Greece Eases Citizenship Reinstatement for Greek-Born Adoptees
Greece Simplifies Citizenship Reinstatement for Greek-Born Adoptees
In a move to support individuals adopted abroad, the Greek government has streamlined the process for reclaiming Greek citizenship, according to Nasos Balerbas, Secretary General of the Ministry of the Interior.
Balerbas explained that many adoptees, born Greek citizens, had later lost their citizenship—often due to parental renunciation—but they maintain a legal right to reclaim it at any time. “There is no question of naturalisation,” Balerbas noted. “These people were already Greek citizens by birth.”
Birth and Registry Records at the Core of the Process
A birth certificate remains the primary requirement, and for male applicants, registration in the Male Registry is essential. “In Greece, any child born or found—whether at a hospital, a church step, or an institution—was always registered through a registry act,” Balerbas emphasized, underlining the enduring validity of such documentation.
Expanded Range of Acceptable Documents
Previously, only formal documents like birth or adoption certificates were accepted. Today, the government recognizes a broader set of records, including:
- School documents
- Orphanage records
- Baptismal certificates
This change significantly eases the burden for those seeking to re-establish their Greek identity and reconnect with their heritage.
Thousands May Benefit
Based on historical research, Balerbas estimated that between 3,000 and 5,000 Greek-born adoptees are living abroad—primarily in the United States, with others in European countries, especially the Netherlands.
The Greek government has responded to public appeals by instructing relevant services to re-register all eligible Greek citizens in the national Citizens’ Registry, reaffirming their commitment to supporting diaspora communities.
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