Greece Citizenship by Descent

Greece – Citizenship by Descent. Greek citizenship is transmitted by descent (_ius sanguinis_) rather than by birthplace. Under the Greek Nationality Code — Law 1438/1984 as replaced and supplemented principally by Law 3284/2004 — a child born to at least…

How to Qualify

- **Ancestral link (ius sanguinis)** - Birth to at least one Greek parent, with citizenship transmitted down the line to the applicant ([Greek MFA](https://www.mfa.gr/usa/en/services/citizen-services/greek-citizenship/)). - Claims through a grandparent or great-grandparent are accepted where the descent chain is fully documented ([Greek MFA](https://www.mfa.gr/usa/en/services/citizen-services/greek-citizenship/)). - No language test, no residence in Greece, no investment, and no minimum income are imposed for a descent/recognition claim ([Greek MFA](https://www.mfa.gr/usa/en/services/citizen-services/greek-citizenship/)). - **Proof of the ancestor's Greek citizenship** - The standard requirement is proof that the applicant's…

Salient Benefits

- Full EU citizenship with the right to live, work, study and retire in any EU/EEA member state, plus Schengen mobility. - A passport with visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 185 destinations, ranked 5th globally ([Henley Passport Index 2026](https://cdn.henleyglobal.com/storage/app/media/HPI/Henley%20Passport%20Index%202026%20July%20Global%20Ranking.pdf)). - Visa-free travel to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program ([U.S. Department of State](https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/tourism-visit/visa-waiver-program.html)) and 30-day visa-free entry to China through end-2026 ([China visa service notice](https://www.visaforchina.cn/EDI3_EN/tongzhigonggao/467978821790994432.html)). - No residence, language, investment or income requirement — the claim is a…