Greece – Citizenship

Who is eligible to apply for citizenship in Greece?

Greek nationality law is primarily shaped by the Greek Citizenship Code, which seeks to balance historical and ancestral ties with an integration-based residency model. Several separate pathways to citizenship exist, each with its own distinct set of conditions. Identifying which route applies to your personal situation is the critical first step in the process.

Naturalisation after residency

To qualify through the standard naturalisation route, applicants must have lived lawfully in Greece for seven consecutive years prior to submitting their application. They must also hold one of the categories of residence permits specified in the Citizenship Code — such as a long-term residence permit, a permit for recognised refugees or those with subsidiary protection status, or a second-generation residence permit. While many EU countries require five years of residence before permanent residency is granted, Greece’s route to actual citizenship is lengthier — comparable in some respects to Germany’s minimum eight-year threshold for naturalisation.

The required residency period is shortened to three years for applicants who are married to a Greek citizen and share a child with that spouse. Recognised refugees and individuals with humanitarian protection status may also apply after three years of officially documented residence.

Applicants must have reached the age of majority at the time they submit their declaration of naturalisation. Beyond the residency requirement, demonstrating meaningful integration is essential: oral and written proficiency in Greek at B1 level or above is mandatory, evidence of economic activity — such as employment, running a business, or other documented income — is expected, and social participation is taken into account. A clean criminal record is a prerequisite.

Citizenship by descent

A child born to at least one Greek parent acquires Greek citizenship automatically at birth, irrespective of whether the birth takes place inside or outside Greece. This principle extends across generations: individuals with Greek parents or grandparents may apply for a Greek passport by substantiating their lineage through documents such as birth certificates, marriage certificates, and baptismal records.

An adult child of a Greek father does not need to undergo the naturalisation procedure if they can establish a continuous line of Greek citizenship through appropriately certified birth and marriage documentation. While the descent route is generally the most accessible for those with verifiable Greek ancestry, locating and assembling historical records can be a lengthy undertaking.

Citizenship by marriage or civil partnership

Marriage to a Greek citizen does not result in automatic acquisition of Greek nationality. However, spouses of Greek citizens may apply for citizenship provided they have been married for at least three years and have spent part of that period residing in Greece. This pathway requires demonstrable integration into Greek society and an adequate command of the Greek language. Immigration officials will conduct an interview to verify that the relationship is genuine and that the applicant is sufficiently integrated.

Citizenship for exceptional contribution

Greece reserves the right to grant citizenship to foreign nationals who have made extraordinary contributions to the country. Such individuals may be naturalised by presidential decree on the recommendation of the Minister of Interior. Every case is assessed individually, and contributions may span a range of fields including sport, science, and culture — though citizenship through this route is only conferred where it can be shown to serve Greece’s broader interests.

Birth in Greece and schooling

Children born on Greek soil to foreign parents do not acquire citizenship automatically. However, they may become eligible provided certain conditions are met — for instance, if they have attended a Greek school for the required number of years and their parents have lawfully and continuously resided in Greece. More specifically, children born in Greece to foreign parents may obtain citizenship if both parents had legally and permanently resided in the country for at least five years before the child’s birth. Additionally, children who have attended a Greek school for more than six years, or who have received a Greek graduation certificate, are entitled to apply for citizenship.

The Golden Visa route

Greece does not operate a citizenship-by-investment scheme, but foreign nationals who obtain a Golden Visa and subsequently reside in Greece for seven years may apply for citizenship. The legal foundation for this is holding a valid Greek residence permit, which can be secured through formal employment, education, family reunification, or a Digital Nomad visa for remote workers. This stands in contrast to countries such as Malta or Vanuatu, which offer direct citizenship-by-investment pathways; in Greece, genuine long-term residence is an indispensable requirement before citizenship can be considered.

Disqualifying conditions

An applicant must not have been irrevocably convicted of an intentional offence in the ten years preceding the naturalisation application, where the sentence imposed was at least one year’s imprisonment or at least six months — and, regardless of the date of conviction, for serious crimes including treason against Greece, intentional homicide and grievous bodily harm, drug trafficking, money laundering, international economic crimes, child trafficking, and child pornography.

What are the steps involved in applying for citizenship in Greece?

The naturalisation process in Greece is protracted and administratively demanding. The precise steps depend on which pathway you are pursuing, as each has its own documentary requirements. The bodies responsible for processing citizenship applications are the Regional Directorates and the Greek Ministry of Interior. Always refer to the Greek Ministry of Interior website for the latest fees and requirements, as these are subject to periodic revision.

