Interest in the Greek repatriation program is growing against the background of the Greek government’s attempts to stop the demographic catastrophe that was clearly outlined in 2024. During this period, almost 2 times more Greeks died than were born.
Repatriation to Greece is regulated by Law 3284/2004 on the Ratification of the Code of Greek Citizenship. The regulatory act grants the direct right to return and obtain a passport to persons of Greek origin. Additionally, by-laws of the Ministry of Internal Affairs and the Ministry of Economy are in force.
Greek law does not set strict limits on the number of generations to prove descent. Theoretically, even a Greek great-great-grandfather can be the basis for obtaining citizenship. However, the further the relationship goes, the more difficult it is to collect documentary evidence. The repatriation procedure takes from 1 to 4 years. The decision is made by the Secretary General of the region after checking the documents at the Greek Consulate. If the outcome is positive, the applicant receives a visa, and citizenship is issued upon arrival in the country.
Advantages of Greek citizenship
- Visa-free access to 189 countries;
- Free movement, accommodation, employment, and education in the Eurozone;
- Electronic visas for travel to Canada and the USA;
- Preferential education at EU universities;
- Access to a high-quality healthcare system;
- Full access to the social protection system (pensions, unemployment benefits, assistance to families with children);
- Preferential tax regimes;
- The right to participate in elections and referendums;
- The right to be elected to public office;
- Diplomatic protection abroad;
- Low crime rate and stable political situation;
- Multiple citizenship;
- Transfer of citizenship by inheritance;
- Favorable tax climate for business.
Categories of persons eligible for resettlement based on their roots
Direct descendants of Greek citizens can apply for citizenship regardless of their place of birth. Law 3284/2004 establishes the right to transfer status down the line: children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. The birth certificate of a Greek parent entered in the municipality’s register is sufficient for confirmation. The restriction applies only to cases where intermediate generations voluntarily renounced citizenship before the birth of the next heir. In this case, restoration of the status is not provided.
Ethnic Greeks without Greek citizenship have the right to restore their status through the recognition procedure. This category includes people whose ancestors left the country before 1914 or lost contact with their homeland due to historical events. For them, the key criterion is “Greek behavior” – the use of language, participation in diaspora organizations, and the Orthodox faith.
Those adopted by Greek citizens receive the status immediately after the court’s decision comes into force. The law equalizes their rights with biological children if the adoption took place before the age of majority. Starting in 2020, the procedure has been simplified: instead of waiting 5 years, documents are reviewed in 8-12 months. The exception is cases when the adoptive parents themselves acquired citizenship less than 3 years before applying. For adult adoptees (over the age of 18), additional proof of integration is required – a certificate of language proficiency or a marriage certificate with a Greek.
The key limitation for all categories is the inability to transfer rights through naturalized ancestors. If a passport is obtained by naturalization, descendants cannot use this relationship for repatriation. Applications from persons whose relatives participated in activities directed against the interests of Greece (for example, they served in the armies of aggressor countries during periods of military conflict) are also rejected.
Requirements for applicants
Knowledge of the Greek language is a prerequisite for repatriates. Since 2021, applicants over the age of 18 have been taking the B1 level exam, which confirms the ability to read, write and maintain a dialogue on everyday topics. The cost of the attempt is 250 €, retake is allowed after 6 months. Graduates of Greek universities and schools are exempt from the written part, but they undergo an oral interview. People over the age of 67 or with disabilities take a simplified oral exam.
Cultural integration is tested through participation in the life of the diaspora, membership in ethnic associations or Orthodox parishes. Priority is given to applicants participating in festivals, charity projects, or language courses lasting at least 120 hours.
Additional criteria include the absence of criminal records, tax debts and facts of deportation from EU countries. For persons born before 1984, a certificate from the General Archives of Greece confirming the Greek citizenship of the mother is required. Financial requirements are minimal. It is enough to confirm an income of 500 € per month or the availability of real estate in Greece worth from 250,000€.
Application procedure
- Preparation of documents. Proof of Greek origin through birth certificates, marriage certificates, or ancestral records. Each document is apostilled and translated by a sworn translator. At the same time, a confirmation of financial viability is being prepared (an income statement of 500 €/month or a rental agreement for an amount of 800 €/month).
- Contacting the consulate and having an interview. The dossier is submitted personally to one of the consulates of Greece in Russia (Moscow, St. Petersburg, Novorossiysk). Employees check the completeness and schedule an interview. Language proficiency at A2 level and a basic understanding of history are assessed at the interview.
- Consideration of the application in Greece. The Consulate sends the documents to the regional secretariat of the Greek Interior Ministry. The average review period is 14-36 months due to the workload of migration services. Additional information may be requested at this stage.
- The verification and verification procedure. The Greek Interior Ministry conducts interdepartmental checks. The data is checked with the tax service, the police and the archives. Special attention is paid to the lack of criminal records.
- Moving to Greece and obtaining a special visa. After approval, a national visa of category D is pasted into the passport. It is valid for 180 days and allows you to enter for registration of citizenship. At the border, the entry stamp automatically activates the citizen status. From now on, social benefits and medical care are available.
- Taking the oath and getting a passport. The final stage is the swearing of allegiance to the Constitution. The ceremony takes place in the municipality at the place of residence or at the consulate for those who are abroad. After signing the protocol, the data is transferred to the Ministry of Internal Affairs for the production of a passport.
Controversial situations
Up to 25% of applicants face refusals. The main reasons are insufficient proof of kinship, problems with documents and violations of EU migration legislation.
In case of a negative decision, the applicant has the right to file an objection to the Citizenship Council at the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Greece (within 15 days from the date of notification). New documents must be attached to the appeal. These can be archival certificates, conclusions of genealogical experts, or DNA test results confirming Greek origin.
If the administrative review is again negative, the applicant may file a claim with the regional administrative court of first instance.
- We will answer all your questions
- We will help you choose the best option
- We will guide you through every step or do everything for you
Assistance in obtaining Greek citizenship
The repatriation procedure to Greece remains one of the most accessible ways to obtain European citizenship. However, it requires strict observance of legal formalities. Leave a request for consultation or comprehensive case support. Our experts will analyze your situation, shorten the preparation time for the dossier and minimize the risks of failure by ensuring compliance with all the requirements of the program.
Journalist, editor with 9 years of experience in investment immigration. I specialize in analysis of residency and tax programs, as well as individual selection of jurisdictions for relocation.
Login with Google