Am I Eligible?

• Child of a Greek parent: You acquire Greek citizenship at birth if born to a Greek mother or father.
• Not registered yet? Registration in a Greek municipality is the legal basis of citizenship. Consulates help transmit your registration.
• Born before 1982? Special declaration routes exist for those born before 18 July 1982 (different paths if the Greek parent is the father vs. mother).
• Born out of wedlock? Acquisition is possible upon legal recognition by a Greek father (timing matters for minors vs. adults).
• No Greek parent? Naturalization is available for eligible applicants (esp. of Greek origin), usually after meeting residency and documentation rules.

What You’ll Need

• Long-form birth and marriagecertificates to register your parent’s marriage and your birth in Greece.
• Apostille on U.S. vital records and official Greek translations.
• Any proof of your Greek parent’s existing registration (municipal certificate), if available.

Exact documents vary by case and consulate. Always verify with your local Greek Consulate.

Official Links

Embassy’s & Government‘s

• German Missions in the U.S. · Citizenship hub
• Obtaining German citizenship (descent & acquisition)
• Non‑acquisition abroad & 1‑year registration
• BMI: Birth in Germany (jus soli conditions)
• Embassy FAQ: New nationality law (2024)
• Retention permit (no longer required)
• Certificate of Citizenship (BVA via Missions)
• Nationality Act (official English text)

Always follow the documents requested by the Embassy/DFA or Immigration Service Delivery (ISD) for your specific case.

Multiple citizenship (since 27 Jun 2024)

• Dual/multiple allowed: Naturalizing in Germany no longer requires giving up other citizenship(s).
• No retention permit needed: Germans taking another citizenship after 27 Jun 2024 no longer need a “Beibehaltungsgenehmigung”.