends borders and generations.

Greek nationality law operates on the jus sanguinis principle (right of blood), whereby persons who can prove descent from Greek citizens may claim Greek citizenship. The concept is rooted in Greek law, particularly the Greek Nationality Code (Law No. 1438/1984) as amended by subsequent legislation including Law No. 3284/2004.

Key principle: A person born to a parent of Greek nationality is automatically considered a Greek citizen at birth, even if that parent never exercised their right to citizenship. This principle can extend through multiple generations.

No strict generational limit: Unlike some European countries, Greece technically has no limit on how many generations back you can trace your ancestry. However, in practice, proving the connection becomes increasingly difficult beyond great-grandparents.

Dual citizenship permitted: Greece recognizes dual citizenship, meaning you can hold Greek citizenship alongside other nationalities without renouncing your current citizenship.

As a Greek citizen, you gain all the rights and privileges of EU citizenship, including:

• The right to live, work, and study anywhere in the 27 European Union member states
• Access to a powerful passport with visa-free travel to 180+ destinations
• Full healthcare and education benefits across Europe
• The ability to pass citizenship to your children automatically

Historical Background and Context

Greece's history of emigration is one of the most significant in Europe, creating a global diaspora estimated at over 7 million people worldwide - nearly matching Greece's current population of approximately 10.5 million.

Major emigration waves shaped the Greek diaspora:

• Late 19th Century to 1920s: The first major wave occurred during the decline of the Ottoman Empire and the tumultuous period surrounding Greek independence. Economic hardship and political instability drove hundreds of thousands of Greeks to seek opportunities abroad, particularly in the United States, Australia, and Egypt.
• 1940s-1950s (Post-WWII): World War II and the subsequent Greek Civil War (1946-1949) created another massive emigration wave. Approximately 600,000 Greeks left during this period, fleeing war-torn conditions and seeking economic stability. Major destinations included the United States, Canada, Australia, and Germany.
• 1960s-1970s (Economic Migration): Economic opportunities in industrialized nations drew Greek workers to Germany, Belgium, and other Western European countries as "guest workers." Simultaneously, Greeks continued immigrating to traditional destinations like the United States, Canada, and Australia.
• Recent Emigration (2008-2018): The Greek financial crisis triggered a new emigration wave, particularly among young, educated Greeks seeking opportunities in other EU countries, the United Kingdom, and beyond.

Major Greek diaspora communities:

• United States: Estimated 1.3-3 million Greek Americans, with major communities in New York, Chicago, Detroit, and Boston
• Australia: Over 400,000 Greek Australians, making Greeks one of Australia's largest ethnic groups (Melbourne has one of the world's largest Greek populations outside Greece)
• Canada: Approximately 250,000 Greek Canadians, concentrated in Toronto, Montreal, and Vancouver
• Germany: Significant Greek community from post-war labor migration
• United Kingdom: Growing Greek population, particularly after EU accession
• South Africa, Egypt, Argentina, Brazil: Established historical communities

Greek citizenship law framework:

The modern Greek citizenship framework is governed by:

• Greek Nationality Code (Law No. 1438/1984): Established fundamental citizenship principles
• Law No. 3284/2004: Significant amendments modernizing citizenship procedures
• Subsequent amendments: Various updates addressing specific circumstances

Key principle: Registration in the Municipal Records of the Hellenic Republic (Dimotologion) is the legal premise for Greek citizenship. The Certificate of Registration constitutes legal proof of Greek citizenship.

Who Qualifies for Greek Citizenship by Descent?

Greek citizenship by descent is available to individuals who can prove a direct bloodline connection to a Greek citizen ancestor. The program is relatively generous, extending to multiple generations.