1. Confirm your eligibility route. Establish whether you are applying through naturalisation, descent, marriage, or another avenue. Each pathway carries distinct documentation obligations. If you are uncertain, the National Registry of Administrative Public Services (Mitos) offers authoritative guidance in English.
2. Gather your documents. Required documentation may include birth and marriage certificates (your own and those of relevant ancestors), proof of Greek nationality within your family tree if applying by descent, current and historical residence permits, tax and social insurance records, a certificate confirming a clean criminal record, and certified translations. Every document issued in a language other than Greek must be officially translated into Greek.
3. Pass the citizenship exam (naturalisation applicants). Before lodging a naturalisation application with the relevant citizenship office, foreign nationals must first obtain the Certificate of Knowledge Adequacy for Naturalisation (ΠΕΓΠ). The exam fee is €150–€250 as of 2024 — consult the official source for the current amount. Applicants who have completed a specified number of years of study in Greek primary or secondary schools or Greek universities are exempt from this requirement. Specifically, exemption applies to those who have successfully completed either nine classes across primary and secondary education or six years of secondary education, or who hold a bachelor’s degree, master’s degree, or doctorate awarded by a Greek university.
4. Submit your application. Residents of Greece submit their application to the Regional Directorate of Citizenship in their area, either in person, through a lawyer, or by registered post. Those living outside Greece submit their application through the Greek diplomatic mission — that is, the Greek consulate serving their country of residence.
5. Security and background checks. The competent department within the Regional Directorate of Citizenship submits an electronic query through the Citizenship Integrated Information System to the Ministry of Justice to search the applicant’s criminal record. A separate electronic request is directed to the Immigration Department of the Greek Police to check for any public policy or national security concerns relating to the applicant.
6. Attend the Naturalisation Committee interview (if required). Applicants are called before the Naturalisation Committee to present evidence of Greek language ability, together with any additional documentation demonstrating that they satisfy the substantive conditions of naturalisation.
7. Await the ministerial decision. Once all file checks have been completed and the required steps concluded, a draft decision is prepared by the appointed rapporteur, setting out in full the grounds for accepting or rejecting the application. For Greek citizenship to be formally granted, a summary of the Minister of Interior’s decision must be published in the Government Gazette. The decision must be issued and published within one year of the submission of a complete application supported by all required documents.
8. Take the oath of allegiance. Once the decision has been published in the Government Gazette, the applicant takes a formal oath of allegiance to the Hellenic Republic. This constitutes the final legal step before citizenship takes effect.
9. Register with your municipality and apply for a Greek identity card. Registration in the records of a Greek municipality is the formal act through which the Greek State recognises an individual’s right to citizenship, and it is the prerequisite for obtaining a Greek passport.

Application registration can take up to six months, the wait for the exam may add a further six months, and the interview and final decision typically require around one year. The overall timeframe from submission of the application to the granting of citizenship is therefore at least two years. Always verify current fees and expected timelines directly with the Ministry of Interior, as these figures are subject to change.

What tests, interviews, or ceremonies are required as part of the citizenship process in Greece?

Law 4735/2020 introduced a fundamental reform to the naturalisation procedure for third-country nationals by establishing the Certificate of Adequacy of Knowledge for Naturalisation (ΠΕΓΠ). This requirement sits at the heart of the contemporary Greek citizenship process and sets Greece apart from countries such as Ireland or Portugal, where civic integration testing is less formalised or not currently mandatory for naturalisation.

The citizenship exam

Introduced in 2021, the exam consists of a written component and an oral interview, administered twice annually, for a fee of €250 at the time of writing. The examination covers Greek language ability, history, the Constitution, cultural traditions, and the country’s political system. Always confirm the current fee on the official exam platform.

The written test is held twice a year and follows an assessment format consistent with Panhellenic examination standards. It comprises 20 questions distributed across thematic areas — four questions on Greek geography and culture respectively, and six questions each on Greek history and the functioning of the Greek parliamentary system.

The entire test is conducted in Greek and is not offered in any other language, meaning candidates must be able to read and communicate in Greek to succeed. This approach is broadly comparable in intent to the Life in the UK Test or Australia’s citizenship test, though Greece’s exam places a notably strong emphasis on written Greek literacy at B1 level or above.

A minimum score of 80% is required to pass. The assessment is divided into two parts — written and oral — and each is evaluated independently. Candidates who do not demonstrate adequate knowledge of Greek language, culture, and history in the written section are not permitted to proceed to the oral component.

Candidates who pass the exam are awarded the Certificate of Adequacy of Knowledge for Naturalisation, which is then used as part of the documentation to acquire Greek nationality.

Naturalisation Committee interview

Following a successful exam result, an interview takes place at the immigration service. This gives officials the opportunity to assess the depth of the applicant’s integration into Greek society and to verify that all substantive conditions for naturalisation are genuinely met. Should an applicant, without a valid objective reason, fail to appear for interview after receiving two summonses by certified mail, the Head of the Regional Directorate of Citizenship will reject the application.

