Greek Citizenship: The Ultimate Guide for 2024

Greek citizenship is the legal status that grants the rights and responsibilities of Greek citizens. This includes but isn’t limited to the right to live, work, and travel freely within Greece and the EU countries. On top of that, you can vote and have access to public services. Greek citizenship can be acquired by descent, naturalization, birth, and marriage.

In this guide, we’ll tell you everything you need to know about obtaining Greek citizenship, including:

• What it means to be a Greek citizen?
• 4 Benefits of Greek citizenship
• Four ways to obtain citizenship of Greece
• Acquiring Greek citizenship through the Greece Golden Visa
• Greece dual citizenship
• How to get a Greek passport
• Greek citizenship revocation and deprivation

What It Means to Be a Greek Citizen?

Being a Greek citizen means having the ability to freely live, work, and travel within the borders of Greece and other European Union countries, having the right to vote in local and national elections in Greece, and also serving in military service.

Being a Greek citizen imparts a responsibility to participate in the nation’s democratic processes. It means you have the right to vote and shape the course of the country’s future. It means engaging in the civic discourse and contributing to the collective decision-making that guides Greece forward.

Obtaining Greek citizenship also opens the door to a dynamic, multicultural society where traditions intertwine with modernity. It grants access to the vast cultural heritage, from iconic archaeological sites to traditions that define Greek identity. It’s an invitation to explore the Greek history, language, arts, and philosophies that have left an indelible mark on global civilization.

Additionally, being a Greek citizen extends the privilege of European Union membership, offering opportunities for seamless travel, work, and study across member states. It provides access to a robust social welfare system and legal protections that safeguard individual rights.

Ultimately, being a Greek citizen recognizes the unique blend of history, culture, and civic duty that defines one’s affiliation with Greece, forging a deep and enduring connection to a nation that stands as a beacon of enlightenment and cultural legacy.

4 Benefits of Greek Citizenship

Becoming a Greek citizen offers a range of significant advantages. Overall, acquiring Greek citizenship brings forth a myriad of privileges encompassing social, political, economic, and cultural dimensions. It provides a gateway to a vibrant and historically rich society, along with the advantages of EU membership, making it an attractive prospect for those seeking to be part of Greece’s diverse and dynamic community.

1. Voting rights, healthcare, and unemployment benefits

Firstly, Greek citizenship grants individuals access to Greece’s robust social welfare system, including healthcare, education, and unemployment benefits.

Greek citizens also have the right to participate in the country’s vibrant democratic processes, such as voting in elections and standing for public office. This allows them to shape the nation’s policies and priorities.

2. Visa-free travel to 119 countries

Greek citizenship enhances opportunities for work, study, and leisure across member states.

That’s because Greece is an EU country, so those who obtain Greek citizenship can enjoy unrestricted travel within the European Union. With a Greek passport, there’s also a number of Greece passport visa-free countries.  You can travel to 183 countries visa-free or by getting a visa-on-arrival.

Additionally, Greek citizens can live in any country within the European Union. When obtaining Greek citizenship, you’ll also get preferential treatment in legal matters, benefiting from the full protection of Greek law and the judicial system. They have the right to own property and engage in business activities without the restrictions faced by non-citizens.

Note: Obtaining Greek citizenship also means you can get a Greek passport. However, it’s important to note that obtaining a Greece passport is a separate process from obtaining Greek citizenship. You can apply for a Greek passport only after you obtain Greek citizenship.

3. Belong to a rich culture

Furthermore, being a Greek citizen entails a sense of cultural belonging and heritage, allowing individuals to partake in the rich historical and cultural legacy of Greece. This includes participating in local festivals, ceremonies, and traditions that are pivotal in Greek society.

In terms of international representation, Greek citizens can seek assistance and protection from Greek embassies and consulates worldwide. They are also eligible for consular services when traveling to foreign countries, ensuring a higher level of support and security.

4. Enjoy world-class education

Additionally, Greek citizens have access to an array of educational opportunities, including scholarships and grants, which can significantly contribute to personal and professional development.