You may be eligible for Greek citizenship by descent if:

1. You were born to at least one parent who is a Greek citizen (regardless of where you were born)
2. You have a grandparent who was born in Greece or was naturalized as a Greek citizen
3. You have a great-grandparent who was a Greek citizen (in select cases, if properly registered)
4. You can prove Greek ancestry through official registration in Greek municipal records

Generational reach: Greece technically has no strict generational limit, meaning you could potentially claim through great-great-grandparents or further back. However, practical challenges increase significantly beyond the third generation (great-grandparents), making documentation and proof increasingly difficult.

Conditions for Eligibility

The Direct Bloodline Requirement

The fundamental requirement is proving an unbroken chain of Greek citizenship from your Greek ancestor to you. This means each generation must have been properly transmitted Greek citizenship.

What "unbroken chain" means:

• Your Greek ancestor held Greek citizenship
• They transmitted it to their child (your parent/grandparent)
• That transmission continued through each generation to you
• Each link in the chain must be documentable through official records

Important: Your ancestor doesn't need to have exercised their Greek citizenship or even known about it. If they were entitled to Greek citizenship by birth, that right exists regardless of whether they claimed it.

Registration in Municipal Records

A critical concept in Greek citizenship law is that registration in the Municipal Records of the Hellenic Republic is the legal premise for Greek citizenship.

This means:

• Your Greek ancestor must be registered (or registrable) in a Greek municipality's records
• Your ancestor doesn't necessarily need to have been born in Greece, but must be registered in Greek civil records
• If your ancestor was never registered, they may need to be registered posthumously (if deceased) or actively (if alive)

Certificate of Registration: This document constitutes legal proof of Greek citizenship and is essential for your application.

Parent Citizenship Scenarios

If at least one parent is a Greek citizen:

You automatically acquired Greek citizenship at birth, even if:

• You were born outside Greece
• Your parent never lived in Greece
• Your parent never obtained a Greek passport
• You never knew about your Greek citizenship

If your parents were unmarried:

• If your Greek mother is unmarried: You automatically have citizenship
• If your Greek father is unmarried: Formal recognition of paternity must have occurred (through notarial act or court decision), and timing matters (before or after you reached 18)

If only your father is Greek: Different rules applied depending on when you were born:

• Born after June 16, 1982 (in or out of wedlock): You're entitled to citizenship
• DNA test may be required to establish paternity if parents were unmarried

If only your mother is Greek:

• Born after August 5, 1984 (in or out of wedlock): You're entitled to citizenship
• Earlier births may face different requirements due to historical gender discrimination in citizenship law

Grandparent and Great-Grandparent Claims

Through grandparents: You can claim Greek citizenship if your grandparent was born in Greece or naturalized as a Greek citizen, provided you can establish the proper documentation connecting each generation.

Critical requirement: If your parent (the child of your Greek grandparent) was never registered in Greek municipal records, they may need to be registered first before you can claim citizenship.

Through great-grandparents: It's possible to claim through great-grandparents, but:

• The process becomes significantly more complex
• Your great-grandparent must have been registered in Greek citizenship records before your birth
• Each intermediate generation must be documentable
• Many applicants find this pathway impractical due to documentation challenges

Adoption by Greek Citizens

If you were adopted by a Greek citizen following legal adoption procedures, you may be eligible for Greek citizenship.

Understanding Dual Citizenship Rules

Greece permits dual citizenship without restrictions for those claiming citizenship by descent.

This means:

• You do NOT need to renounce your current citizenship
• You can hold Greek citizenship alongside American, Canadian, Australian, or any other citizenship
• Your children can inherit both citizenships

Compatible with:

• United States (U.S. recognizes dual citizenship)
• Canada (Canada permits dual citizenship)
• United Kingdom (UK allows dual citizenship)
• Australia (Australia permits dual citizenship)
• Most countries worldwide

Military service consideration: Greek male citizens between 19 and 45 are subject to military service requirements. However, those who acquire citizenship by descent but continue to live permanently abroad are typically not required to serve, provided they maintain permanent residence outside Greece.

