Eligibility quiz
Do you have Greek roots through a parent, grandparent or earlier ancestor?
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 responsible for the area where you live.
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 characters, using Latin characters where requested, and write your name as it appears in your official translations. Attach a recent colour photograph for the consulate to stamp.
Find form instructionsSearches DuckDuckGo for “How do I fill in the Greece naturalisation of expatriates residing abroad application form?”
Gather your documents
Prepare the required documents for the consulate.
See required documentsBook an appointment
Ask your consulate whether you need an appointment and book one if it does.
Searches DuckDuckGo for “How do I book an appointment at the Greek consulate serving your city for naturalisation of expatriates residing abroad?”
Make your declaration
At the consulate, make your declaration of naturalisation before a consular official with two Greek citizens as witnesses. Give each witness's full name and Greek identity card or passport number.
Searches DuckDuckGo for “How do I make a declaration for Greece naturalisation of expatriates residing abroad at the consulate serving your city?”
Hand in your application
Hand in your completed application and supporting documents in person at your consulate. Pay the fee as the consulate instructs.
Searches DuckDuckGo for “How do I submit and pay for naturalisation of expatriates residing abroad at the Greek consulate serving your city?”
Attend your interview
Attend an interview with the consul, who will ask about your Greek background and your knowledge of Greece.
Learn about interviewsSearches DuckDuckGo for “What happens at a consular interview for Greece naturalisation of expatriates residing abroad?”
Wait for the decision
Wait for the Ministry of the Interior to decide on your application. Respond if you are asked for more information or documents.
See what happensSearches DuckDuckGo for “What happens after I apply for Greece naturalisation of expatriates residing abroad?”
Documents needed
Family certificates and recordsFamily certificates and records
Birth certificates
Bring your original birth certificate or the legally equivalent record from the country of your first nationality. Include available birth records for your parent and your Greek grandparent to help show your family connection.
Grandparent's Greek origin records
Bring available official records showing your Greek grandparent's connection to Greece and your family connection through your parent. These may include Greek population or consular register entries, a consular passport, family history records, or a blood relative's Greek citizenship record or expatriate identity card.
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
Facebook group for people interested in Greek citizenship (English & Greek)
Request to joinGreek 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 FacebookConsultation
Talk to a professionalTalk to a professional
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