Greece, with its rich history, vibrant culture, and stunning landscapes, is a dream destination for many. Beyond tourism, many are attracted to the idea of becoming a Greek citizen.
Greek dual citizenship offers individuals the opportunity to fully immerse themselves in the Hellenic Republic’s way of life while enjoying the benefits of being a European Union citizen.
In this article, we’ll explore the details of Greek dual citizenship, the pathways to obtaining it, and the pros and cons associated with holding dual nationality.
Does Greece allow dual citizenship?
Yes, Greece allows dual and multiple citizenships. According to Greek nationality law, individuals can have Greek citizenship along with other nationalities without having to give up their previous citizenship.
This flexibility is especially beneficial for people of Greek descent living abroad and for non-Greeks with strong ties to Greece, whether through family, residency, or investment.
The process of obtaining Greek dual citizenship varies depending on the chosen pathway. For individuals with Greek ancestry, providing documentation such as birth certificates and marriage certificates to prove Greek origin is crucial.
Non-Greeks can obtain Greek dual citizenship through naturalization, which involves legally residing in Greece for a specific period, demonstrating knowledge of the Greek language and culture, and integrating into Greek society. Additionally, the Greece Golden Visa program offers a streamlined route to residency and eventual citizenship for investors.
Greek dual citizens enjoy the benefits of living and working in any EU country, access to public healthcare and education, and consular protection.
However, they must also navigate potential obligations such as mandatory military service for males and tax requirements in both Greece and their other country of citizenship.
This framework allows individuals to embrace their Greek heritage while maintaining their connections to other countries.
5 Benefits of Having Greece Citizenship
Having Greek citizenship offers numerous benefits that extend beyond the cultural and historical richness of the Hellenic Republic.
1. Freedom of Movement
As a Greek citizen, you gain the right to live, work, and study in any of the 27 European Union countries without needing a visa. This freedom also applies to travel, allowing visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to over 180 countries.
2. EU Citizenship
Greek citizens are also European Union citizens, which provides various rights and privileges, including participation in EU programs, access to EU healthcare and education systems, and the ability to vote in European Parliament elections.
3. Healthcare and Education
Greek citizens can access the country’s public healthcare system and benefit from free or reduced-cost medical services. Additionally, citizens have access to free primary and secondary education and lower tuition fees for higher education institutions in Greece and other EU countries.
4. Consular Protection
Greek citizens can seek assistance and protection from Greek embassies and consulates worldwide, ensuring help in emergencies, legal issues, or other situations while abroad.
5. Work Opportunities
Being a Greek citizen opens up employment opportunities in Greece and across the EU without the need for work permits, enhancing job prospects and career growth.
How to Obtain Dual Greek Citizenship
There are multiple ways to obtain Greek citizenship, such as through descent, naturalization, or investment, each with specific requirements that cater to individuals with varying connections to Greece.
Greek citizenship by descent
If you have at least one Greek parent, grandparent, or great-grandparent, you can apply for Greek citizenship by descent. You will need to gather documents, such as birth certificates, marriage certificates, and, if applicable, baptism certificates of your Greek ancestors, to prove your Greek lineage.
The application’s processing time can vary from several months to a few years, depending on the completeness of your documentation and the efficiency of the processing office.
After approval, you will receive a Greek citizenship certificate, which allows you to apply for a Greek passport and a Greek ID card.
Greek citizenship by naturalization
To become a Greek citizen through naturalization, you need to go through several steps to show that you are well-integrated into Greek society.
You must have lived in Greece legally for a continuous period of time. For most applicants, this period is seven years, but it can be shorter (three years) for those who are married to a Greek citizen or have children who are Greek nationals.
It is essential to demonstrate proficiency in the Greek language. Applicants must prove that they can speak, read, and write in Greek, usually through a language examination.
Greek citizenship through a marriage to a Greek citizen
To obtain Greek citizenship through marriage, there is a streamlined process for spouses of Greek citizens.
First, make sure that you are legally married to a Greek citizen and that your marriage is recognized and registered with the Greek authorities. You must provide evidence that your marriage is genuine and not solely for the purpose of obtaining citizenship.
Additionally, you must legally reside in Greece for at least three years following your marriage to be eligible for citizenship.
Greek citizenship through the Greece Golden Visa
The Greece Golden Visa is arguably one of the most competitive Golden Visa schemes in the entire European Union, and its many advantages make it quite alluring for investors and their families.
In order to qualify for the Greek Golden Visa program, applicants must have a clean criminal record and make an investment in Greece with a minimum value of €400,000. However, the minimum investment amount is €800,000 for properties in the entire Administrative Region of Attica, Thessaloniki, Mykonos, Santorini, and islands with populations exceeding 3,100.
There are two exceptions to these thresholds. Firstly, the minimum investment is set at €250,000 for commercial properties converted to residential use, regardless of the property’s location or size. The conversion must be completed before applying for the visa.
Secondly, a similar €250,000 threshold applies to the restoration of listed buildings, with renovations required to be completed within five years of residency to renew the visa.
In addition, regulations prohibit the use of golden visa properties for short-term rentals such as AirBnB or as registered company headquarters. Violations of these rules result in the revocation of the residence permit and a fine of €50,000.
Permanent residence permits obtained through the Greek Golden Visa are valid for five years and must be renewed every five years while retaining the investment to maintain permanent residency. To renew the Greek residence permit, specific documents must be submitted and set conditions met.