The Chain Must Be Unbroken

The most critical concept in Greek citizenship by descent is the unbroken chain requirement.

Example of unbroken chain:

• Your great-grandfather was born in Greece (Greek citizen)
• He moved to the US and had your grandfather there
• Your grandfather inherited Greek citizenship at birth (even if never claimed)
• Your grandfather had your mother
• Your mother inherited Greek citizenship at birth (even if never claimed)
• You were born to your mother
• You inherited Greek citizenship at birth

Example of broken chain:

• Your great-grandfather was Greek
• He naturalized as a US citizen before your grandfather was born
• Your grandfather was born AFTER the naturalization
• The chain is broken - your grandfather did not inherit Greek citizenship
• You cannot claim through this line

Critical timing: Your Greek ancestor must have held Greek citizenship at the time their child (next generation) was born. If they naturalized elsewhere before the birth, the chain breaks.

Required Documents

Claiming Greek citizenship by descent requires extensive documentation proving your identity, your ancestral connection, and the unbroken chain of citizenship.

Your Personal Documents

Core identity documents:

• Current valid passport
• Your original birth certificate (long-form, showing both parents)
• Marriage certificate (if applicable and name changed)
• Proof of current address
• Recent passport-style photographs

Proving Your Greek Ancestor's Citizenship

Primary documents (strongest proof):

Greek municipal registration documents:

• Certificate of Registration (Pistopoiitiko Dimotologiou) from Greek municipality
• Greek birth certificate of your ancestor
• Certificate of Family Record (Pistopoiitiko Oikogeneiakou Katastasis)
• Certificate of Male Registry (for male ancestors) showing their registration

If your ancestor was born in Greece:

• Greek birth certificate from their municipality of birth
• Baptism certificate from Greek Orthodox church
• Any Greek identity documents (old passports, military service records, etc.)

If your ancestor naturalized as Greek:

• Naturalization certificate
• Official records of citizenship acquisition

Proving the Family Connection (Each Generation)

You must prove the connection between you and your Greek ancestor for each generation:

Birth certificates:

• Your birth certificate
• Your parent's birth certificate
• Your grandparent's birth certificate (if claiming through grandparent)
• Your great-grandparent's birth certificate (if claiming through great-grandparent)

Marriage certificates:

• Marriage certificates for each marriage in your direct line
• Essential if names changed through marriage
• Needed to connect maiden names to married names

Death certificates (if applicable):

• For deceased ancestors in your direct line
• Help establish the family chain

Special Documentation Needs

If names were changed:

• Court rulings authorizing name changes
• Administrative acts documenting name changes
• Deed poll or legal name change documents

If parents were unmarried:

• Paternity recognition documents (notarial acts or court decisions)
• DNA test results (if required for paternal claims)
• Affidavit of acknowledgment of birth

If adoption occurred:

• Legal adoption decree
• Court documents finalizing adoption
• Evidence that adoptive parent was Greek citizen at relevant time

Document Authentication and Translation

All foreign documents must be properly authenticated and translated for use in Greece:

Apostille Requirements:

• All foreign documents must be validated by Apostille under the Hague Convention
• Documents from non-Hague countries require consular legalization
• Apostilles must be from the competent authority in the issuing country

Translation Requirements:

• All foreign documents must be officially translated into Greek
• Translations must be completed by certified translators recognized by Greek authorities
• Both original apostilled documents and certified Greek translations must be submitted

Where to get Apostilles:

United States:

• State-issued documents: Secretary of State of the issuing state
• Federal documents: U.S. Department of State
• Processing: Varies by state (typically 1-3 weeks)
• Cost: Typically $5-30 per document

United Kingdom:

• Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO)
• Processing: 3-4 weeks
• Cost: £30 per document

Canada:

• Global Affairs Canada
• Processing: 10-20 business days
• Cost: CAD $50 per document

Australia:

• Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT)
• Processing: 10-15 business days
• Cost: AUD $80 per document

Greek Archive Research

If you don't have all required Greek documents, research can be conducted in Greece:

Greek municipal archives:

• Contact the municipality where your ancestor was registered
• Request Certificate of Registration
• Request Certificate of Family Record
• Request extract from Dimotologion (Municipal Registry)

Greek Orthodox Church records:

• Baptism certificates (historical records)
• Marriage records
• Useful for establishing identity and connections

Professional genealogists: Specialists in Greek genealogy can research Greek archives, navigate the municipal record system, and locate necessary documentation.

