Claiming Citizenship Through Ancestry: Your Complete Guide
Citizenship through ancestry has become one of the easiest and most popular ways to obtain Greek nationality. Greece has a deep-rooted commitment to its global diaspora, allowing millions with Greek heritage to reclaim their citizenship—and with it, full EU rights.
Who Can Claim Greek Citizenship Through Ancestry?
1. Children of Greek Citizens
If one or both of your parents are Greek citizens, you qualify automatically. The process involves registering your birth in a Greek municipality and submitting your parents’ Greek documents.
2. Grandchildren of Greek Citizens
Most ancestry-based applicants fall into this category. You qualify if your grandparent:
Was born in Greece, and
Appears in municipal records (Dimotologion) or the male registry (Mitroon Arrenon).
Documentation must prove every link: grandparent → parent → you.
3. Great-Grandchildren and Beyond
You may still qualify if your ancestor was registered in Greece. This path requires stronger documentation, translations, and sometimes archival searches, but it is absolutely possible.
What Documentation Is Needed?
Your ancestor’s Greek birth/baptism certificate or municipal record
Birth certificates for every generation
Marriage certificates where applicable
Apostilles + certified translations into Greek
Name differences, spelling variations, and old handwritten records are common challenges—but solvable.
Why Ancestry Is the Easiest Route
No residency in Greece required
No language test
No integration requirements
Greece allows dual citizenship
Fast approval once documents are correct
Final Word
If you have Greek roots, citizenship by ancestry is one of the most accessible citizenship routes in the EU.
Use CitizenGR to streamline your application.
Download the CitizenGR app for application checklists, lineage guidance, and document support.
