Citizenship of Greece

The Greek passport ranks in the top 20 of the world passport strength rating. Being part of the European Union allows citizens to travel and work throughout the Eurozone without the need for a visa.

The main principle of obtaining Greek citizenship is the principle of origin. In addition to the repatriation program, immigrants who have lived in the country for a certain period of time can apply for a passport. For citizens of the European Union must be in the country legally from 3 years, and citizens of Russia and CIS countries - from 7 years.

After the prescribed period has elapsed, the applicant gains the right to apply for citizenship in accordance with the Greek Citizenship Code (Law 3284/2004) through the naturalization process.

Attention

The applicant must demonstrate that he/she has established close ties with the country and that he/she has successfully integrated into Greek society, both financially and socially. The naturalization process also includes an examination to verify that the applicant has acquired a sufficient level of knowledge of the Greek language.

How to obtain citizenship

Several programs are available to immigrants, the right to take advantage of which appears on different grounds.

Repatriation program (by descent)

A relocant can apply for citizenship under this program if he/she meets the following conditions:

1. Parents have Greek citizenship.
2. Born in Greece and the parents (or one of them) have legally resided in the country for more than five years.
3. Adopted by Greek citizens.
4. No criminal record.
5. No deportation.
6. Proof of residence in the country (rental agreement or house purchase agreement).

If the conditions are met, the applicant does not fall under the minimum residency requirement. If the applicant has documentary proof of Greek origin, he/she will receive a Greek passport without delay.

Through Education

The procedure is relevant for children who have been studying in Greek schools for more than six years or for those whose parents, without citizenship, have lived in Greece for more than seven years.

Marriage to a Greek Citizen

Only immigrants who married a Greek citizen before 1984 can apply for a passport. Currently, marriage to a Greek allows only permanent residence permit.

Military Service

Immigrants can become citizens by joining the Greek military or attending a Greek military academy.

Golden Visa Program

The naturalization program for foreigners is available only to applicants with Greek ancestry or investors capable of contributing to the country's economy. In such cases, long-term visas can be obtained through investments, and after seven years of residence, applicants may apply for citizenship.

The Golden Visa program automatically grants the right to reside in Greece to all family members of the applicant, including a spouse, a child under 21 years old (unmarried) or up to 24 years old if they are a student. No additional requirements are imposed on the applicant.

Advantage

Compared to other countries offering citizenship through the "Golden Visa" program, the required investment amount is relatively small — €250,000. To participate in the program, applicants need to purchase any real estate, have a local bank account, and buy agricultural land.

Advantages of Greek Citizenship

The Greek passport is on par with those of the USA, Belgium, Norway, and the United Kingdom in terms of its strength, offering numerous benefits for expatriates.

A Greek citizen can freely live, work, and study in Greece or any EU member state. Additionally, they are entitled to social security benefits, healthcare subsidies, and educational advantages in any country within the European Union.

The benefits of citizenship also include:

• The ability to travel to 184 countries without requiring a visa.
• Tax advantages as a resident.
• Access to high-quality education and healthcare.
• A high level of safety in the country.
• Access to the EU banking system.
• Relatively affordable real estate prices.
• The right to vote in local, national, and European elections.

Dual Citizenship

Local legislation permits dual citizenship. Immigrants are not required to renounce their current passport if their home country allows it. Every citizen can hold dual or multiple citizenships without additional conditions.

Citizenship by Investment Program

Greece's "Golden Visa" program is one of the most attractive and accessible investment schemes that provides a pathway to EU citizenship. Applicants and their family members can enjoy visa-free access to the Schengen Area within 3-4 months after submitting their application to participate in the program.

The program was launched in 2013 and grants a five-year residence permit upon an investment of at least €250,000 in Greek real estate. The applicant's entire family is included in the residency program.

Additional

An alternative to buying real estate is the conclusion of a lease agreement for a hotel for a period of 10 years or investing in the financial sector of the country in the amount of 400,000 euros. Also, those wishing to invest in real estate in Greece can count on a residence permit through the conclusion of a timeshare agreement or the purchase of a plot of land.

To participate in the program, the applicant must be of legal age and have no criminal record.

Recent Citizenship Program Reforms

In March 2023, the Greek Parliament reformed the national Migration Code.

The new Code improves the conditions for obtaining a ten-year residence permit (M2) for young people. Now, a foreign citizen born in Greece or who has successfully completed six grades at a local school and is under 23 years of age at the time of application is eligible to receive a ten-year residence permit. This settlement mechanism already existed but previously only provided access to a five-year permit.

To obtain an M2 residence permit, the applicant must have medical insurance. Furthermore, continuous absence from Greece for more than two consecutive years is not allowed. When the M2 permit expires, it is automatically converted into an M1 residence permit.

Important

The new Code also penalizes applicants who provide false information or documents during the application process with a five-year ban on applying for a new permit or renewal of an existing permit. This ban is issued by any competent authority without a court order.

Step-by-Step Application Process

The procedure involves several steps:

1. Determining basic eligibility. Basic eligibility criteria:

• Being of legal age.
• No criminal record.
• Being socially, financially or economically connected to the Greek community.
• Sufficient proficiency in the Greek language.

2. Document Preparation. Regardless of the application method, all required documents must be apostilled and translated into Greek.

3. Determining the place for submitting the application. There are two options:

• Visit the local Greek consulate or embassy in your place of residence.
• Submit the application in person at a migration agency while in Greece.

4. Applicant Requirements. When submitting an application from abroad, the participation of two Greek citizens will be required to certify the application. If the application is submitted in Greece, a registration certificate confirming eligibility for the relevant program will be needed.

6. Application Processing. After submission, regional authorities conduct a background check, including a criminal record review. In some cases, applicants may need to attend an interview and provide biometric data.

7. Approval and Obtaining a Greek Tax Identification Number (TIN). Once the citizenship application is approved, it will be necessary to apply for a Tax Identification Number. This number facilitates full integration into societal life.

Gathering Documents and Submitting the Application

After verifying and confirming eligibility for Greek citizenship, and preparing the required documents, the application process begins.

Main Steps:

List of Documents

• International passport
• Registration certificate or permanent residence permit
• Completed application form
• Current identity document
• Birth certificate – certified and translated
• Income statements
• Long-term rental agreement or purchase-sale agreement for housing in Greece
• Certificates of no tax debts
• Valid health insurance policy recognized in the EU
• Certificate of no criminal record
• Other proofs of residence for the required period or proof of kinship with Greek citizens

Additional proofs are requested by the officials. It is important to remember that most documents will need to be translated into Greek, notarized and apostilled. Some documents need to be certified by Greek citizens or state authorities.

Consideration and Decision

The average document review time is 6 months, but it can take up to 1 year. In some cases, authorities schedule additional interviews, which may also delay the process by up to 4 months.

After submitting the application, the applicant can continuously monitor the progress on the government services website.

Attention

In the case of a positive decision, the applicant must swear allegiance to the new country within 12 months. Otherwise, the authorities' obligation to grant citizenship is terminated.

Disadvantages of Greek Citizenship by Investment

Despite the availability of the direct "Golden Visa" program, there are several disadvantages.

Investment Requirements. Currently, the minimum amount required to join the program is €250,000. However, legislators plan to raise the minimum investment threshold to €500,000 in 2024.

Investing in Greece may involve financial and political risks.