Greek Citizenship by Birth

Greek citizenship by birth is primarily based on the principle of jus sanguinis, which means “right of blood.” This means that if you have at least one Greek parent at the time of your birth, you may be eligible for Greek citizenship.

Eligibility criteria

The eligibility criteria for Greek citizenship by birth are as follows:

• Birth to Greek citizens: A person is automatically granted Greek citizenship if at least one of their parents is a Greek citizen at the time of their birth, regardless of the place of birth
• Birth in Greece to foreign parents: A child born in Greece to foreign parents may acquire Greek citizenship if at least one of the parents has legally resided in Greece for a continuous period of five years prior to the child’s birth
• It’s important to note that the five-year residency requirement applies to legal residence in Greece. Illegal or undocumented residency does not fulfill the eligibility criteria

These are the general principles of Greek citizenship by birth. However, specific situations and exceptional cases may exist, so it is advisable to consult with Greek authorities, such as the Ministry of Interior or an immigration lawyer, for detailed and up-to-date information regarding individual circumstances.

Process

For individuals who are eligible for Greek citizenship by birth, there is a process to follow in order to acquire citizenship officially. The exact process may vary depending on the specific circumstances, but here is a general outline:

1. Gather necessary documents: Collect all required documents, such as birth certificates, passports, marriage certificates (if applicable), and any other supporting documents that prove your eligibility for Greek citizenship by birth.
2. Contact the Greek embassy or consulate: Get in touch with the nearest Greek embassy or consulate in your country of residence. They will provide you with specific application forms and guide you through the process. You may need to schedule an appointment to submit your application.
3. Submit the application: Complete the application forms and submit them along with the required documents to the Greek embassy or consulate. Ensure that you provide all necessary information accurately and attach the supporting documents.
4. Application review: The Greek authorities will review your application and supporting documents to verify your eligibility for Greek citizenship by birth. They may request additional documents or information if needed.
5. Citizenship decision: Once your application is processed and reviewed, the Greek authorities will make a decision regarding your citizenship application. If approved, you will be granted Greek citizenship.
6. Oath of allegiance (if required): In some cases, individuals acquiring Greek citizenship may be required to take an oath of allegiance to the Greek state. This requirement varies depending on the specific circumstances and age of the individual.