Greek Citizenship by Descent: Complete Guide for 2025

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
• Eligibility Criteria for Greek Citizenship by Descent
• Required Documents for Greek Citizenship by Descent
• Greek Citizenship by Descent Application: Step-by-Step Guide
• How long does it take to get Greek citizenship by descent?
• Cost of Greek Citizenship by Descent
• Greek 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 Greek 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 at least five years.
• You have a Greek father or mother. In the case that your parents are unmarried and only one has Greek nationality, then you will have to take a paternity test in the case of your father or present an affidavit of acknowledgment of your birth.
• You were adopted by a Greek citizen.
• You have a grandparent who was born in Greece or was naturalized as a citizen.
• You were born outside of Greece and you can prove your Greek ancestry.

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 will need to apply for Greek citizenship before you can. The key to citizenship by descent is proving your family’s connection 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 Being a Greek Citizen

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.

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.

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.

If your parents were not registered with a Municipality in Greece, you must undergo a naturalization process. This process is not automatic and requires you to demonstrate a connection to Greece through its language, culture, and traditions. It includes an interview with the Consul General and a report submission. The decision rests with Greek authorities and may take over a year to finalize. A certified translator must apostille and translate all foreign documents into Greek. If apostille is not possible, documents can be notarized by the Greek Consulate in your country of residence.

Greek Citizenship by Descent Application: Step-by-Step Guide

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 the complexity of the document. 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.

Greek Dual Citizenship

Greece is one of the European Union countries that allow 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. 

Frequently Asked Questions about Greek Citizenship by Descent

What is Greek citizenship by descent?

Greek citizenship by descent is a process that allows individuals to obtain Greek nationality through their family ancestors. This right is available to those with direct Greek ancestry, such as parents, grandparents, or great-grandparents. This Greek Citizenship by Descent process follows the Latin principle of ´jus sanguinis´, meaning ‘right of blood.’

Who is eligible for Greek Citizenship?

You are can to obtain Greek citizenship by descent if:

• You were born in Greece to at least one Greek parent.
• You were born outside of Greece to at least one Greek parent.
• You were born outside of Greece and can prove that at least one of your grandparents was a Greek citizen.

What does jure sanguinis mean?

“Jure sanguinis” or “jus sanguinis” are Latin phrases meaning “right of blood.” It is a principle meaning that Greek citizenship can be determined through ancestral roots. That means your parents, or ancestors, citizenship, i.e., would need to be born to Greek citizens.

How do you prove Greek ancestry?

You can prove Greek ancestry by providing documents like birth, marriage, and death certificates which clearly indicate your ancestor was a Greek citizen. These documents will only be considered when they are translated into Greek and legalized.

What documents are required for Greek citizenship by descent application?

The documents you need for Greek citizenship by descent application are:

• Proof of Greek ethnicity or heritage (birth, baptism, marriage certificates, or any other supporting documents showing your Greek heritage)
• Legal documents from the ancestor’s municipality in Greece
• The marriage certificate of the applicant’s parents
• Proof of Greek residence
• Military service records (if applicable)
• Copy of passport from parents or grandparents
• Birth certificate apostilled
• Application form
• Clean criminal record certificate

How long does it take to get Greek citizenship?

Each case of getting Greek citizenship is unique, but you can expect to get it in the span of 2 to 3 years. More complex cases that demand more paperwork will take 3 years, and straightforward ones will typically take 2 years.

How much does obtaining Greek citizenship by descent cost?

The cost of proving your Greek ancestry and then obtaining Greek citizenship can be anywhere from €100 to €500, depending on various administrative fees and document requirements. It’s important to note that the process itself is free, but you may have to pay for additional expenses such as notarization, translation of documents, and legal assistance.

Do I qualify for Greek dual citizenship?

If you hold Greek citizenship, and your second citizenship is held by a country that permits dual citizenship, then yes, you qualify for dual citizenship in Greece. Naturally, you need to meet certain criteria to get Greek citizenship too, and complete the Greek citizenship test.

Can I obtain Greek citizenship if my grandparents are Greek?

Yes, you can if your grandparent was born in Greece or was naturalized as a Greek citizen. It’s also possible to apply based on your parents or grandparents’ connections to Greece if they are not Greek citizens. If they are considered to have Greek connections through their parents or grandparents, then they will first have to go through the process of applying for Greek citizenship before you do.

How many generations back can you claim Greek citizenship?

You can qualify for Greek dual citizenship if you have a Greek parent, grandparent, or even great-grandparent. The best part? There’s no limit to how far back you can trace your Greek roots to claim your citizenship.