The Application Process

Step 1: Verify Your Eligibility

Before beginning, honestly assess your eligibility:

Key questions:

• Do you have a Greek parent, grandparent, or great-grandparent?
• Can you prove your Greek ancestor was registered in Greek municipal records?
• Can you document the connection between you and your Greek ancestor for each generation?
• Is the chain of citizenship unbroken (each generation had citizenship when the next was born)?

Step 2: Research Your Greek Ancestor's Registration

The most critical step is confirming your Greek ancestor is registered in Greek municipal records.

If you know which municipality:

• Contact the municipality directly
• Request Certificate of Registration
• Request Certificate of Family Record
• These documents prove Greek citizenship

If you don't know which municipality:

• Research family records for place of origin
• Contact potential municipalities based on family knowledge
• Hire professional genealogist specializing in Greek research
• Check with Greek consulates for guidance

Step 3: Assess Whether Intermediate Generations Need Registration

Critical rule: If your parent or grandparent (who connects you to your Greek ancestor) was never registered in Greek municipal records, they may need to be registered before you can proceed.

Example scenario:

• Your grandmother was born in Greece (registered in Greek municipality)
• Your father was born in the US (never registered in Greece)
• You want to claim citizenship
• Your father must first be registered before you can apply

If intermediate generations need registration:

• They must apply first (if alive)
• If deceased, posthumous registration may be possible in some cases
• This can add significant time to the process

Step 4: Gather All Required Documents

Document checklist:

• Your identity documents
• Birth certificates for each generation
• Marriage certificates connecting generations
• Greek municipal documents proving ancestor's citizenship
• All apostilles
• All certified Greek translations
• Any additional supporting documents (name changes, adoption, paternity, etc.)

Step 5: Prepare Your Application

Applications are submitted either at Greek consulates abroad or directly in Greece (if you're a resident).

Application package must include:

• Completed application forms (in Greek)
• All supporting documents with apostilles
• All certified Greek translations
• Proof of payment for any fees
• Passport-style photographs

Step 6: Submit Application

If living abroad:

• Submit application at your nearest Greek consulate
• Schedule appointment (required at most consulates)
• Bring all original documents plus copies
• Consulate reviews and forwards to authorities in Greece

If living in Greece:

• Submit to the locally competent Directorate of Citizenship
• Or submit to the municipality where you're registered
• Or to the Ministry of Interior

Application will be forwarded to:

• Relevant municipal authorities in Greece
• General Districts
• Ministry of Interior, Public Administration and Decentralization
• These authorities make the final determination

Important: Greek Consulates do not "grant" citizenship. Through legal procedures, they assist you to exercise your right to citizenship that already exists by law.

Step 7: Wait for Processing

Processing timeline:

• Standard processing: 2-3 years for parent or grandparent claims
• Great-grandparent claims: Significantly longer (potentially 4-5+ years)
• Simple parent claims with complete documentation: Potentially 1-2 years

During processing:

• Authorities verify all documents
• Municipal records are updated
• Family connections are confirmed
• You may be contacted for additional information

No expedited processing: Unlike some passport applications, citizenship by descent cannot be expedited.

