Jure Sanguinis Citizenship

Eligibility is determined by the status of your Greek ancestor at the time of your birth and the specific laws in effect during that era.

Automatic Recognition

You are generally considered a Greek citizen from birth (retrospectively) if:

• Paternal Line: You were born in wedlock to a Greek father before July 16, 1982.
• Maternal Line: You were born to a Greek mother and a non-Greek father out of wedlock before May 8, 1984.
• Modern Rules: You were born after 1982 (to a Greek father) or 1984 (to a Greek mother), regardless of whether your parents were married.
• Both Parents: You were born to two Greek parents at any time.

Acquisition by Declaration (Article 14)

If you do not qualify for automatic recognition due to older, gender-specific laws, you may still acquire citizenship through a "Declaration." This applies if you were born to a Greek mother in a valid marriage before 1984, or to a Greek father out of wedlock before 1982. In these cases, citizenship begins from the date of your declaration rather than your birth.

Naturalization of Expatriates (Article 10)

If your Greek connection is further back (e.g., a grandparent) and the "chain" of registration was broken—meaning your parent was never registered as a Greek citizen—you must apply for naturalization.

• Generational Limit: There is no fixed limit on generations, provided you can prove an unbroken bloodline to an ancestor registered in a Greek Dimotologion (Municipal Register) or Mitroon Arrenon (Male Register).
• Greek Consciousness: You must demonstrate a "Greek consciousness." This involves proving a connection to Greek culture, history, and traditions. You may be required to attend an interview with a Greek Consul to assess your national identity and basic language skills.