The greek citizenship by descent offers individuals of Greek ancestry a meaningful way to reconnect with their heritage and reclaim their family’s nationality. Throughout the 19th and 20th century, Greece and the wider Greek diaspora have seen many of its people emigrate in the wake of wars, economic struggle, and times of political unrest. Because of its vested interest in reintegrating expatriates who left for the Americas, Western European nations, and Australia, Greek authorities have created nationality policies that allow these individuals and their descendants to reclaim citizenship and reconnect with their Greek ancestry.

In this article, we outline eligibility criteria for citizenship through ancestry and the pertinent Greek legislation.

Who Is Eligible for Greek Citizenship Through Ancestry?

Article 1 of Greece’s Nationality Code states that an individual can acquire Greek citizenship when they’re born, if they’re the offspring of a Greek citizen. This is birthright citizenship or “jus sanguinis,” and it applies for children of Greek nationals whether they are born in Greece or not. This right is based on Greek blood rather than birthplace.

Proving your Greek ancestry is another valid pathway to citizenship, which you may be eligible for depending on where you reside. Consider the following routes to Greek citizenship by descent, which may ultimately lead to holding a Greek passport recognized across the European Union.

Greek Citizenship by Descent for Expatriates and Their Descendants

Articles 10 and 15 of the Greek Nationality Code outline cases for Greek citizenship by lineage. Article 10 in particular relates to the naturalization of expatriates, also referred to as Greek citizenship by naturalization in some cases.

The provisions recognize the history of Greek displacement and injustices that individuals faced that led to losing their citizenship. Such displaced persons and their descendants can reclaim their ancestral nationality. When applying as a descendant, you must be able to prove direct lineage to a Greek national and demonstrate ties to Greek culture and heritage.

Residents of Countries of the Former Soviet Union

Greeks who originate from former Soviet Union nations and reside them in may be eligible for Greek citizenship as adults, but they can’t have had their Greek citizenship established on the basis of the Ankara and Lausanne Treaties.

Residents of Greece Who Are from Former Soviet Union Countries

Greek adults who are from countries of the former Soviet Union and have legally entered Greece and reside there are eligible as well. Again, their Greek citizenship can’t be established on the basis of the Ankara and Lausanne treaties.

Qualifying by “Greekness”

Unlike other countries’ paths to ancestral citizenship, Greece specifies that applicants must show their “Greekness” and a genuine interest in acquiring Greek citizenship. Basically, citizenship by descent applicants must meet three criteria:

• They are an adult
• They can prove they are of Greek national origin with non-Greek citizenship
• They have Greek national conscience (can convince authorities of their Greek national identity by proving their knowledge of Greek history, geography, and culture, as well as a willingness to learn the Greek language)

How Far Back Can Greek Ancestral Citizenship Go?

When applying for citizenship by descent, people often want to know how far back in their lineage an ancestor can be. Theoretically, there is no generational limit to ancestral citizenship in Greece if the applicant can document unbroken lineage. However, ancestors more distant than grandparents typically do not qualify, and at that point, the required documentation only gets more specific and difficult to acquire.

What if I’ve Never Lived in Greece?

Even if you have never resided in Greece, you could still be eligible for Greek citizenship through ancestry. According to Article 10 of the Greek Nationality Code (Law 3284/04), expat foreigners of Greek origin who reside abroad can apply for citizenship via a consular authority in their place of residence.

If you’re curious about your eligibility status, consider trying one of our service packages and finding out if you qualify to apply for Greek citizenship by descent. To learn more about pathways to Greek citizenship through ancestry, check out our guide to Greek citizenship today!