Trying to get Greek citizenship

[John200]

Long story short my Dad was born in Greece ,and now I'm trying to get ahold of a Greek passport so I can live ,and work in Europe.

Just wondering who went though this process ,and what I'm in for.

 

[Snaploud]

After a quick search:

OFFICIAL REGISTRATION RECOMMENDATION: We offer a registration service for all Canadians travelling or living abroad. This service is provided so that we can contact and assist you in an emergency abroad, such as a natural disaster or civil unrest, or inform you of a family emergency at home. Registration can be done on-line or by contacting a Canadian government office abroad. For more information, see our FAQs on Registration of Canadians Abroad.

The emergency number for police, ambulance, fire, and coast guard services is 112. This 24-hour service for visitors is available in English and French. Tourist facilities are widely available.

Some border areas are militarily sensitive and should be avoided, including the North-NorthWest zone.

In the Schengen Area, Canadian travellers do not need visas for short-term visits (up to 90 days within a six-month period), but some countries require you to register with local authorities within three working days of your arrival. It is important to get your passport stamped when entering the Schengen Area. The absence of an entry stamp from the initial Schengen port of entry could create difficulties during subsequent encounters with local police or other authorities throughout the Schengen area.

If Canadians overstay the permitted 90 days in the Schengen Area, they may be fined or deported. To visit longer than 90 days, Canadians must either obtain a long-stay national visa or have been outside the Schengen Area for at least 90 consecutive days before re-entering.

A Certificate of Canadian Citizenship is not a travel document. A Canadian passport is the only reliable and universally accepted travel and identification document available to Canadians for the purpose of international travel. Canadian citizens returning to Canada who present other documents, such as a Certificate of Canadian Citizenship, birth certificate, provincial driver’s licence, or foreign passport, instead of a Canadian passport, may face delays or be denied boarding by transport companies.

5. CANADIAN GOVERNMENT CONTACTS

You can obtain consular assistance and further consular information at the following address:

Greece - ATHENS, Embassy of Canada
Address: 4, Ioannou Ghennadiou Street, 115 21 Athens, Greece
Tel.: 30 (210) 727-3400
Fax: 30 (210) 727-3480
E-Mail: athns-cs@international.gc.ca
Internet: http://www.Greece.gc.ca

For emergency assistance after hours, call the Embassy of Canada in Athens and follow the instructions You may also call the Emergency Operations centre in Ottawa (call collect) at 613-996-8885.

The Public Health Agency of Canada strongly recommends that your travel plans include contacting a travel medicine clinic or physician six to eight weeks before departure. Based on your individual risk assessment, a health care professional can determine your need for immunizations and/or preventive medication and advise you on precautions to avoid disease. Travellers are reminded to ensure that their routine (childhood) immunizations (e.g., tetanus, diphtheria, polio, and measles) are up to date.

7. ADDITIONAL HEALTH INFORMATION

Travellers should be aware that the Greek authorities have put in place body temperature check measures at the Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport in Athens, at the Macedonia Airport in Thessaloniki and at six more airports receiving charter flights all over Greece to counter the spread of the H1N1 Influenza Virus.

Medical care is usually adequate but varies widely, and facilities are generally much better on the mainland than on the islands. In the event of a major accident or illness, medical evacuation to mainland hospitals may be required.

Canadians with dual nationality or who are eligible for Greek citizenship may be subject to compulsory military service and other aspects of Greek law. Holding dual nationality may limit the ability of Canadian officials to provide consular services. Canadians should obtain a document certifying their status from the Embassy of the Hellenic Republic or one of its consulates in Canada prior to travel.

Health and Travel Insurance: Do not rely on your provincial health plan to cover all expenses if you get sick or are injured while abroad. It may cover nothing or only a portion of the costs. Understand the terms of your supplementary insurance policy. Some credit cards offer their holders health and travel insurance. Do not assume the card alone provides adequate coverage. Carry details of your insurance with you. Also, tell your travel agent, a friend or relative, and/or travelling companion how to contact your insurer. Get a detailed invoice from the doctor or hospital before you return to Canada. Always submit original receipts for any medical services or prescriptions received abroad. Most insurance companies will not accept copies or faxes.

A valid Canadian passport is required for Canadians intending to visit Greece. The passport must be valid for at least three months beyond the date of your expected departure from the country.

Canadians who intend to remain in Greece for more than three months should contact a Greek consulate in Canada before their departure to obtain the necessary visas. In cases where an overstay becomes necessary (e.g. for a serious medical reason), Canadians may be granted an extension of their stay from the Greek Aliens Police 10 to 15 days before the three months have expired (a fee applies). Those who plan to study or work must obtain a student visa or work permit prior to arrival in the country.