Oath of allegiance

Once the ministerial decision has been published in the Government Gazette, the applicant is required to take a formal oath of allegiance to the Hellenic Republic. This ceremony is a legal precondition for citizenship to formally come into effect, and is enshrined in Article 9 of the Greek Citizenship Code.

Exam exemptions

Applicants with a disability of 68% or greater, or a certified inability to participate in written examinations as diagnosed by the appropriate units of the Ministry of Health, must upload the relevant valid certificate when registering — specific accommodations are provided for such cases. Candidates who have completed substantial Greek schooling, as described earlier in this guide, are entirely exempt from the ΠΕΓΠ requirement.

What are the benefits of Greek citizenship?

Obtaining Greek citizenship opens up a broad range of practical entitlements and legal rights — both within Greece and across the wider European Union. As an EU member state, Greece’s citizenship carries the full complement of EU citizenship rights, considerably extending the opportunities available to newly naturalised citizens.

Right to live and work across the EU

A Greek passport holder enjoys the unconditional right to reside, work, and retire in any of the 27 EU member states, as well as in Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein. This is one of the most far-reaching practical advantages for those wishing to move freely within Europe, since non-EU nationals must navigate separate work permit requirements in each individual country.

Travel access

Greek citizenship enables holders to live, work, and study anywhere in the European Union, and to travel to more than 182 countries on a visa-free or visa-on-arrival basis. This represents a substantial upgrade in global mobility compared to many non-EU passports.

Voting and civic participation

As a Greek passport holder, you are entitled to vote and to stand for election in Greek national elections, as well as in local authority and European Parliament elections. This gives citizens meaningful influence over the direction of the country at multiple levels of governance.

Healthcare and social services

Greek citizens enjoy full access to the national healthcare system (EFKA) and to the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), which provides medical coverage throughout the EU. Unlike temporary residents who may encounter restrictions on access to public health services, citizens are entitled to the full range of publicly funded healthcare.

Education

Greek citizens have access to education in Greece and at EU universities at considerably more affordable rates, which are often heavily subsidised or free compared to the fees charged to international students. For families raising children, this can represent a significant long-term financial benefit.

Property and business rights

Citizens may own property and establish businesses across the EU without the restrictions imposed on non-citizens. Certain categories of land, particularly in Greek border regions and on specific islands, are reserved for EU citizens — meaning naturalisation can unlock property ownership opportunities that were previously inaccessible.

Consular protection

When travelling or residing in a country where Greece has no embassy, Greek citizens have the right to seek assistance from the consular mission of any other EU member state. This mutual protection network provides a practical safety net in countries where Greece maintains no diplomatic presence.

Passing citizenship to the next generation

Greek citizenship is transmissible across generations. A child born to at least one Greek parent automatically acquires Greek citizenship at birth, regardless of the country in which the birth takes place.

Does Greece allow dual citizenship, or will you have to renounce your existing nationality?

Greece permits dual and multiple citizenship, which means you may retain your original nationality while holding a Greek passport simultaneously. This is a considerable advantage compared to countries that place restrictions on dual nationality — for instance, Germany historically limited dual citizenship for naturalised adults, though its rules have been relaxed in recent years, and Japan generally does not permit dual nationality at all.

There is no obligation to surrender your current citizenship or citizenships when acquiring a Greek passport. Dual citizens are treated as follows: Greece will recognise you as a Greek citizen both within and outside the country. However, when you are present in the territory of your other country of citizenship, the Greek authorities will not extend consular protection to you in that jurisdiction.

Your home country’s rules may differ

It is crucial to understand that Greece’s permissive approach to dual nationality does not necessarily mean your existing country of citizenship takes the same position. Some countries — including India, Malaysia, and China — do not permit dual citizenship with Greece. If your home country prohibits dual nationality, obtaining Greek citizenship could result in the automatic loss of your original citizenship under that country’s laws.

Before submitting an application for Greek citizenship, you should always verify the relevant rules with your home country’s official immigration or foreign affairs authority. The appropriate ministry or embassy in Greece will be the right contact point.

Military service obligations

One important practical matter for male citizens is that Greece operates a mandatory military service requirement for all male nationals, commencing at age 19 and lasting between 9 and 12 months. This obligation applies to all Greek males up to the age of 45, irrespective of whether they hold dual citizenship or reside abroad. Women may serve on a voluntary basis. If you are a male dual citizen, you should seek tailored legal advice on how military service obligations may apply to your specific situation.

Certain professions may require sole Greek citizenship

Holders of certain positions — including military officers, judges, government ministers, and members of parliament — are prohibited from holding more than one citizenship. If you aspire to any such role, renunciation of your other nationality would be required.

