Why Greek Citizenship by Descent
Greek citizenship by descent allows those with Greek ancestry to reclaim their heritage. Greece offers EU membership benefits and access to one of Europe's most historic nations.
EU Freedom of Movement: Live, work, and study anywhere in the 27 EU member states.
Historic Passport: Greek passport provides visa-free access to 180+ countries.
No Residency Required: Obtain citizenship without living in Greece.
Dual Citizenship: Greece permits dual citizenship.
Who Qualifies
You may qualify for Greek citizenship by descent if:
Greek Parent: At least one parent was a Greek citizen at the time of your birth.
Greek Ancestry (Male Line): For male-line descent, citizenship passes automatically through generations.
Greek Ancestry (Female Line): For female-line descent after 1984, citizenship passes automatically. Pre-1984 cases may require special registration.
Note: Greece permits dual citizenship. No language or residency requirements for descent-based claims.
The Process
Step 1: Eligibility Assessment
We verify your Greek ancestry and determine if you qualify for citizenship recognition.
Step 2: Document Collection
We help obtain Greek civil records and vital documents proving lineage.
Step 3: Application Preparation
Our team prepares your citizenship application with all supporting documentation.
Step 4: Submission
We submit to Greek authorities and manage all follow-up.
Need help finding documents? Our genealogical research service helps locate vital records across countries and generations. Learn more →
Requirements
Birth Certificate: Your official birth certificate with apostille.
Ancestral Vital Records: Birth, marriage, and death certificates for each generation linking you to your qualifying ancestor.
Proof of Ancestor's Citizenship: Passport, ID, or official records proving your ancestor held citizenship.
Apostilles and Translations: All foreign documents must be apostilled and translated into the official language.
What's Included
Complete eligibility assessment
Greek genealogical research assistance
Document procurement guidance
Application preparation
Translation coordination
Government liaison
Status updates throughout process
Timeline
| Milestone | Timeframe |
|---|---|
| Eligibility assessment | 1-2 weeks |
| Document collection | 2-6 months |
| Application preparation | 2-4 weeks |
| Government processing | 12-24 months |
Processing times vary based on case complexity and documentation availability.
Important Notes
Greek citizenship passes through both maternal and paternal lines (since 1984).
No Greek language requirement for citizenship by descent.
Male citizens may have military service obligations.
Government fees are additional.