Step 8: Receive Citizenship Confirmation

Once approved:

1. You receive two Greek birth certificates:
   • One for applying for Greek national ID card
   • One for your entry in the Municipal Registry
2. Registration in Municipal Records: Your registration constitutes official recognition of your citizenship
3. Certificate of Registration: Legal proof of Greek citizenship
4. Apply for Greek passport and ID card:
   • Apply at Greek consulate or in Greece
   • Provide biometric data
   • Passport processing: Additional 1-2 months
   • Greek passport valid for 5 years (10 years for adults over 30)
5. Full EU citizenship rights begin immediately upon citizenship recognition

Timeline and Costs

Realistic Timeline Breakdown

Total timeline: 2-5 years typical (depending on generation and documentation)

Phase 1: Research and Document Gathering (3-12 months)

• Eligibility assessment: 2-4 weeks
• Greek municipal records research: 2-6 months
• Foreign document gathering: 2-4 months
• Document authentication and translation: 2-3 months

Phase 2: Intermediate Generation Registration (0-18 months)

• If parent/grandparent needs registration: 12-18 additional months
• If not needed: Skip this phase

Phase 3: Application Submission (1-2 months)

• Application preparation: 2-4 weeks
• Consulate appointment scheduling: 2-4 weeks
• Document submission: 1 day

Phase 4: Government Processing (24-36 months)

• Parent claims: 2-3 years typical
• Grandparent claims: 2-3 years typical
• Great-grandparent claims: 3-5+ years

Phase 5: Passport Application (1-2 months)

• After citizenship recognition: 1-2 months for passport

Cost Breakdown

Government fees are remarkably low:

• Application fees: €100-300 (varies by consulate)
• Greek passport: Approximately €75
• Greek ID card: Approximately €20
• Municipal documentation: €20-100

However, total costs include:

DIY Route (if attempting independently):

• Greek municipal records research: €200-1,000
• Professional genealogist (if needed): €1,000-3,000
• Foreign vital records: $200-600
• Apostilles: $200-600
• Certified Greek translations: €500-2,000 (depending on number of documents)
• Legal consultation (if needed): €1,000-3,000
• Application and passport fees: €200-400
• Total: €2,300-10,600 (approximately $2,500-11,500)

With Professional Services:

• Full-service legal representation: €3,000-8,000
• Genealogical research: €1,500-4,000
• Document procurement: €1,000-2,500
• Translations and apostilles: €800-2,000
• Application management: Included
• Government fees: €300-500
• Total: €6,600-17,000 (approximately $7,200-18,500)

Costs vary significantly based on:

• Generational distance (great-grandparents cost more than parents)
• Document availability (missing documents require extensive research)
• Complexity of family history
• Number of name changes or irregularities
• Whether intermediate generations need registration first

9 Benefits of Greek Citizenship

1. European Union Citizenship

Greek citizenship automatically grants you European Union citizenship, providing:

Freedom of movement to live, work, and study in any of the 27 EU member states without visas or permits.

Countries included: Germany, France, Spain, Netherlands, Sweden, Denmark, Ireland, Italy, Portugal, Austria, Belgium, Poland, and 15 others.

No sponsorship needed: Accept any job in any EU country without employer sponsorship or work permits.

Business freedom: Start a business anywhere in the EU with full access to the European single market.

2. Powerful Mediterranean Passport

The Greek passport allows visa-free travel to 180+ destinations.

Visa-free access includes:

• All EU countries (27)
• United States (ESTA, 90 days)
• Canada (eTA, 6 months)
• United Kingdom (6 months)
• Japan (90 days)
• Australia (eTA, 90 days)
• Most of South America
• Most of Asia

The Greek passport consistently ranks in the top 10 most powerful passports globally.

