Greek Citizenship

[AlexLampros]

Hey all,

My Grandfather moved from Vitine, Arkadia to New York, New York ~100 years ago. I'm an English speaking American. I'd like to become a Greek citizen. I'd also like to learn some Greek - I think you have to learn some (I'm not sure how much) for citizenship, but also just because.

Does anyone know what the process is like? Or how much Greek you actually have to know?

Anyone have any suggestions for learning Greek?

-Alex

[Prokomenos]

As for learning Greek you can try some places that teach Greek to adults. Since you live in NY you can try HANAC I think they offer classes.

If you can prove that you have a parent or a grandparent who was born in Greece and obtained the Greek nationality by birth can claim the Greek citizenship if you can find documents proving the Greek citizenship. Also an American can become a Greek citizen without losing his/her American citizenship vice versa.

[AlexLampros]

I'm in Poland atm, actually, but thanks for the tip =)

I should probably find a good lawyer of some sort.

[ursus]

You don't need to go to a lawyer. Go to the embassy and make your formal application there. Lawyers will give you the merry go around and in the end achieve nothing that you could not have achieved on your own. The main thing is to find your ancestor's documents. If you have the documents, fine; if not, you might have an insurmountable obstacle.

[Napalm]

The single best way to learn any language is to travel or live in a country that speaks its language. Then you are effectively "learning" 24/7.

[really]

I did not know Americans allow dual citizenships.

Ursus is right, just go to the embassy, they will tell you what they need.

[Angelo]

You must serve in the greek military for about 6 months,and after you finished your service you must live in Greece for 1 year,and then you can become a Greek citizen.