Greece citizenship is one of the most sought-after passports in the European Union, thanks to its strong global mobility, EU residency rights, and access to a stable economic and political environment. Holding a Greek passport allows visa-free or visa-on-arrival travel to over 190 destinations, full rights to live, work, and study anywhere in the EU and Schengen Area, and the ability to invest and operate across European markets without restrictions.
The Greek passport appeals to entrepreneurs looking to establish or expand businesses within the EU, investors and high-net-worth individuals seeking low-tax regimes and strong ROI opportunities, and expats or retirees pursuing a better quality of life in a Mediterranean destination known for its safety, healthcare, and culture.
The main pathways to obtaining Greek citizenship include birth, descent, marriage, naturalization, and investment through Greece Golden Visa program. Each route comes with specific eligibility criteria and timelines, offering both short-term and long-term routes to full citizenship.
Below, we’ll explore each option in detail to help you understand which pathway best fits your personal and investment goals:
1. Citizenship by Birth
Greek citizenship by birth is granted automatically to any individual born in Greece to at least one Greek parent. However, children born in Greece to foreign parents may also qualify under certain conditions. Specifically, if the child is born in Greece and both parents have been legal residents in the country for at least five consecutive years before the birth, the child becomes eligible for Greek citizenship.
Additionally, children who have attended a Greek school for at least six years or completed secondary education in Greece can also acquire citizenship. This pathway ensures that children who grow up and integrate into Greek society can enjoy full citizenship rights, even if their parents are not Greek nationals.
This route is straightforward, automatic for those meeting the criteria, and does not require a separate naturalization process.
2. Citizenship by Descent (Greek Ancestry)
Citizenship by descent is one of the most common and streamlined pathways for individuals of Greek heritage. If you can prove that at least one of your parents or grandparents was a Greek citizen, you may be eligible to obtain Greek citizenship by descent.
Applicants must provide official birth, marriage, and family registry certificates tracing lineage back to a Greek ancestor. These documents must be authenticated and translated into Greek. Once verified, the applicant’s information is entered into the Municipal Registry (Dimotologio) and the Greek National Registry, confirming Greek citizenship status.
This route is particularly appealing to members of the Greek diaspora seeking to reconnect with their heritage and gain access to the benefits of EU citizenship, including free movement, education, and healthcare across the European Union.
3. Citizenship by Marriage
Foreign nationals married to Greek citizens can apply for Greek citizenship through marriage after fulfilling specific residence and marital conditions. Typically, the applicant must have been married to a Greek citizen for at least three years and have lived legally in Greece for at least three consecutive years before applying.
The process includes providing proof of a valid and ongoing marriage, shared residence documentation, and integration into Greek society. Once the application is submitted, the candidate must also demonstrate knowledge of the Greek language and culture through the naturalization interview or exam, depending on the reviewing authority.
This path is designed to ensure that the applicant is not only married to a Greek citizen but also genuinely integrated into the country’s social and cultural fabric.
4. Citizenship by Naturalization
Naturalization is the most common route for foreign residents who have legally lived in Greece for an extended period. To qualify, an applicant must have resided in Greece for at least seven consecutive years as a legal permanent resident. For recognized refugees, this period is reduced to three years.
The process involves submitting an application to the Ministry of Interior, passing the Greek Citizenship Test (covering language, history, and civic knowledge), and attending an interview to assess integration and commitment to Greek society. Applicants must also provide evidence of steady income, clean criminal records, and tax compliance.
The processing time typically ranges from two to three years after submission. Once approved, the applicant is registered in the Municipal and National Registries, officially becoming a Greek citizen.
This route reflects Greece’s focus on genuine social and cultural integration as part of its citizenship framework.
5. Citizenship through Investment (Golden Visa Program)
Although Greece’s Golden Visa Program does not directly grant citizenship, it provides a pathway toward permanent residence and eventual naturalization. Through this program, non-EU nationals can obtain Greek residency by investing a minimum of €250,000 in real estate, with new thresholds of €400,000–€800,000 in certain areas introduced in 2024.