3. Rich Cultural Heritage and Mediterranean Lifestyle

Greece offers exceptional quality of life:

• Historic significance: Birthplace of Western civilization, democracy, philosophy
• Mediterranean climate: Over 300 days of sunshine annually
• Island paradise: Over 6,000 islands and islets, with 227 inhabited
• UNESCO World Heritage Sites: 18 sites including the Acropolis, Delphi, Meteora
• Vibrant culture: Traditional music, dance, festivals
• World-renowned cuisine: Mediterranean diet, olive oil, fresh seafood
• Warm hospitality: Greek philoxenia (love of strangers) tradition

4. Affordable Cost of Living

Greece offers significantly lower costs than most Western European countries:

• Housing: Much more affordable than major EU cities
• Healthcare: High-quality at fraction of US costs
• Food and dining: Excellent value, especially local restaurants
• Transportation: Inexpensive public transport and island ferries
• Real estate: Property prices much lower than Northern Europe
• Retirement destination: Increasingly popular for EU retirees

5. Education Benefits

As an EU citizen with Greek citizenship:

• Free public education in Greece: Including university level
• Greek universities: Ancient institutions like University of Athens (1837), Aristotle University of Thessaloniki
• EU-wide access: Study anywhere in the EU at domestic student rates
• No international student quotas: Apply as a local student

EU tuition examples:

• Greece: Free public universities for EU citizens
• Germany: Often free for undergraduate programs
• France: €170-600/year at public universities
• Many EU countries: Free or minimal fees for EU citizens

6. Healthcare Access

Greek National Health System: Universal healthcare coverage for residents.

European Health Insurance Card (EHIC): When traveling in the EU, receive necessary healthcare at local prices.

Quality healthcare:

• Modern medical facilities, especially in Athens and Thessaloniki
• Well-trained medical professionals (many trained in Western Europe/US)
• Excellent private healthcare at affordable rates
• Medical tourism destination for quality procedures

7. Property Ownership and Investment Opportunities

• Buy property anywhere in Greece or any EU country without foreign restrictions
• Access to Greek real estate market (attractive prices compared to Northern Europe)
• Greece Golden Visa program available for real estate investment
• EU business opportunities and funding programs
• Growing tourism and hospitality sector

8. Reconnection with Heritage

Meaningful cultural reconnection:

• Visit ancestral villages and connect with distant relatives
• Participate in Greek cultural life, festivals, traditions
• Learn or improve Greek language skills
• Join Greek diaspora organizations with full citizen status
• Voting rights in Greek and EU elections (if resident)
• Pass Greek heritage to your children

9. Passing Citizenship to Your Children

Automatic transmission: Any children you have are automatically entitled to Greek citizenship if you are a Greek citizen at the time of their birth, regardless of where they're born.

No generation limit: Your children can pass Greek citizenship to their children, continuing the legacy indefinitely.

Dual citizenship for children: Children born with Greek citizenship can retain it alongside other citizenships.

Strengthens family legacy: Restoring your citizenship now ensures future generations maintain this valuable EU citizenship.

Citizenship by Descent Programs

While CitizenX does not currently offer Greece citizenship by descent services, many people with European heritage may qualify for citizenship through other ancestral lines. CitizenX offers comprehensive citizenship by descent services for several European countries with well-established ancestry programs.

CitizenX Citizenship by Descent Services

CitizenX specializes in helping individuals reclaim their European heritage through citizenship by descent programs. Our expert team navigates complex legal requirements, conducts genealogical research, and manages the entire application process from eligibility assessment to passport receipt.

Countries where CitizenX offers full citizenship by descent services:

Italy Citizenship by Descent - $25,000

• No generational limit
• Can claim through great-grandparents and beyond
• 100% online process
• Approximately 6 months to passport after recognition

Ireland Citizenship by Descent - $15,000

• Claim through Irish-born parent or grandparent
• Includes Foreign Births Register assistance
• 100% online process
• Approximately 9 months to passport

Poland Citizenship by Descent - $25,000

• Can claim through multiple generations
• Complex documentation from Polish archives
• 100% online process
• Approximately 8 months to passport

Lithuania Citizenship by Descent - $15,000

• Claim through parents, grandparents, or great-grandparents
• Lithuanian archive research included
• Approximately 6 months to passport after approval

Each program includes complete eligibility assessment, comprehensive document research and retrieval, apostille and translation coordination, legal representation, application management, and dedicated 24/7 concierge support until passport receipt.

