Citizenship via cultural ties (Naturalization of expatriates)Citizenship via cultural ties (Naturalization of expatriates)
Eligibility quiz
Do you have Greek family roots?
Benefits
Benefits for youBenefits for you
Greek passport
Greek citizens can get a passport for travel.
Live in Greece for life
Greek citizens can live in Greece without a visa, residence permit or minimum stay.
Citizenship does not expire because its holder lives abroad.
Study in Greece
Greek citizens can study in Greece and use public services as nationals.
Work in Greece
Greek citizens can work in Greece, including by working for themselves.
They can also work in public service, if they meet the rules for the job.
EU law also protects them from nationality discrimination where that law applies.
Permanent residence after five years
After five years of continuous lawful residence in another EU country, Greek citizens normally gain permanent residence there automatically.
Get help abroad
Outside the EU, Greek citizens can seek help from another EU country if Greece has no effective diplomatic representation there.
Vote and run for office
Greek citizens can vote in national elections from age 17 if registered and not legally barred from voting; voting from abroad requires special registration.
Those who can vote may run for Parliament from age 25 if they meet the other rules.
They also have EU and local election, petition and complaint rights under EU rules.
Use public healthcare
Greek citizens can use public healthcare under Greece's health and insurance rules; being a citizen alone does not make all care free.
When using healthcare across borders, they normally need an EHIC or S form and receive care under the rules of the country providing it.
Access social support
Greek citizens can access public support, including unemployment and family benefits and pensions, if they meet the scheme's residence, work, insurance or income rules.
How to apply
Applying at a consulateApplying at a consulate
Find your consulate
Find the Greek consulate that serves the place where you live. You must apply at that consulate.
Searches DuckDuckGo for “Which Greek consulate covers your city for naturalisation of expatriates residing abroad?”
Download the application form
Download the application form for naturalisation of expatriates residing abroad.
Download the formFill in the form
Complete the form in Greek, using Latin characters where it asks for them, and attach a recent colour photo. Write your name as it appears in the official translations of your documents.
See form instructionsSearches DuckDuckGo for “How do I fill in the Greek application form for naturalisation of expatriates residing abroad?”
Gather your documents
Prepare the required documents for the consulate.
See required documentsBook an appointment
Arrange a visit with your consulate. Send scans in advance if the consulate asks for them, but you must still apply in person.
Searches DuckDuckGo for “How do I book an appointment for naturalisation of expatriates residing abroad at the Greek consulate serving your city?”
Go to your appointment
Bring your completed form, supporting documents and two Greek citizens as witnesses to the consulate, where you will make your declaration and hand in your application. Pay the €100 naturalisation fee at the consulate using its collection bill.
Searches DuckDuckGo for “What should I bring to my Greek consulate appointment for naturalisation of expatriates residing abroad in your city?”
Attend your interview
Take part in an interview with the consul, who will ask about your Greek language skills and your knowledge of Greece.
Prepare for your interviewSearches DuckDuckGo for “What happens at the Greek consulate interview for naturalisation of expatriates residing abroad?”
Wait for the decision
Wait while the consulate sends your application to the Greek Ministry of Interior for a decision. Respond if you are asked for more documents or information.
See how long it takesSearches DuckDuckGo for “How long does naturalisation of expatriates residing abroad in Greece take?”
Take the oath
If your application is approved, take the oath within one year after the decision is published in the Government Gazette. You become a Greek citizen after the oath and can then apply for a Greek passport.
Find oath instructionsSearches DuckDuckGo for “How do I take the oath after approval for naturalisation of expatriates residing abroad in Greece?”
Documents needed
Family certificates and recordsFamily certificates and records
Birth certificate
Get your original birth certificate from the office that issued it. You can instead provide an equivalent certificate recognised by the law of the country of your first nationality.
Greek origin records
Provide records showing your Greek family origins, such as family or population-register records, consular registrations, Greek passports, or records showing that a blood relative acquired Greek citizenship. Get the records from the offices that hold them; a family history can also help. Cultural ties alone are not enough to qualify.
Considerations
Things to think aboutThings to think about
Military service for men
Greek male citizens aged 19–45 are liable for military service.
Permanent residents abroad can generally postpone service while they keep that status and are permanently exempt at 45.
Alternative service may be available to people who can show they object to military service on grounds of conscience.
Citizenship can be lost
Greek citizenship can exceptionally be taken away under the law, including for voluntarily acquiring another citizenship or serving another country against Greece's national interests.
Discuss
Online communitiesOnline communities
Greek dual citizenship: Go Next-Level Greek Group
English Facebook group for people interested in Greek citizenship
Request to joinThe G.D.R. (Greek Diaspora For Repatriation)
English Facebook group for people living in Greece interested in Greek citizenship
Join on FacebookMoving to Greece “the original”
English Facebook group for people living in Greece interested in Greek visas
Join on FacebookConsultation
Talk to a professionalTalk to a professional
Adavia doesn't provide advice, but we're building a directory of professionals who do. If you'd like, we can notify you when help is available.
Updated