Dual Citizen Club
Countries/Greece/Citizenship by Descent

Greece Citizenship by Descent: Complete Guide 2025

Claim Greece citizenship through your Greece ancestors going back up to 2 generations. Get EU citizenship with access to 27 European countries.

92%
Success Rate
6-12 months
Typical Process Time
€100-600
Total Cost

What is Greece Citizenship by Descent?

Greece citizenship by descent allows individuals with Greece heritage to claim citizenship through their parents or grandparents. This pathway recognizes the principle of jus sanguinis (right of blood), allowing those with Greece ancestry to reclaim their heritage and gain EU citizenship.

Key Benefits of Greece Citizenship

  • EU Citizenship: Live, work, and study in any of 27 EU countries
  • Strong Passport: Visa-free travel to 187 destinations
  • No Residency Requirement: Can obtain without living in Greece
  • 2-Generation Eligibility: Up to 2 generations back
  • Dual Citizenship: Keep your original nationality

Greece Citizenship Costs: Complete Breakdown

$500
Minimum (DIY)
$500 - $1,900
Typical Range
$3,900
Maximum (Full Service)

Detailed Cost Breakdown:

Government Application Fee
Required

Official Greece nationality application fee

Standard fee for citizenship by descent applications

$100 - $600
Document Collection
Required

Birth, marriage, and death certificates from various registries

Greece civil registry documents and international certificates

$100 - $400
Document Translations
Required

Certified translations of non-Greek documents

All foreign documents must be translated by certified translators

$150 - $500
Apostille Authentication
Required

Apostille stamps for international document authentication

Required for all foreign documents

$50 - $200
Greek Language Test
Required

B1 level proficiency test

B1 level required for citizenship

$100 - $200
Legal Consultation
Optional

Immigration lawyer assistance with application

Recommended for complex cases

$500 - $2,000

Important Cost Considerations:

  • Greece allows up to 2 generations for citizenship by descent
  • Processing times typically 6-12 months
  • Must demonstrate B1 level Greek proficiency
  • Dual citizenship is allowed
  • All foreign documents need apostille and certified translation
  • Success rate approximately 92% for complete applications

💡 Money-Saving Tips:

  • Order documents yourself instead of using agencies (save $200-500)
  • Do translations through certified freelancers vs law firms (save $300-800)
  • Apply directly to consulates rather than through services (save $1000+)
  • Research your family tree yourself before hiring genealogists
Check Your Eligibility Now

Greece Citizenship by Descent Requirements

You Qualify If:

  • You have a Greece parent or grandparent
  • Your Greece ancestor retained their citizenship
  • You can prove the family lineage with official documents
  • You can demonstrate B1 level Greek proficiency
  • You have no serious criminal convictions

You Don't Qualify If:

  • Your Greece ancestor formally renounced their citizenship
  • You cannot obtain the required official documentation
  • Your Greece ancestor is more than 2 generations back
  • You have serious criminal convictions

Greece Citizenship by Descent Process: Step-by-Step

1

Verify Greece Ancestry

Confirm you have Greece parent or grandparent who retained citizenship

Time: 2-4 weeks
Cost: €0
2 documents needed

💡 Tip: Greece allows up to 2 generations for citizenship by descent

2

Collect Required Documents

Gather all birth, marriage, and death certificates proving Greece lineage

Time: 2-6 months
Cost: €300
2 documents needed

💡 Tip: Documents must be apostilled and translated

3

Greek Language Test

Take B1 Greek language test

Time: 1-3 months
Cost: €150
1 documents needed

💡 Tip: B1 level required

4

Submit Citizenship Application

Apply at Greece consulate or in Athens

Time: 1-2 weeks
Cost: €250
2 documents needed

💡 Tip: Can apply at consulate abroad or directly in country

5

Application Review and Processing

Greece authorities review application and verify documents

Time: 6-12 months
Cost: €0
1 documents needed

💡 Tip: Processing times vary based on complexity and current demand

6

Receive Citizenship Certificate

Receive official Greece nationality certificate

Time: 2-4 weeks
Cost: €0
1 documents needed

💡 Tip: Certificate proves citizenship and allows passport application

7

Apply for Greece Passport

Use citizenship certificate to obtain passport

Time: 4-6 weeks
Cost: €100
3 documents needed

💡 Tip: Provides full EU travel and residence rights

Frequently Asked Questions

How far back can I trace Greece ancestry for citizenship?

Greece allows citizenship by descent for up to 2 generations: parents and grandparents.

Do I need to speak Greek to get Greece citizenship by descent?

Yes, you need to demonstrate B1 level Greek proficiency. This requirement shows your connection to the Greece community.

How much does Greece citizenship by descent cost?

Total costs typically range from €100-600, including application fees, document costs, translations, and apostilles.

How long does the Greece citizenship process take?

The process typically takes 6-12 months from application submission to citizenship approval. Processing times vary based on case complexity and current demand.

Can I keep my original citizenship when becoming Greek?

Yes, Greece allows dual citizenship, so you can keep your original nationality when obtaining Greece citizenship.