Greek Golden Visa holders gain renewable residence permits valid for five years, allowing them and their families to live in Greece and travel freely across the Schengen Zone. After maintaining seven years of continuous residence, investors become eligible to apply for Greek citizenship through naturalization, provided they meet all integration and language requirements.
This option is particularly attractive for global investors seeking EU mobility, business opportunities, and long-term stability, while also enjoying the benefits of owning property in a growing Mediterranean market.
How to Apply for Greek Citizenship?
Applying for Greek Citizenship is a well-defined legal process that leads to full rights as an EU citizen. Whether you qualify by birth, descent, marriage, naturalization, or investment, the application process follows a clear sequence of steps that ensure transparency and compliance with Greek law.
Step 1: Confirm Your Eligibility
Begin by identifying the correct route that applies to you, whether you have Greek ancestry, were born to Greek parents, married a Greek national, have lived in Greece long enough to qualify for naturalization, or invested under the Golden Visa program. Your eligibility will determine the exact requirements, documentation, and authority managing your case.
Step 2: Gather Required Documentation
Once eligibility is established, compile all necessary documents. Commonly required items include:
- Birth and marriage certificates (with official translations)
- Proof of legal residence or investment
- Tax and social insurance records
- Municipal or family registry certificates
Ensure all documents are certified, translated into Greek, and legalized (often via an Apostille stamp) before submission.
Step 3: Submit Your Application
Applications must be filed with the local Municipality Office or Decentralized Administration Office in Greece. If you reside abroad, submissions are made through a Greek Embassy or Consulate. Accuracy and completeness at this stage are crucial to prevent administrative delays.
Step 4: Pay the Applicable Fees
Application fees vary by citizenship route, generally ranging from €100 to €700. Payment receipts are required as part of the submission packet and proof of official processing.
Step 5: Wait for Administrative Review
After submission, your file undergoes a detailed review by Greek authorities to verify authenticity, eligibility, and compliance with Greek nationality law. You may be asked to provide additional supporting documents during this stage.
Step 6: Attend an Interview or Citizenship Test (for Naturalization Applicants)
Applicants for naturalization are invited to an interview that assesses their Greek language skills, cultural awareness, and understanding of civic life. This step ensures successful integration into Greek society.
Step 7: Receive Citizenship Approval
If your application is approved, your name will be published in the Official Government Gazette, officially confirming your status as a Greek citizen.
Step 8: Apply for Your Greek Passport and ID
Once your citizenship is finalized, you can apply for a Greek passport and national ID card. This grants full rights to live, work, and travel across all EU and Schengen countries.
What is Greek Citizenship Naturalization?
The Greek citizenship naturalization process is the official pathway through which foreign nationals who have lived in Greece for an extended period can become full Greek citizens. This process is designed to integrate long-term residents into the political, social, and cultural fabric of Greece, granting them the same rights and responsibilities as native-born citizens, including the right to vote, live, work, and travel freely across the European Union.
Naturalization is not automatic; it’s a structured and merit-based procedure overseen by the Greek Ministry of Interior. It evaluates not only a candidate’s duration of residence but also their commitment to the Greek way of life, knowledge of the language, understanding of the country’s history, and respect for democratic values. Once approved, applicants are officially registered as Greek citizens in the Municipal and National Registries, gaining access to one of the most powerful passports in the world.
Greek Citizenship Naturalization Requirements
To be eligible for Greek citizenship through naturalization, applicants must meet a combination of residency, legal, and integration requirements, as well as submit specific documentation proving their eligibility.
1. Eligibility Requirements:
- Must have legally resided in Greece for at least 7 consecutive years.
- Refugees and stateless individuals are eligible after 3 years of residence.
- Must hold a valid residence permit at the time of application.
- Must demonstrate stable income and financial self-sufficiency.
- Must have no criminal record or pending legal issues.