Subsequently, a Golden Visa holder can become a Greek citizen by naturalization after residing continuously in Greece for seven years with at least 183 days of physical residency each year. The naturalization process in Greece also requires applicants to demonstrate fluency in the Greek language.
Read our Guide on the Greek Golden Visa
Greek Dual Citizenship for Minors
Minors can obtain Greek citizenship through their parents. If at least one parent is a Greek citizen, the child is eligible for Greek citizenship by birth, regardless of the child’s birthplace.
- Eligibility: A child can automatically acquire Greek citizenship if born to at least one Greek parent. This applies whether the child is born in Greece or abroad.
- Birth registration: To formalize the child’s Greek citizenship, the birth must be registered with the Greek authorities. This can be done at the nearest Greek consulate if the child is born outside Greece or at the local municipality if the child is born in Greece.
- Greek consulate or municipality: Parents must visit the nearest Greek consulate to register the birth of their children born abroad. For children born in Greece, the registration is done at the local municipality where the family is registered.
- Retention of other citizenship(s): Greek law allows minors to retain their other citizenships when they acquire Greek citizenship. There is no requirement to renounce any existing citizenships.
5 Disadvantages of Having Dual Greek Citizenship
While having Greek dual citizenship may come with various advantages, there are also some potential drawbacks to consider.
Possessing Greek citizenship may entail certain difficulties such as compulsory military service for males, the possibility of being subject to double taxation, bureaucratic delays, economic instability, and complexities in managing dual citizenship.
Furthermore, integrating into Greek society could prove challenging for individuals who are not well-versed in the language and customs.
1. Mandatory military service
Male Greek citizens are required to perform military service, which typically lasts for nine months. Dual citizens who live abroad might still be called for service if they spend significant time in Greece or move back permanently.
2. Tax obligations
Greek citizens, including those with dual citizenship, may be subject to Greek tax laws. This could result in double taxation unless there are tax treaties in place between Greece and the other country of citizenship. Navigating tax obligations in multiple countries can be complex.
3. Bureaucratic processes
Greek bureaucracy can be slow and cumbersome, leading to potential delays in processing documents, obtaining permits, and other administrative tasks. This might be frustrating for individuals accustomed to more streamlined systems.
4. Economic instability
Greece has faced significant economic challenges over the past decade, including austerity measures and high unemployment rates. Economic instability can affect job opportunities, social services, and overall quality of life.
5. Legal and administrative complexity
Managing legal and administrative requirements for multiple citizenships can be complicated. This includes understanding and complying with the laws and obligations of both Greece and the other country or countries of citizenship.
How Can Global Citizen Solutions Help You?
Global Citizen Solutions is a boutique migration consultancy firm with years of experience delivering bespoke residence and citizenship by investment solutions for international families. With offices worldwide and an experienced, hands-on team, we have helped hundreds of clients worldwide acquire citizenship, residence visas, or homes while diversifying their portfolios with robust investments.
We guide you from start to finish, taking you beyond your citizenship or residency by investment application.
Frequently Asked Questions About Greek Dual Citizenship
Can I apply for Greek citizenship if my grandparents were Greek?
Yes, you can apply for Greek citizenship by descent if you have at least one Greek grandparent. You will need to provide documents like birth and marriage certificates to prove your Greek lineage.
How long does it take to get Greek citizenship through naturalization?
The process typically takes several years, depending on the completeness of your application and individual circumstances. It generally involves legal residence in Greece for at least seven years, language proficiency, and knowledge of Greek culture.
Do you need to give up your citizenship if you want to become Greek?
No, Greece allows dual and multiple citizenships. You can retain your current nationality while obtaining Greek citizenship, benefiting from both countries’ rights and privileges.
Are there language requirements for obtaining Greek citizenship?
Yes, applicants must demonstrate proficiency in the Greek language, which is usually assessed through a language test or interview. This requirement ensures applicants can integrate into Greek society.
Can my spouse and children also obtain Greek citizenship?
Yes, family members can apply for citizenship through family reunification procedures or as dependents under programs like the Golden Visa. Children of Greek citizens can automatically acquire citizenship if registered properly.
Are there any restrictions in place for purchasing real estate in Greece?
At present, there are no restrictions in place for purchasing real estate. Unlike some Golden Visa countries, Golden Visa Greece property hotspots and all types of properties are available to foreigners in all regions of Greece. Investing in Greek property for residency requires a qualifying real estate investment of €400,000.
The minimum investment sum is €800,000 for properties in the entire Administrative Region of Attica, Thessaloniki, Mykonos, Santorini, and islands with populations exceeding 3,100. The Greek Golden Visa real estate options include an outright purchase or a ten-year lease of hospitality accommodation.
How long does it take to get my Golden Visa?
The average processing time for a Greece Golden Visa is three to five months. Once your application has been approved, it usually takes about 2 months to receive your residence permit.
Can Americans have dual citizenship with Greece?
Yes, Americans can have dual citizenship with Greece. This allows them to live and work in any EU country without additional visas or work permits.
Does Greece Allow Dual Citizenship?
Greece is one of the EU countries that allows dual citizenship, making it particularly advantageous for those who wish to retain their current citizenship while also enjoying the rights and privileges of Greek citizenship.