Tourist Visa: Not required
Business Visa: Not required
Student Visa: Required
Work Permit: Required

http://www.voyage.gc.ca/countries_pays/report_rapport-eng.asp?id=106000

 

[iguana_tonante]

Are you sure it's a good time to get a Greek citizenship?

 

[Roger Wilco]

You probably best write an e-mail to the Greek embassy in Canada and ask them, but my guess is, that you'll get the citizenship (at least if your father not only was born in Greece but also ahd the Greek citizenship himself at some point, especially if he still has it), but it could cost a significant amount of money.

 

[Count Zero]

Just bribe your way in.

 

[scotpens]

If you only want to live and work there, why is it necessary to become a Greek citizen? Why not just apply for a work visa and/or resident alien status? Are you planning to make Greece your permanent home?

 

[John200]

If you only want to live and work there, why is it necessary to become a Greek citizen? Why not just apply for a work visa and/or resident alien status? Are you planning to make Greece your permanent home?

I'm using it as an easy way to live in England since I've meet somebody there.

And England is an EU country

 

[John Picard]

If you only want to live and work there, why is it necessary to become a Greek citizen? Why not just apply for a work visa and/or resident alien status? Are you planning to make Greece your permanent home?

I'm using it as an easy way to live in England since I've meet somebody there.

And England is an EU country

England is also quite British

 

[John200]

Are you sure it's a good time to get a Greek citizenship?

lol not moving there just need the passport.

 

[John200]

If you only want to live and work there, why is it necessary to become a Greek citizen? Why not just apply for a work visa and/or resident alien status? Are you planning to make Greece your permanent home?

I'm using it as an easy way to live in England since I've meet somebody there.

And England is an EU country

England is also quite British

I know that's what I love about it.

Spent the greatest 6 months of my life there.

 

[Roger Wilco]

If you only want to live and work there, why is it necessary to become a Greek citizen? Why not just apply for a work visa and/or resident alien status? Are you planning to make Greece your permanent home?

I think it's very difficult to get such a visa, unless you're a very highly skilled (and paid) person. At least it's close to impossible for Europeans to get such a visa in Canada as far as I know and I think these things usually work the same way in both directions.

 

[Count Zero]

I think most EU countries have their own rules regarding immigration. Have you actually looked into getting a work visa for the UK, John200? I don't want to discourage you, but I think getting Greek citizenship is a rather lengthy process. Also, many countries require language and political knowledge tests before giving you citizenships.

 

[Roger Wilco]

Yeah, I agree. It's also probably a costly process.

 

[John Picard]

It's all Greek to me.


(quickly runs off)

 

[trampledamage]

I think most EU countries have their own rules regarding immigration. Have you actually looked into getting a work visa for the UK, John200? I don't want to discourage you, but I think getting Greek citizenship is a rather lengthy process. Also, many countries require language and political knowledge tests before giving you citizenships.

Even if he's requesting citizenship based on his father's nationality? I had thought in that situation he was effectively already a citizen of Greece and he just needs to get the paperwork.

 

[Count Zero]

I'm not familiar with Greek citizenship law, but he only said his Dad was born there. It's unclear whether his father is still a Greek citizen. (Or if he ever was, not all countries automatically grant citizenship to people born on their soil. Germany e.g. didn't until quite recently.) If he isn't, it might be a lot more complicated.

 

[Nociod]

Yeah, I agree. It's also probably a costly process.

Why would it be a costly process?

When I got my dual citizenship (not Greek though), all I had to do was fill out an application, and then pay the $75 dollar fee.

Ok, I also had to go to a photographer to take the pictures to be used on the citizenship certificate, but the whole thing couldn't have cost more than $100.

 

[Nociod]

Did a quick google search, not sure if this site is updated or not, but you could read http://www.helleniccomserve.com/greekcitizenship.html

But the best thing would be for you to contact the embassy.

Anyhow, some excerpts:

Those that can prove that they have a parent or a grandparent who was born in Greece and obtained the Greek nationality by birth can claim the Greek citizenship now if they can find documents proving the Greek citizenship of their ancestor.

Many males of Greek origin are concerned that if they obtain the citizenship they will have to serve in the Greek Army. This is not the case if they retain their status as foreign residents. A foreign resident (even if he is a Greek national), does not have to serve to the army. He can visit and stay in Greece for up to six months each calendar year without losing his status as foreign resident.

The child who was born before 1982 of a Greek father and a non Greek mother can become Greek if he/she declares such a will at the Greek authorities.

As I said, you should contact the embassy.

Good luck with your dual citizenship!

 

[iguana_tonante]

Just bribe your way in.

He said Greece, not Italy.

 

[John Picard]

Just bribe your way in.

He said Greece, not Italy.