- Must show integration into Greek society, including participation in cultural or social life.
2. Documentation Requirements:
Applicants are required to submit the following documents:
- Completed naturalization application form.
- Valid residence permit and proof of legal stay in Greece.
- Passport copy and tax identification number (AFM).
- Proof of income or employment (such as tax returns, salary slips, or business documents).
- Criminal record certificate from both Greece and the applicant’s country of origin.
- Birth certificate, officially translated into Greek.
- Certificate of language and civic knowledge proficiency (B1 level).
- Two passport-sized photographs.
- Payment receipt of the application fee (€550 for the first application, €200 for reapplication).
Greek Citizenship Naturalization Process
The process of acquiring Greek citizenship through naturalization is multi-step and highly structured, ensuring that applicants demonstrate a genuine commitment to Greece.
1. Application Submission
The naturalization application must be submitted in person at the local Decentralized Administration Office or Citizenship Directorate in Greece. The process is not conducted online, as biometric verification and document review must be completed face-to-face. Once submitted, the application enters the national naturalization database for review.
2. Preliminary Review and Eligibility Check
Officials verify the applicant’s residency history, income stability, and background records. Incomplete or inaccurate applications are returned for correction. This phase typically takes a few months before proceeding to the next step.
3. The Greek Citizenship Test
All applicants must pass the Exams for the Certificate of Knowledge Adequate for Naturalization (ΠΕΓ) a standardized assessment designed to test:
- Greek language proficiency (B1 level) across reading, writing, listening, and speaking.
- Knowledge of Greek history, geography, political system, and culture.
The exam is administered twice a year, entirely in person, at designated testing centers across Greece. A minimum score of 70% is required to pass. The certificate remains valid indefinitely and is a mandatory part of the application.
4. Naturalization Interview
After passing the exam, applicants are invited for a personal interview before the Naturalization Committee. The interview assesses:
- The applicant’s integration into Greek society.
- Understanding of Greek civic values and lifestyle.
- Communication fluency and connection to the community.
This stage reflects the government’s commitment to ensuring that new citizens share Greece’s cultural and democratic identity.
5. Decision and Approval
Following the interview, the Ministry of Interior reviews the complete file and issues an official decision. Processing time for this stage typically ranges from 2 to 3 years, depending on the applicant’s case and administrative workload.
6. Oath of Citizenship and Registration
Once approved, the applicant is invited to attend an Oath Ceremony, where they pledge allegiance to the Greek Republic. Afterward, their name is entered into the Municipal Registry and National Citizen Registry, officially recognizing them as a Greek citizen.
7. Passport and ID Issuance
With citizenship confirmed, the new citizen can immediately apply for a Greek National ID and passport through local police passport offices.
In Summary:
- Eligibility: 7 years of legal residence (3 for refugees/stateless individuals).
- Language Level: B1 Greek proficiency required.
- Test & Interview: Mandatory for all applicants.
- Application Mode: In person only.
- Processing Time: Approximately 2–3 years.
- Final Step: Oath ceremony and registry inclusion.
Through naturalization, Greece welcomes residents who have built their lives in the country, rewarding their commitment with the privileges, protections, and opportunities of European Union citizenship.
What Is the Greek Citizenship Test About?
The Greek Citizenship Test is one of the official Exams for the Certificate of Knowledge Adequate for Naturalization, which requires passing to apply for Greek citizenship through naturalization. This mandatory examination ensures that every applicant demonstrates sufficient understanding of the Greek language, history, culture, geography, and social values, reflecting genuine integration into the Greek community and way of life.
The test is organized by the General Secretariat for Citizenship under the Ministry of Interior and follows a standardized format across Greece. It consists of two main components: a Greek language proficiency test and a general knowledge section covering history, geography, institutions, and culture.
The language section assesses a candidate’s reading, listening, writing, and speaking abilities, requiring at least a B1 (intermediate) level based on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). This ensures applicants can communicate effectively and participate in daily life in Greece. The second section evaluates knowledge of Greek history, political systems, geography, arts, religion, traditions, and social norms. Questions are multiple-choice and based on an official study guide provided by the Ministry of Interior, which is available both online and in print.
