The National Herald is proud to collaborate with Pardalis & Nohavicka, LLP (“P&N”), a full-service law firm based in New York and New Jersey with offices in Manhattan, Queens, Long Island, Bergen County and WeWork. In the upcoming months, stay tuned for a series of articles outlining pertinent legal issues that are of utmost importance to our Greek-American community. This week, we are kicking off the series with an article by Athanasia Pavlou, the COO & Director of Hellenic Affairs at P&N, regarding the ways in which Greeks of the diaspora can obtain Greek citizenship.

Greece is world renowned for its rich cultural heritage, sandy beaches, ancient historical sites, postcard worthy islands, and delectable cuisine.   It’s no wonder that Greece has captured the hearts of people globally, ranking among the top 10 travel destinations and one of the most sought-after locations for relocation within the Schengen zone. 

The quality of life is high and the cost of living is low relative to the United States, and so this has many digital nomads running to start new beginnings in Greece.  Greek Americans have an advantage here, for if they wish to relocate to Greece, the process of doing so is much easier compared to those with no Greek descent.  Funny enough, the percentage of Greek Americans taking advantage of this birthright perk is not as high as you think and the reasoning behind this is that the process of obtaining Greek Dual citizenship is arduous and long.  

This is very false.  Obtaining Greek dual citizenship in 2023 is easier than ever and we are here to tell you everything you need to know.

Reasons to Apply for Greek Dual Citizenship:

• Reclaim your roots and establish a connection with your ancestral homeland
• Secure your future in Greece, whether through work, marriage, or investment.
• Affordable living costs
• Access to the Schengen zone: Greece is a member of the Schengen zone, allowing residents to travel freely throughout much of Europe without additional visas or permits
• Ability to vote in national elections, run for political office, and receive certain benefits from the government, including healthcare and education
• After you acquire a Greek ID, you will have the same rights as other European Union citizens.

Paths to Acquire Greek Dual Citizenship:

• By birth
  • Birthday after February 18, 1983
    
• By descent 
  • Birthday before May 8, 1984, to ONE Greek parent
  • Registration of birth out of wedlock to ONE Greek parent (Father)
  • Registration of birth out of wedlock to ONE Greek parent (Mother)
• By naturalization 
• By marriage
• By exception – in exceptional cases, the Greek government may grant citizenship for reasons such as outstanding service to Greece or exceptional contributions to Greek culture. 

It’s important to note that the requirements for acquiring Greek citizenship may vary depending on individual circumstances. It’s important to consulate with legal professionals for more information. 

We work directly with the Greek Consulates throughout the United States to assist you in obtaining your Greek Dual Citizenship in the fastest and most efficient way possible. 

Feel free to reach out to the Pardalis & Nohavicka, LLP team via email: [email protected] or call us at (212) 213-8511 to speak to one of our team members who are knowledgeable and well-versed on all aspects of citizenship.