Greece is not only one of the most beautiful destinations worldwide, but it also offers a high quality of life for its residents, and as a part of the EU it grants Greek citizens the right to live, work, and travel freely across the entirety of the European Union. As such, Greek citizenship is highly sought after and if you have Greek ancestry, you may be eligible by descent.
Claiming Greek Citizenship Through Ancestry
Under Greek law, citizenship is based on descent. An individual registered in the Records of a Municipality of the Hellenic Republic, is considered a Greek citizen, with the Certificate of Registration serving as proof of citizenship.
The first step to determining your eligibility for citizenship is to identify if your Greek ancestor was registered with a local municipality in Greece. From January 1, 2022, applications for this certificate must be submitted through the local Greek Consular Authorities, who forward the request to the competent Greek Municipal Authority for review and issuance.
Our team of experts offers assistance with:
- Initial investigation with Greek Municipal Authorities
- Submission through the Greek Consulate at your place of residence
- Ensuring all records and documentation comply with Greek naming conventions to avoid bureaucratic delays
- Identifying any gaps or inconsistencies in historical records
Important: If your father was a registered Greek citizen, the process becomes simpler and faster. Please inform us so we can tailor our support accordingly.
Citizenship Through Ancestry-Based Naturalisation (Greek Grandparents)
If your parent was not registered as a Greek citizen, but your grandparent was born in Greece or was registered as a Greek citizen, you may still qualify for Greek citizenship through ancestry-based naturalization. This process involves proving your descent and demonstrating a basic connection to Greek language and culture.
Eligibility Requirements
- Be at least 18 years old
- Demonstrate Greek heritage through a grandparent
- Basic knowledge of Greek history and culture
- At least A2-level understanding of the Greek language (will be an asset)
- Be of good moral character (no serious criminal record)
Interview: You will be required to attend an interview at the Greek Consulate, usually conducted in Greek, to assess your connection to Greece.
We Offer Assistance With:
- Preparing you for the citizenship interview
- Translating and authenticating foreign documents
- Submitting your complete application file to the Ministry of Interior and Greek consular authorities
- Resolving naming inconsistencies or missing family records
Required Documentation
- Birth, marriage, or death certificates of your Greek grandparent(s)
- Old Greek passports or Greek ID cards (if available)
- Evidence of familial link (e.g., your parent’s and your own birth certificate)
- Apostilled and translated versions of all foreign documents
- Any other legal proof of Greek descent
All personal data is processed in full compliance with EU GDPR standards.
Why Entrust Us
At Georgaki and Partners Law Firm, we pride ourselves on a team of seasoned professionals boasting over 17 years of experience. Our deep understanding of Greek law, coupled with expertise in real estate and investments, enables us to deliver premium legal and consulting services tailored to your needs. Trust us to navigate the complexities of the Greek legal landscape and secure optimal outcomes for your investments.