The overall exam format includes multiple-choice questions, short written tasks, and an oral interview. To pass, applicants must achieve a minimum overall score of 70%. Once awarded, the Certificate of Knowledge Adequate for Naturalization remains valid indefinitely and can be used in any future citizenship application.
While the test is designed to be accessible, it does require preparation, particularly for those unfamiliar with Greek history and governance. The language section is generally moderate, while the civic knowledge section is often more challenging. To assist applicants, the Greek government provides sample exams and official preparation materials, and many private institutes offer specialized citizenship test courses.
On average, the pass rate ranges between 60% and 65%, with exams typically held twice a year (in spring and autumn). Tests are conducted in person at official examination centers across Greece, with a fee of approximately €150 per attempt. Results are published online via the Ministry of Interior’s official portal, and successful candidates receive an official certificate that must be attached to their naturalization application.
What Is the Greece Citizenship Processing Time?
Greece’s Citizenship Processing Time varies depending on the applicant’s category and the route chosen. On average, the processing time after submission is around 2 to 3 years, excluding the years of legal residence required before eligibility. This period covers the administrative review, background checks, and approval procedures conducted by the Ministry of Interior.
Below is an overview of the estimated timelines for each pathway:
- By Descent or Birth:
The fastest route to Greek citizenship, usually taking 6 to 24 months, as it primarily involves verifying family lineage or birth records.
- By Marriage to a Greek Citizen:
Typically processed within 1.5 to 3 years, depending on document completeness and the regional administrative workload.
- By Naturalization:
The most common route for long-term residents requires approximately 2 to 3 years after application submission. The process includes verification, interviews, and language and civic tests.
- Through the Golden Visa Program:
Investors first obtain residency in 2 to 6 months, then become eligible for citizenship after 7 years of continuous residence, followed by an additional 2 to 3 years for naturalization processing.
In general, applicants should plan for a total administrative period of 2 to 3 years after filing, though efficiency can vary by municipality and case complexity.
How Much Does It Cost to Obtain Greek Citizenship?
The Cost of Greece’s Citizenship depends on the specific route of acquisition. For most applicants, such as those applying through naturalization, the official government fee ranges from €100 to €700, depending on the applicant’s category and administrative requirements. Additional expenses may include translation, legal certification, and document authentication costs, which can vary based on the applicant’s country of origin.
However, for foreign investors seeking Greek citizenship through the Golden Visa program, the total investment outlay is substantially higher, as it involves qualifying for permanent residency through investment first, then applying for citizenship. The minimum real estate investment threshold is €250,000 in most regions, though this increases to €500,000 in high-demand areas such as Athens, Thessaloniki, Mykonos, and Santorini. Beyond property acquisition, investors should also budget for property taxes, notarial and legal fees (around 7–10% of the property value), residency permit fees (€2,000 per adult), and ongoing maintenance or renewal costs.
While the Golden Visa does not immediately grant citizenship, it serves as a viable pathway after maintaining seven years of legal residence in Greece. Therefore, the total cost of obtaining Greek citizenship through investment encompasses both the initial residency investment and the subsequent naturalization application fees.
In summary, while standard citizenship applications are relatively affordable, citizenship through investment represents a significant but strategic financial commitment that grants long-term access to the European Union, visa-free mobility, and potential tax optimization benefits for global investors.
How to Apply for a Greek Passport After Obtaining Citizenship?
The Greek passport serves as both a travel document and proof of your Greek nationality. The application process is streamlined and regulated by the Hellenic Police Passport Offices, operating under the Ministry of Citizen Protection. Below are the application process steps in detail.
Step-by-Step Process to Obtain a Greek Passport
- Confirm Citizenship Registration: Before applying, ensure that your citizenship has been officially registered in the Greek Municipal Registry and the National Registry. This is a mandatory step confirming your legal status as a Greek citizen.
