Who may apply under Article 10?
The procedure applies to foreign nationals residing abroad who are able to establish their Greek descent and their status as persons of Greek origin. The existence of a Greek ancestor does not automatically mean that an applicant qualifies for the procedure under Article 10. Each case must be assessed individually, taking into consideration the available evidence demonstrating both Greek descent and Greek national consciousness.
How is Greek descent established?
Proof of Greek descent is a fundamental element of the procedure.
Depending on the circumstances of each case, evidence may include:
registrations in Greek municipal records, birth and marriage certificates, old Greek passports or consular documents, records concerning the Greek citizenship of relatives, and other official documents establishing Greek descent.
Particular importance is placed on establishing the family relationship between the applicant and the Greek ancestor. Where Greek descent derives from a grandparent, great-grandparent or an earlier generation, it may be necessary to obtain a series of birth, marriage and other civil-status records in order to establish the family connection.
Greek national consciousness
The procedure is not limited to proving Greek descent. As part of the assessment of the application, the applicant’s Greek national consciousness is also examined.
The competent Consular Authority assesses the evidence submitted and forms the required assessment regarding the applicant’s status as a person of Greek descent.
For this reason, the preparation of the case should not be limited to the collection of certificates, but should take into account all relevant evidence that may demonstrate the applicant’s Greek descent and connection with Greece.
Where is the application submitted?
The application for naturalisation is submitted to the Greek Consular Authority responsible for the applicant’s place of permanent residence.
The declaration of naturalisation is made before the Consul or an authorised officer of the competent Consular Authority, in accordance with the applicable procedure.
Main supporting documents
Depending on the circumstances of the case, the application file may include:
the declaration of naturalisation, a valid passport or other identity document,
the applicant’s birth certificate, a criminal record certificate, documents establishing Greek descent, marriage or children’s birth certificates, where required, and a recent photograph.
Foreign public documents must, depending on the country of issuance, bear the required legalisation, such as an Apostille or consular certification, and be accompanied by an official translation. The exact documentation required depends on the individual circumstances of each case.
What are the main stages of the procedure?
The procedure generally involves the following stages:
- Review of the case and available documents
The documents already held by the applicant are initially reviewed in order to assess how Greek descent can be established.
- Collection and preparation of supporting documents
The necessary civil-status, municipal and other official documents are collected and the application file is prepared.
- Submission to the competent Consular Authority
The application and declaration of naturalisation are submitted to the competent Greek Consular Authority in the applicant’s country of residence.
- Examination of the case
The Consular Authority examines the applicant’s Greek descent and status as a person of Greek origin and prepares the required report.
- Issuance of the decision
The application file is forwarded to the competent authority of the Ministry of Interior for completion of the procedure and issuance of the relevant decision.
Why is proper preparation of the application file important?
Naturalisation cases involving persons of Greek descent residing abroad often require research into historical civil-status and municipal records, as well as the connection of documents relating to different generations.
In particular, where Greek descent derives from an earlier ancestor, it is important to establish a clear and properly documented chain of descent and to identify the appropriate official documents proving the applicant’s Greek origin.
Careful preparation of the application file before submission to the Consular Authority contributes to the completeness and consistency of the application.