Why Choose CitizenX for Citizenship by Descent

Expert Knowledge: Our team specializes in European citizenship law and has helped over 11,500 clients successfully obtain their ancestral citizenship.

Comprehensive Service: We handle everything from genealogical research and archive documentation to legal representation and government liaison.

Time Savings: We manage the bureaucracy, document hunting, and complex legal requirements, saving you hundreds of hours of work.

Higher Success Rate: With proper documentation, legal expertise, and established relationships with government authorities, we maximize your chances of approval.

Proven Track Record: With 11,500+ citizens helped and counting, CitizenX has the experience and connections to make your application successful.

Explore CitizenX citizenship by descent programs to discover if you qualify for European citizenship through your ancestry.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I claim Greek citizenship through my grandparents?

Yes. If your grandparent was born in Greece or naturalized as a Greek citizen, you can claim citizenship through them, provided you can document the connection through each generation.

What if my parent was never registered in Greek records?

If your parent (the child of your Greek grandparent) was never registered in Greek municipal records, they may need to be registered first before you can claim citizenship. If your parent is alive, they should apply. If deceased, posthumous registration may be possible in certain cases.

Is there a generational limit?

Technically no - Greek law doesn't specify a strict generational limit. However, practically, proving connections beyond great-grandparents becomes extremely difficult. Most successful applications involve parents, grandparents, or great-grandparents.

Do I need to speak Greek?

No. There is no language requirement for citizenship by descent. However, basic Greek language skills are helpful for navigating the process and integrating into Greek society if you plan to live there.

Can I hold dual citizenship?

Yes. Greece fully permits dual citizenship for those claiming citizenship by descent. You do not need to renounce your current citizenship.

How long does the process take?

Typically 2-3 years from application submission to citizenship recognition for parent or grandparent claims. Great-grandparent claims can take 3-5+ years. Add additional time for document gathering (6-12 months) and passport application (1-2 months).

How much does it cost?

Government fees are only €100-500 total. However, total costs including genealogical research, translations, apostilles, and legal assistance typically range from €2,500-11,500 for DIY or €7,200-18,500 with professional services.

What if names were changed or documents are missing?

Name changes require official documentation (court rulings, marriage certificates). Missing documents can often be obtained through Greek municipal archives, church records, or professional genealogical research.

Can my spouse become Greek through my citizenship?

No, your spouse cannot claim citizenship through your Greek ancestry. They would need their own Greek ancestors or pursue naturalization after living in Greece (generally 7-10 years of legal residence).

What about military service?

Greek male citizens aged 19-45 are subject to military service. However, those who acquire citizenship by descent but live permanently abroad are typically not required to serve, provided they maintain residence outside Greece.

Do I need to live in Greece?

No. The entire process can be completed from abroad through Greek consulates. You do not need to relocate to Greece to claim citizenship by descent.

What happens after I get citizenship?

Once you receive your Certificate of Registration and Greek birth certificates, you can apply for a Greek passport and ID card. You immediately gain all EU citizenship rights, including the right to live, work, and study anywhere in the EU.

Can my children get Greek citizenship?

Yes. Children born to Greek citizens automatically acquire Greek citizenship at birth, regardless of where they're born. You can pass this valuable EU citizenship to future generations indefinitely.

What if my Greek ancestor naturalized elsewhere?

The critical question is when they naturalized. If they naturalized before your next-generation ancestor was born, the chain of citizenship may be broken. If they naturalized after the birth, citizenship was already transmitted and the chain remains intact.

Why does Greece allow citizenship by descent?

Greece recognizes its vast global diaspora and maintains the principle that Greek identity transcends borders. Citizenship by descent honors the connection between Greece and its diaspora communities worldwide, estimated at over 7 million people.