- Book an Appointment: Applications for Greek passports are submitted in person at a local Passport Office, which is typically located within the nearest police station. Appointments can be booked online or by phone through the Hellenic Police portal.
- Prepare Required Documents: Applicants must provide:
- A valid Greek National ID card (recently issued or updated)
- Two recent biometric photographs meeting ICAO standards
- Proof of payment for the passport issuance fee (approximately €84 for adults, €73 for minors)
- In some cases, a birth certificate or additional documentation may be requested for verification.
- Biometric Data Collection: During your appointment, your fingerprints, digital signature, and photograph will be taken electronically to be embedded in the biometric passport.
- Application Review and Issuance: The Passport Office reviews your submission and forwards it to the Central Passport Directorate in Athens for verification and production. Once approved, your passport is printed and sent back to the issuing office.
- Passport Collection: Greek passports are usually issued within 7 to 10 working days from the date of application. Applicants must collect them in person, presenting their ID for verification.
The Greek passport is valid for 10 years for adults and for 5 years for minors, after which it should be renewed. The renewal process follows the same procedures as the original application and requires updating biometric data and paying a new fee.
Dual Citizenship and the Greek Passport
Greece permits dual citizenship, allowing individuals to hold Greek nationality alongside another citizenship. This means that a person who acquires Greek citizenship through naturalization, descent, or investment is not required to renounce their original nationality, provided that their home country also allows dual citizenship.
Under Greek law, dual nationality is fully recognized. A dual citizen is treated as a Greek national within Greece’s jurisdiction, enjoying the same legal rights and obligations as any other Greek citizen, including the right to vote, reside, work, and own property in Greece and across the European Union.
While Greece itself imposes no restriction, the ability to hold two passports depends on the laws of your country of origin. Countries such as Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, and most EU member states allow dual citizenship, meaning you can retain your original nationality while becoming a Greek citizen. However, some countries, including China, India, Singapore, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates, generally do not recognize dual citizenship. In such cases, individuals who acquire Greek nationality may be required to renounce their original citizenship under their home country’s regulations.
What Are the Benefits of Greek Citizenship?
Greek citizenship offers numerous benefits, including the freedom to live, work, and study in any EU country, as well as a powerful passport granting visa-free access to over 180 countries.
The benefits don’t stop there. They also include access to advanced education and healthcare, voting rights in Greece and EU elections, the ability to open European bank accounts, and the right to pass on citizenship to future generations.
Here are some of the key benefits:
- EU Citizenship: Greek citizens can live, work, and study in all 27 EU member states and receive EU healthcare, as Greece is an EU member.
- One of the World’s Most Powerful Passports: It provides visa-free entry to over 180 countries, including the USA for short stays through the ESTA system.
- High-Quality Education and Healthcare: Citizens enjoy high-quality education and healthcare systems in Greece and throughout the EU.
- Family Extension: Greek citizenship can be extended to family members and can be inherited.
- Financial and Business Opportunities: Citizens can open accounts in European banks and may benefit from low corporate tax rates in Greece.
- Social and Political Rights: Benefits include the right to vote in Greek and European Union elections, and a high level of security and social guarantees.
What Is the Power of the Greek Passport?
Greece’s passport ranks sixth among the world’s most powerful passports in the world according to Henley Passport Index for 2025. Henley Passport Index evaluates passport strength based on the number of countries a citizen can enter without a visa, reflecting a country’s diplomatic relationships and international openness.
Greece passport provides visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 186 destinations around the world, including access to the Schengen Area, the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, and popular business and tourism destinations such as Japan, Singapore, and Australia. This level of accessibility provides significant advantages for entrepreneurs, investors, and globally mobile families seeking flexibility and convenience in international travel.
Beyond travel freedom, the Greek passport is a gateway to full European Union citizenship, granting the right to live, work, study, and conduct business in any of the 27 EU and EEA member states. It also includes access to EU healthcare, education systems, and social benefits, a major incentive for those pursuing long-term residency or investment in Europe.