Four Ways to Obtain Citizenship of Greece

1. Greek citizenship by birth

The Greek government confers citizenship to every child born to a Greek father or mother. However, Greek citizenship is only granted if the child doesn’t acquire a foreign nationality at birth. That won’t be the case for a child born in Greece, as they automatically become a national.

It’s important to note that the Greek government explains that “a Greek citizen is a person who is duly registered in the Records of a Municipality of the Hellenic Republic.”

However, this becomes tricky when children are born to a Greek parent in a foreign country. Depending on the country’s law, a child will receive Greek citizenship of the territory they are born in, which invalidates the “doesn’t acquire a foreign nationality at birth” portion.

2. Greek citizenship by descent

Greek citizenship by descent is a principle that citizenship is passed down through generations, maintaining a connection to one’s Greek heritage and cultural roots. It also ensures that individuals born to a Greek parent, whether within or outside Greece, have a legal claim to Greek citizenship.

You can claim Greek citizenship by descent as long as your parents or your grandparents are Greek. The most important paperwork you need to provide when acquiring Greek citizenship through descent should prove their origin.

Please note that if you are applying through your grandparents, they must have been registered in the records of a Greek municipality.

Eligibility criteria

Greek citizenship by birth and descent are closely related regarding eligibility criteria and requirements, but it can become complex depending on your circumstances. Greek nationality law states that Greek citizenship is granted even if the parent hasn’t exercised their right to Greek citizenship. However, it is still up to the applicant to prove to the Greek authorities their right to become a Greek national.

For example, if your grandfather was born in Greece, but your father was born abroad and never applied for Greek citizenship, you can claim nationality based on the fact that your father is Greek by birth.

As long as you can prove the Greek origin of your claim and gather all the necessary documents, you could possibly obtain a Greek passport.

Requirements and steps to follow

If you have an ancestor who had Greek citizenship (including through designation or assertion), there is no stipulated time frame in which you must make the application. You can apply at any time in your life as long as you are over the age of 18. Greek authorities will then review the documentation and reach out to you with the final decision.

The required documents you need to apply include:

• The registration of the ancestor to Greek municipal records, such as a birth certificate
• Documents that prove your relationship to the Greek ancestor, such as your birth certificate, your parents’ birth certificates, and marriage certificates.

To lodge your Greek citizenship by descent application, take your documents to your nearest Greek Embassy or the Directorate of Civic Status of the Decentralised Administration of the area where you live. If you submit your documents to the embassy, there is a €100 fee.

3. Greek Citizenship by naturalization

To obtain Greek citizenship, one must first acquire a residence permit. This can be achieved by living in Greece for several years. Alternatively, wealthy foreigners have the option to invest in the country, with a minimum investment of €250,000. This investment can be made through purchasing real estate, buying shares, or opening bank deposits. Once the residence permit has been obtained, the naturalization process can begin. This is a great option for those looking to retire in Greece.

Eligibility criteria

To be eligible for Greek citizenship by naturalization, you must be:

• Over the age of 18
• Been a resident of Greece for seven years
• Demonstrate your integration into Greek society
• Be a character of good standing

Required documents

The required documents include the following:

• Declaration for naturalization
• Receipt of payment to the Public Revenues collectors
• Copy of your passport
• Residence permit or other document proving you live in Greece
• Birth certificate
• Copy of your income tax statement
• Document proving you have no criminal records

In certain cases, you might be required to complete a Greek citizenship test and demonstrate your knowledge of Greek language, culture, and history. That can be shown through enrollment in a Greek school or courses that cover the necessary topics.

Once you are naturalized, you can start the process of applying for a Greek passport. It is possible to have dual citizenship if your country of origin allows for it.

4. Greek Citizenship by marriage

Similarly to many other European countries, obtaining Greek citizenship through marriage is legally stipulated in the law. It’s not as simple as walking to the nearest Greek consulate and declaring your intentions. There are several conditions that must be met such as providing a marriage certificate, and the process can take some time.

