If you have Greek roots, you may be eligible for Greek citizenship by descent, offering you the opportunity to reclaim your heritage and enjoy the benefits of European Union citizenship.
🇬🇷 What Is Citizenship by Descent?
Citizenship by descent (also called jus sanguinis) allows individuals with Greek ancestry to claim Greek citizenship through their parents, grandparents, or even great-grandparents—if documented correctly.
🔹 No residency in Greece is required
🔹 Dual citizenship is allowed
🔹 Access to work, live, and study across the EU
👨👩👧 Who Qualifies?
To claim Greek citizenship by descent, you typically must prove that:
✅ You have at least one direct ancestor (parent, grandparent, or sometimes great-grandparent) who was a Greek citizen
✅ The Greek ancestor’s birth or naturalization is registered in the Greek Municipal Records
✅ Your lineage is unbroken and legally recognized (e.g., through marriage, birth certificates)
🧾 Required Documents
Gathering documents is the most critical part of the process. You’ll need:
📄 Your full birth certificate
📄 Your parent’s/grandparent’s birth and marriage certificates
📄 Proof of Greek citizenship for your ancestor (municipal registration, Greek passport, or military records)
📄 Naturalization or immigration records (if your ancestor left Greece)
📄 ID/passport copies
📄 Affidavits or official translations (as needed)
📝 All foreign documents must be translated into Greek and apostilled.
🏛️ Application Process
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1️⃣ | Confirm your ancestor’s registration in Greek municipal records |
| 2️⃣ | Collect and apostille all supporting documents |
| 3️⃣ | Submit your application to the Greek Consulate in your country |
| 4️⃣ | Application is transferred to Greek authorities for review |
| 5️⃣ | Upon approval, you are registered in the Municipal Registry and receive your citizenship certificate |
🕐 The process can take 12–24 months, depending on document availability and case complexity.
👶 Greek Citizenship Through Parents
You are automatically a Greek citizen at birth if:
-
One of your parents was a Greek citizen when you were born (even if born abroad)
-
Your birth is registered at the Greek Consulate or a municipality in Greece
📌 You must still formally register the birth with Greek authorities to claim your rights.
🧓 Greek Citizenship Through Grandparents or Earlier Generations
If your grandparent or great-grandparent was Greek, you can apply if all generational links are documented.
You must:
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Prove that each generation was legally recognized (legitimate children, recognized marriages)
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Locate the ancestor’s municipality of origin in Greece
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Provide a full lineage of birth and marriage certificates
💬 Tip: Civil registries in Greece may take time to respond, so patience is essential.
✈️ Benefits of Greek Citizenship
✔️ Live, work, and travel visa-free in all EU countries
✔️ Access to Greek healthcare and education
✔️ Pass on citizenship to your children
✔️ Right to vote and own property in Greece
✔️ Dual citizenship permitted
🛡️ Borderless Lawyers Can Help
Claiming Greek citizenship by descent involves navigating Greek bureaucracy and multi-generational documentation. Our legal team helps with:
✅ Ancestry research and municipal record search
✅ Translation and apostille support
✅ Legal validation of marriage/birth certificates
✅ Filing your application with the consulate
✅ Follow-ups and appeals if needed
🧾 We work with clients in the U.S., Australia, Canada, the UK, and beyond.
🗂️ Summary Table
| Requirement | Description |
|---|---|
| Qualifying ancestor | Greek parent, grandparent, or great-grandparent |
| Residency in Greece required? | ❌ No |
| Dual citizenship allowed? | ✅ Yes |
| Language requirement? | ❌ Not for descent |
| Processing time | 12–24 months |
| Key document | Proof of ancestor’s municipal registration |