Greek citizenship by descent is a legal right available to thousands of individuals of Greek origin worldwide. In practice, however, the process is rarely straightforward.
Successful recognition depends on precise legal analysis, accurate civil registry documentation, and the ability to resolve complex administrative and legal issues—particularly for members of the Greek diaspora.
Second-, third-, or even fourth-generation cases often require reconstruction of family history across multiple jurisdictions, including Greek, U.S., Canadian, Australian, and other foreign records.
Choosing the correct legal route from the outset can save years of delay.
One of the most frequent obstacles involves discrepancies in surnames and given names, especially among Greek immigrants who left Greece decades ago.
Greek authorities rely exclusively on officially registered civil records. Oral history or family logic is not sufficient.
This process involves legal reconstruction grounded in Greek administrative law—not simple document collection.
A rejection usually reflects procedural errors—not loss of eligibility.
Can I apply if my surname was changed abroad?
Yes. Legal identity linkage must be established.
Do all discrepancies require court proceedings?
No. Some cases qualify for administrative correction.
Can I apply from abroad?
Yes. Applications may be initiated via Greek consulates.
Does Greece allow dual citizenship?
Yes. Dual and multiple nationalities are fully recognized.