Eligibility criteria

To obtain Greek citizenship through marriage:

• You must be legally married to someone who is a Greek national. This means that their birth is registered in Greece.
• You can only apply after you have been married for three years.
• You can only apply if you have lived in Greece for at least three years.

Required documents

As with all government processes, there is a stack of documentation that you must hand in with your application. The required documents include the following:

• Your marriage certificate and any other marriage certificates you might have had.
• Proof of your residency in the country.
• An acceptable level of Greek language proficiency.
• A document from the Greek government stating that you have a clean criminal record.

Acquiring Greek Citizenship Through the Greece Golden Visa

The Greece Golden Visa scheme is a residency-by-investment program that allows non-EU nationals to get Greek residency, provided they make a qualifying investment in the country.

The minimum investment threshold for real estate is €800,000, but the investment program states that for areas such as Athens, Thessaloniki, Mykonos, and Santorini, the minimum real estate investment for other Greek regions is €400,000. There are also more affordable options by purchasing a property estimated at €250,000 which has either been converted into a residential one after commercial use, or by getting a property that has a historical value and then fully restoring it.

You can also get a Greece Golden Visa through these means:

• An investment of at least €400,000 in a company registered or operating in Greece
• An investment of at least €400,000 in a real estate investment company focused exclusively on Greece
• Invest a minimum amount of €400,000 in a closed-end investment company or a closed-end mutual fund provided that alternative investment entities exclusively intend to invest in companies based or established in Greece.
• Acquisition of shares or corporate bonds through a minimum investment threshold of €800,000.
• Acquisition of Greek government bonds through a minimum investment threshold of €500,0000 and a remaining maturity of no less than three years at the time of purchase.
• Acquisition of €350,000 in units from a mutual fund incorporated in Greece or another country, with the explicit purpose of exclusively investing in shares, corporate bonds, and/or Greek government bonds that are either listed for trading or actively traded on regulated markets or multilateral trading platforms operating in Greece.
• Acquisition of units or shares with a minimum purchase value of €350,000 from an alternative investment fund established in Greece or another EU country, dedicated exclusively to investments in immovable property within Greece.
• A fixed-term deposit of at least €500,000, held in a Greek bank account or other national credit institution, maintained for a minimum of one year with an automatic renewal arrangement in place.

Greece’s Golden Visa program has several benefits, such as visa-free travel within Europe’s Schengen Area to flexible application requirements. Moving to Greece under Golden Visa is not mandatory. Not by chance, the Greece Golden Visa is one of the most sought-after residency investment schemes in Europe.

You can also obtain residence permits for your immediate family members (spouse, children under 21, parents, and parents-in-law) on a single investment.

A Golden Visa holder can get Greek citizenship by naturalization after seven years of continuous residence in Greece.

Greece Dual Citizenship

You can get Greek dual citizenship. That means you can have Greek citizenship alongside one other nationality without the need to renounce it. Dual citizenship with Greece allows you to maintain all the benefits of Greek citizenship and one more citizenship. It’s important to note you hold rights, and privileges in both countries, but also you have to uphold your citizenship duties in both countries.

Almost all European Union countries allow dual citizenship with Greece. On top of that, the most common dual citizenships with Greece are:

• United States
• Canada
• United Kingdom
• Australia
• France
• Italy
• Germany
• Spain
• Ireland
• South Africa
• Brazil
• Israel

It’s important to note that countries like China and Japan don’t support Greek dual citizenship, and you have to renounce your previous citizenship.

How to Get a Greek Passport

Once you acquire Greek citizenship, you can apply for a Greek passport. This will afford you all the rights and privileges that come with traveling the globe on an EU document. Besides that, you can travel visa-free to 119 countries with a Greek passport.

When you meet the specific requirements tied to your situation, such as naturalization, birth, or descent, you need to complete a passport application form and send it off to the Greek consular authorities.

According to the Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the application form must be filled out in Greek, you need to supply your Greek ID card and pay the administration fees. An adult passport costs €84.40 and is valid for ten years. The process takes a few weeks to complete.

