Dual Citizenship Greece

CITIZENSHIP BY BIRTH

Those born to at least one Greek parent automatically acquire citizenship at birth.

Those born in Greece to parents who have resided legally and permanently in Greece for at least 5 years also automatically acquire citizenship at birth.

Those born out of wedlock are automatically Greek if born to a Greek mother. For those born out of wedlock to a Greek father, if paternity can be proven, the child will acquire citizenship upon application.

CITIZENSHIP BY DESCENT

Those born outside of Greece to at least one Greek parent are entitled to citizenship by descent.

CITIZENSHIP BY NATURALIZATION

Those meeting the following requirements may apply for naturalization:

• be age 18 or older;
• not to have been sentenced during the last decide before applying, to a prison sentence of at least one year, or convicted of crimes against the State, betrayal of the country, intended homicide and dangerous bodily harm to others, crimes related to the drug trade and trafficking, and certain other crimes;
• no pending decision for deportation;
• at least 10 years of legal residence in Greece within the last 12 years before the application (reduced to 5 years for those who are stateless or for refugees) (reduced to 3 years for those married to a Greek spouse or those born and resides permanently in Greece);
• sufficient knowledge of the Greek language, history, and civilization.

CITIZENSHIP BY Marriage

Those who are married to a Greek citizen with at least one child and have resided in Greece for at least 3 years may apply for naturalization (reduced from the typically 10 year residence requirement).

However, before 1984, a woman marrying a Greek citizenship acquired Greek citizenship automatically.

CITIZENSHIP BY ADOPTION

Those adopted as minors by Greek citizens are entitled to citizenship by adoption.