The required documents for Greek citizenship depend on whether you are applying for Greek lineage citizenship abroad or from within Greece. While residents of Greece have a relatively streamlined application process, people applying abroad must follow stipulations outlined in Article 10 of Greece’s Nationality Code.
Documents for Greek Citizenship by Descent: Applying from Abroad
Article 10 of the Greek law on citizenship states that, if you live abroad, you’ll need to complete a statement of naturalization, along with your passport and an exact copy of another form of proof of identity. Applicants living abroad must also provide a criminal record certificate issued by foreign authorities and a civil registry birth certificate (or baptismal certificate in its place).
Greece’s National Registry of Administrative Public Services notes that, when applying abroad, applicants must be careful to completely fill out info relevant to national origin in the application form. Otherwise, naturalization won’t be possible.
Declaration of Naturalization
The Greek consulate you’re applying through will draw up your naturalization declaration in the presence of you and two Greek citizens as witnesses. This declaration serves as a Legal Proof of your intent to acquire citizenship.
Exact Copy of Passport
You have to provide an exact copy of your passport or other travel ID. The personal information on your passport must exactly match the information on your civil registry birth certificate. If you can’t provide a passport copy, Article 10 stipulates that you can use an exact copy of another proof of identity, which must be officially translated if no Latin characters or Greek language are used and must also match the information on your birth certificate.
Birth Certificate
Applicants whose birth certificate was prepared by foreign authorities must include their original birth certificate in their supporting documents application. Certificates must be legally certified by apostille or by the relevant Greek consulate authorities if the applicant lives in a country that hasn’t ratified the Hague Convention. Birth certificates must also be officially translated into the Greek language.
Criminal Record Issued by Foreign Authorities
You must show recent documentation of your overall criminal record with a criminal record certificate. This document must be officially translated and certified by the competent Greek authorities in your country of residence.
Documents Supporting Greek Origin
Most importantly, you must be able to prove your unbroken Greek ancestry lineage for citizenship. Applicants can use data regarding Greek ancestors’ registrations, official documents showing family history, consular registrations within the bloodline, documents showing blood relatives’ acquisition of Greek nationality, and consular passports. Such proof of Greek heritage connects you directly to your Greek grandparents or Greek parent, as recognized by Greek citizenship laws.
Marriage Certificate Issued by Foreign Authorities
If you married abroad, you must provide the original marriage certificate issued in that country. It must be certified by apostille or the relevant consular authority, and it must be officially translated before submitting. Furthermore, in the case of a wife who adopted the husband’s surname in marriage, the marriage certificate must show this change or any acknowledgment of paternity where applicable.
Birth Certificate of Children
If you have minor children who are unmarried when you take your oath, you must also present their birth certificate(s).
Photo ID
Finally, applicants must provide one ID-standard color photograph. Greece’s National Registry of Administrative Public Services indicates MyPhoto as the appropriate route to get this photo.
Greek Citizenship Documents: Greeks Originating from Former Soviet Union Countries
Greek adults originating from former Soviet Union countries, who still reside in those countries, also qualify for Greek citizenship by descent. For these applicants, the documentation is similar with some distinctions. The following number of required documents are needed and must be officially authenticated and translated:
- Declaration of naturalization
- Two recent photos
- An exact copy of your valid foreign passport
- Your original birth certificate
- Your parents’ original marriage certificate
- The original birth certificate of the ascendant from whom you derive your Greek descent
- Your original criminal record certificate issued by your country of residence
- A solemn declaration regarding any Hellenization of your name(s) and surname(s)
- A sworn statement noting the existence of any of your relatives who have acquired Greek citizenship
- Your certificate of permanent residence from a competent authority in your country of residence
Where Do I Send the Required Documentation?
When applying from abroad, you’ll send your supporting documents through the competent Greek embassy or Greek consulate in your country of residence. In the U.S., these are diplomatic missions, including one embassy and eight consulates, covering different jurisdictions.
Applicants submitting within Greece must file documents directly with their local Greek municipality or Municipal Records office. In these cases, applicants who already hold a Greek residence or Golden Visa may include these details as part of their application process.
If you’d like to learn more about Greek culture, Greek society, and the benefits of obtaining European citizenship through Greek ancestry, see if you’re eligible first. We use expert analysis to generate eligibility reports and assist with cost calculation, helping you get started applying for citizenship in the European Union.