Greek Citizenship Revocation and Deprivation

Greek citizenship can be revoked or stripped under specific circumstances, as per Greek law. These include providing false information or using fraudulent means to obtain Greek citizenship, involvement in terrorism, espionage, or activities threatening national security.

Conviction of serious crimes like treason, espionage, terrorism, or crimes against the state can also lead to Greek citizenship revocation. Serving in a foreign army without government authorization may result in losing Greek citizenship unless it’s part of Greece’s international obligations.

Engaging in actions damaging to the national interest can be grounds for Greek citizenship removal. The process can be appealed in court, but there are also several other implications:

• Loss of Greek citizenship: If the decision to revoke citizenship is upheld, the individual loses their Greek citizenship and all associated rights and privileges.
• Residency status: Depending on the individual’s circumstances, they may face changes in their residency status. Non-citizens may need to apply for a different type of visa or permit to remain in Greece.
• Possible deportation: In some cases, individuals who lose their Greek citizenship may be subject to deportation if they no longer meet the criteria for legal residence.
• Loss of rights: The individual forfeits rights associated with Greek citizenship, including the right to vote, run for public office, and certain legal protections.

How Can Global Citizen Solutions Help You?

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• We have helped hundreds of clients from 35+ countries in all the top residency by investment and citizenship by investment programs. With an in-depth and comprehensive understanding of the area, we provide our clients with solid guidance. 
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• The BeGlobal Onboarding System® allows you to access the status of your application every step of the way, something that sets us apart from our competitors.

Frequently Asked Questions about Greek Citizenship

Does Greece allow dual and multiple citizenships?

Yes, Greece allows its nationals to have dual citizenship. However, you must check whether your home country’s laws allow citizens to obtain citizenship from another country. With Greek dual citizenship, you are able to explore the world more broadly than before.

Does Greece have compulsory military service?

According to the Foreign Ministry, all male Greek citizens, aged between 19 and 45, are required to serve in the Armed Forces. This means that you’ll have to report for military service when you become a citizen. However, Greeks can avoid this by postponement.

Is the Greek language difficult?

The Greek alphabet is vastly different from Latin characters, and it’s difficult for Westerners to get a handle on it. The spoken language is easier to pick up, but if you practice every day, surround yourself with ethnic Greeks, and possibly go for lessons, it should be less of a struggle.

What is the process for applying for Greek citizenship and what are the key requirements?

To start applying for Greek citizenship, fill out the application form available at local Greek municipal offices or consulates. The requirements for Greek citizenship typically include proof of Greek heritage, residency, language proficiency, and a clean criminal record. After submitting the Greek citizenship application form, expect a review period where additional documents might be requested. For detailed guidance, consult the Greek embassy or a legal expert in Greek citizenship.

How long does the process of obtaining Greek citizenship take?

You can qualify for Greek nationality after living in Greece for a period of time. EU citizens need to live in Greece for at least three years, while non-EU citizens, like Americans and Australians, must spend at least seven years living in the country.

First, you can live in the country for 7 years and pass the exam. EU nationals, refugees, spouses, and parents of Greek citizens need only 3 years. The second way is residency through investment. It requires you to invest at least €250,000 in the Greek economy.

How do you qualify for Greek citizenship?

You can qualify for Greek citizenship by birth, descent, naturalization, marriage, and Golden Visa. Each type of citizenship has unique requirements you need to meet and paperwork you need to turn in. Once you complete the process, you’ll officially become a Greek citizen.

How does Greek citizenship affect my tax obligations?

When you obtain Greek citizenship, you’re required to pay taxes based on your personal income, if you buy a property, spend more than 183 days in Greece, have business in Greece, or acquire an asset.

Is there a residency requirement for obtaining Greek citizenship?

If you want to obtain Greek citizenship and you don’t have any Greek ancestry or a spouse, you need to live in the country for at least seven years. After that period, you need to apply for the Greek Citizenship Exam to the Greek authorities and pass the exam.