What Is the Best Way to Get Greek Citizenship as an Investor or Entrepreneur?
The best way to obtain Greek citizenship as an investor or entrepreneur is through the Golden Visa Program, which grants residency and eventually citizenship through qualifying investments in the country. This route is particularly attractive because it combines flexibility, transparency, and access to the broader European market. Investors can choose from several investing options, including real estate investment, business investments, or capital contributions, but real estate investment remains the most popular route and the one with the highest ROI.
Real estate is favored not only for its lower entry threshold starting from €250,000 to €500,000, depending on the region but also because of its tangible and secure nature. Greece’s booming property market, driven by tourism, infrastructure growth, and rising international demand, offers investors solid capital appreciation and rental income potential. Moreover, the process is relatively streamlined, requiring minimal physical presence and offering residence permits for the investor and their family.
After maintaining seven years of legal residence, investors may apply for Greek citizenship, provided they meet the integration and language requirements.
How Quickly Can You Get Greek Citizenship?
Gaining Greek citizenship typically varies considerably depending on the application method, ranging from approximately three months for citizenship by descent to seven years through naturalization or investment. Marriage to a Greek citizen can lead to citizenship within six to twelve months after fulfilling the requirements of marriage and three years of residency. Naturalization through traditional methods typically takes 12 to 24 months after seven years of legal residency.
What Is the Fastest Citizenship to Get in Europe?
The fastest citizenships to obtain in Europe are those of Malta, Portugal, Cyprus, Greece, and Italy, which rank as the top five destinations where obtaining citizenship is easy and rewarding for global investors, entrepreneurs, and families seeking EU mobility.
- Malta offers the most direct and structured pathway through its Citizenship by Naturalization for Exceptional Services by Direct Investment program. Qualified investors can obtain full EU citizenship in 12 to 36 months, depending on their contribution level, property investment, and residency duration. The Maltese passport provides visa-free access to over 190 destinations, making it one of the most powerful in the world.
- Portugal has become one of Europe’s most trusted and stable citizenship routes. Through its Golden Visa Program, investors can apply for citizenship after five years of legal residency, without the need to permanently live in the country. The program’s flexibility, combined with Portugal’s strong economy, tax benefits, and high quality of life, makes it a top choice for long-term investors and families.
- Cyprus: despite suspending its direct citizenship-by-investment program in 2020, still offers an attractive pathway through naturalization after five to seven years of residency. Its EU membership, favorable tax regime, and strategic access to both European and Middle Eastern markets make it a viable option for those seeking business expansion and regional connectivity.
- Greece: provides an appealing mix of affordability and access. Through the Greek Golden Visa Program, investors can secure permanent residency with a minimum real estate investment of €250,000 (increasing to €400,000–€500,000 in certain regions) and become eligible for citizenship after seven years of continuous residence. The program’s simplicity and Greece’s improving economy have made it one of the most popular EU investment routes.
- Italy :completes the top five, offering one of Europe’s fastest routes to citizenship for individuals of Italian descent often achievable within a year once eligibility is proven. For non-heritage applicants, citizenship can be obtained after ten years of legal residence. Italy also provides an investor visa program granting residency through capital investment, offering a pathway toward eventual citizenship.
Conclusion:
Greek citizenship offers an exceptional opportunity for investors and families seeking a prestigious European passport with access to visa-free travel, top-tier education, and a high quality of life. Through the Golden Visa program, investors can secure residency by making qualified investments, especially in real estate, and become eligible for citizenship after seven years. This makes Greece one of the most accessible and rewarding destinations for those pursuing European citizenship.
At GICG (Global for Citizenship and Residency), our expert advisors provide personalized guidance to help you navigate the entire process from investment selection to application management, ensuring a smooth and successful journey toward your Greek passport. Contact GICG today to begin your path to European citizenship with confidence.