Greece dual citizenship rules

Who Can Get Greek Dual Citizenship

Greece permits dual citizenship under specific conditions. You may be eligible if you:

• Have at least one Greek parent (by birth or naturalization)
• Were born in Greece to foreign parents and choose Greek citizenship by age 21
• Marry a Greek citizen (though this alone doesn't automatically grant citizenship)
• Descend from Greek nationals who emigrated generations ago

Greece does not require you to renounce other nationalities, so dual citizenship is possible if your other country of residence also allows it.

Children Born to Greek Parents

If you're born to at least one Greek parent, you automatically acquire Greek citizenship at birth, regardless of where you're born. This applies even if the other parent is foreign. You can hold both Greek citizenship and your other parent's nationality without issue.

Naturalized Greeks and Dual Citizenship

When a foreign adult becomes a Greek citizen through naturalization, Greece does not require you to give up your original citizenship. However, your home country may have its own rules about dual citizenship. Check with your original country's embassy before applying.

The Declaration Process for Greek Descendants

If you have Greek ancestry but weren't born to a Greek parent directly, you may declare your citizenship under certain conditions. This typically requires:

• Proof of Greek heritage through birth certificates
• Documentation showing your ancestor's Greek nationality
• Meeting residency or other eligibility requirements

Processing times and required documents vary, so contact the Greek consulate serving your area for exact steps.

Holding Multiple Passports

Once you have Greek citizenship, you can hold a Greek passport alongside passports from other countries. Greece recognizes dual citizenship and won't prevent you from renewing other national passports. When traveling, you generally use each country's passport to enter and exit that country.

What You Should Know

• Greece doesn't require you to choose one citizenship
• Your other country may have restrictions on dual citizenship
• Military service rules may apply differently to dual citizens
• Employment in certain Greek government sectors might have citizenship requirements

Next Steps

Visit the official website of the Greek Ministry of Interior or your nearest Greek consulate for current application forms, required documents, and processing information. Rules change, and official sources provide the most accurate guidance for your situation.

This is general self-help information, not legal advice. Always verify current rules on the official government website.