How to get Greek citizenship

Contents

Pathways to Greek Citizenship

Greek nationality law follows the principle of jus sanguinis (right of blood). It means that anyone born to a Greek citizen parent is also entitled to citizenship. Ethnic Greeks and their descendants can apply, even if their parents aren't citizens.

Can you obtain a Greek passport, if you don't meet the heritage criteria? Sure. There are two popular ways to become a naturalised citizen:

1. Residence in Greece: You can qualify for citizenship after living in the country for seven years and passing a citizenship exam. For EU nationals, refugees, spouses, and parents of Greek citizens, the required period is reduced to 3–5 years.
2. Investment Residency: By investing at least €250,000 in the Greek economy, you can obtain residency. Living in the country is optional, and you’ll have all the rights of a regular resident for a period of five years. This pathway is an excellent first step towards citizenship.

And best of all, Greece permits dual citizenship if your country of origin allows it.

Through Descent

If you have Greek heritage, the easiest way to get Greek citizenship by descent is through recognition of your status by the authorities.

You get citizenship automatically, if:

• your father or mother had Greek nationality at the moment of your birth;

• you were born in Greece to parents who resided there for 5 or more years;

• you were born out of wedlock to a Greek mother;

• you have grandparents or great grandparents, who were citizens, and can prove it.

Extra Greek citizenship requirements exist, if:

• you were born abroad, and your family lived in Greece for 5 or more years. You qualify after completing 6 years of elementary education in a Greek school.

• you were born out of wedlock to a Greek father. You need a recognised paternity test.

The application process

Are you a person of Greek descent living in the Hellenic Republic? Visit your local Municipal Authorities. You need to provide them with your Certificate of Registration.

If you live in any other country, contact a Greek consulate or embassy first. They will tell you what to do. Do you know the location of the nearest consulate or embassy? Visit the website of the Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Documents and forms

The good news is that all Greeks born abroad pass on their citizenship to all their descendants. Are you able to establish a Greek ancestor and provide necessary documents? Great! Claim your ethnic inheritance and become a Greek in the eyes of the law.

The authorities will inform you what documents you need in your situation.

Most applications include:

• your personal birth certificate;

• passport and some photographs;

• your parents' marriage certificate;

• a special application form;

• documents that record birth, baptism, or marriage of your Greek ancestors;

• Military or Municipal registration records of your Greek ancestors;

• a police certificate with a clean criminal record;

• any other documented evidence that can support your Greek heritage.

Translate all documents into Greek first and notarise them. Did you fail to qualify for some reason? You can still become a citizen through the process of naturalisation. Consult with the respective authorities to explore the appropriate steps.

2. Through Residence

If you plan to reside in Greece for a long time, you can become a naturalised citizen after completing certain requirements for Greek citizenship.

To go through the process of naturalisation, you must:

• live in Greece for 7 years and more;

• be a taxpayer;

• have a clean criminal record.

You can get naturalised faster, if:

• you are an EU national;

• your spouse is a Greek citizen and you have children together;

• you have adopted a child of Greek nationality;

• you are a documented refugee or a stateless person.

In these cases, you need 3–5 years of permanent residence in Greece to apply. Any unmarried children of naturalised citizens obtain citizenship automatically. They must be under 18 years of age.

You may be disqualified if you have been convicted for intentional crimes in Greece or abroad. Especially, if you have served a prison sentence of more than 6 months (or 1 year for some types of crimes). If that's your case, check with the authorities to discuss the possibilities of your situation.

Additionally, you will not be eligible for naturalisation if:

• you have been expelled from the country;
• you cannot provide proof of residence.

If you live in Greece, contact your local Municipal Authorities. You must submit a naturalisation statement. Include other documents demonstrating your ties to the country.

The application process

If you live in Greece, contact your local Municipal Authorities. You must provide them with a naturalization statement. Include other documents that show your ties to the country.

Are you outside of Greece currently and wish to apply? Get in touch with the nearest consulate or embassy. Visit the website of the Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs to find their location.

Documents and forms

Similar to applying for citizenship through descent, you have to prove your ties to the country. You have to prove that you are a law-abiding resident and taxpayer. You may include your spouse, both your parents and all underage children in the application.

Consult with the authorities to learn what kinds of documents you need in your situation.

Most applications include:

• for EU nationals, a residence certificate;
• for refugees or stateless persons, a refugee or stateless person card;
• for family members of a Greek citizen, proof of residence permits;а
• your naturalisation statement;
• your Social Security Number;
• your passport or other travel ID;
• your birth certificate;
• a declaration of income or tax return statement for the previous financial year.

Don't forget to translate, notarise, and validate all necessary documents. You may consult a lawyer before submitting an application.

3. Through Investment

Hellenic law allows you and your family members to obtain a residence permit for 5 years if you make a substantial investment into the economy. The Greek Golden Visa programme is very popular. It can become the first step on your path to citizenship.

Golden Visa has several investment options:

• buying a real estate worth at least €250,000 + VAT;
• investing €500,000 in a Greek business, government bonds, shares of a real estate company;
• investing €250,000 in startups;
• depositing €400,000 into a bank account in Greece.

Buying property for €250,000 and more is the most popular and one of the least expensive ways to get EU citizenship through investment.

The criteria for eligibility are:

• being over 18 years old;

• having a clean criminal record;

• making a substantial investment into the Greek economy;

• holding health insurance from a Greek-based provider.

Benefits of the investment programme:

• one of the most affordable EU Golden Visa programmes;

• visa covers your closest family members;

• travel visa-free in the Schengen Zone;

• you don't have to live in Greece;

• option to rent out or lease your property;

• access to Greek healthcare and education services;

• you don't have to visit Greece to renew the visa as long as you keep the property;

• available within one or two months, faster than most other European programmes;

• allows to own a Greek business, receive profits and dividends from it;

• you can apply for citizenship after 7 years of residence and paying taxes.

To apply for citizenship, you must live in Greece and pass the exam, demonstrating your knowledge of language and culture.

The application process

1. Visit a Greek consulate or embassy to obtain an entry visa.
2. Gather the necessary documents to make your investment.
3. Enter Greece and complete the transaction with a property developer.
4. Obtain proof of property ownership.
5. Visit the Immigration Department in the local municipality where your property is located.
6. Submit your documents and wait for your Golden Visa application to be processed.

Documents and forms

Consult with lawyers and property investors before making a decision. Hire a professional service to help you with the paperwork.

In most cases, you will need:

• a proper application form;

• your passport (plus copy) with an entry visa;

• recent passport-sized photographs;

• receipts for government fees payments;

• a health insurance contract;

• your bank statement;

• a purchasing contract (if you buy property);

• a National Tourism Organization certificate;

• or documents of your investment in a company.

Contact the relevant authorities first to learn what documents you need in your situation. You will have to translate, notarise, and validate your papers before submitting an application.

Taking the exam

You are required to take a Panhellenic exam before a decision can be made regarding your application. There are two options: the written and the oral exam. The written exam is taken twice a year, in May and November. Your score will reflect your knowledge of the Greek language, geography, and history. The passing rate is 70% and above.

Successful candidates in the written exam receive the Certificate of Adequacy of Knowledge for Naturalisation (PEGP). As of 2024, the fee to take the exam is €150. If you fail, you can retake the exam at the next opportunity.

After passing the exam, you will attend an interview at the General Secretariat for Citizenship. Then a final decision will be made.

You can via this government website.