Greek citizenship laws follow the principle of “jus sanguinis,” meaning that citizenship is granted based on the nationality of one’s ancestors or parents, rather than the place of birth. This means that a person born outside of Greece can still acquire Greek citizenship if they have at least one parent who is a Greek citizen.
To prove their eligibility for Greek citizenship, an individual must provide evidence of their Greek ancestry, such as a birth certificate or passport of a Greek parent or grandparent. Once their eligibility is established, the applicant can apply for citizenship by descent, also known as “ius sanguinis,” which is a streamlined process that does not require the applicant to have spent any specific amount of time living in Greece. However, applicants for citizenship by descent are still required to meet certain requirements, such as demonstrating proficiency in the Greek language, as well as knowledge of Greek history and culture. Applicants may also be required to undergo a background check and provide other supporting documents, depending on their individual circumstances.
In addition to acquiring Greek citizenship through descent, it is also possible to become a naturalized citizen of Greece. To qualify, the applicant must have been a legal resident of Greece for at least seven years, have a clean criminal record, and be financially stable. They must also demonstrate proficiency in the Greek language and show an understanding of Greek history and culture. The naturalization process involves submitting an application to the Greek authorities, providing evidence of residency and meeting the other requirements. The application is then reviewed, and if approved, the applicant is required to take an oath of loyalty to the Greek state.
Greek citizenship provides several important benefits to its holders, including the right to work and live in Greece without any restrictions. This means that Greek citizens can live and work in Greece as long as they wish, and they have the same rights and obligations as any other Greek citizen. Greek citizens also have access to Greek public services, such as healthcare, education, and social security. This can be particularly important for those who plan to reside in Greece for an extended period of time. Another significant benefit of Greek citizenship is the right to participate in Greek elections, both at the national and local levels. This means that Greek citizens can vote and run for office in Greece, and have a say in shaping the country’s political landscape.
In addition to the benefits of being a Greek citizen in Greece, holding Greek citizenship also allows for free movement and work within the European Union. Greek citizens are entitled to travel and work freely throughout the EU without the need for visas or work permits. This can provide important opportunities for employment, education, and personal development. Finally, Greek citizens are entitled to consular protection and assistance when traveling abroad. This means that if a Greek citizen finds themselves in a difficult or dangerous situation while traveling outside of Greece, they can seek assistance and support from the nearest Greek embassy or consulate.
Overall, Greek citizenship offers many opportunities and benefits to those seeking to live, work, and travel freely within Greece and the European Union. Our team is experienced in Greek immigration and can guide you through the process and ensure that your application is properly prepared and submitted.