How long does it typically take to become a citizen of Greece?

Naturalisation as a Greek citizen is a multi-year undertaking. The overall timeline encompasses the qualifying residency period, the citizenship exam process, and the administrative handling of the application. Careful advance planning is indispensable.

The naturalisation process in Greece is both lengthy and administratively intensive. Registering the application may take up to six months, the wait for an exam sitting can consume a further six months, and the interview and final ministerial decision typically require approximately one year. The total period from lodging the application to being granted citizenship is therefore a minimum of two years.

The applicant must hold a valid residence permit throughout the entirety of the citizenship application process. Maintaining a current permit is not merely advisable — it is a legal requirement. If your permit expires during the application period, your citizenship application could be placed in jeopardy.

Processing times may vary depending on the complexity of individual cases. Applications for citizenship by descent tend to take around three years to be processed. Always consult the Ministry of Interior website for the most up-to-date processing time estimates, as staffing levels and application volumes influence how quickly cases are handled.

What are the main reasons an application for citizenship in Greece might be refused?

A thorough understanding of the grounds on which applications may be refused helps applicants prepare carefully and avoid avoidable obstacles. The Greek Citizenship Code specifies the conditions that must be satisfied, and failure to meet any one of them constitutes grounds for rejection.

• Criminal record. An irrevocable conviction for any of the offences listed exhaustively in the Citizenship Code, committed intentionally within the preceding ten years, where the sentence imposed was at least one year’s imprisonment — or at least six months regardless of the date of conviction — represents an absolute bar to naturalisation.
• Insufficient residency. Applicants must have resided lawfully and continuously in Greece for seven years prior to submitting their application (or the applicable reduced period). Any interruptions in lawful residence may invalidate the qualifying period.
• Failure to meet language or knowledge requirements. Inability to pass the citizenship exam or to demonstrate Greek language proficiency at B1 level or above will result in an unsuccessful application.
• Public policy or national security concerns. The relevant security authorities within the Ministry of Citizen Protection must confirm that there are no public policy or national security grounds that would justify rejection of the application.
• Incomplete or incorrectly filed documentation. If the formal requirements for naturalisation are not satisfied — for example, if residence documentation is incomplete or a criminal disqualification applies — the application will be refused by decision of the Head of the Regional Directorate for Citizenship, and a copy of that refusal will be communicated to the applicant.
• Failure to attend the interview. An applicant who does not appear before the Naturalisation Committee after being summoned twice by certified mail, without a valid objective reason for their absence, will have their application for naturalisation rejected.
• Pending deportation order. Applicants must have no outstanding deportation procedure or unresolved issues relating to their residence status.

Is there an appeals process?

Yes. An appeal against a refusal decision may be lodged with the Minister of Interior within an exclusive period of 30 days from the date on which the decision is formally communicated to the applicant. The appeal must be accompanied by a fee of €100 (fee code: 2161). You should verify the current appeal fee with the Ministry of Interior, as it is subject to change. If the internal appeal is also unsuccessful, applicants may pursue further recourse through the administrative courts.

Where can you find reliable, up-to-date information about citizenship in Greece?

The requirements, fees, processing times, and documentation associated with Greek citizenship are subject to periodic revision as legislation evolves. The only authoritative and trustworthy sources for current information are official Greek government websites. Blogs, online forums, and private immigration consultancies can offer useful general orientation, but should never be treated as substitutes for official guidance.

• Greek Ministry of Interior — General Secretariat of Citizenship: www.ypes.gr — the principal authority covering naturalisation, the citizenship exam, and all related procedures.
• National Registry of Administrative Public Services (Mitos): en.mitos.gov.gr — an official English-language portal that explains citizenship procedures step by step, including required documents and legal references.
• Hellenic Ministry of Foreign Affairs: www.mfa.gr — particularly relevant for applicants applying from outside Greece through Greek consulates.
• Citizenship exam platform: exetaseis-ithageneia.ypes.gr — the official platform for registering for and managing the Certificate of Knowledge Adequacy for Naturalisation (ΠΕΓΠ).
• Greek Ombudsman: The Ombudsman has published guidance on citizenship procedures in cooperation with the Citizenship Directorate of the Ministry of Interior. While this is a helpful summary of the relevant legislation, it does not cover all special cases, exceptions, and transitional provisions. For more detailed information, contact your local Directorate for Civil Registry.

If you are based outside Greece, your nearest Greek consulate or embassy is also an authoritative point of contact for procedural guidance specific to your country. Always confirm fees, timescales, and required documentation directly with the relevant authority before commencing your application.

Frequently asked questions

Do children born in Greece automatically receive Greek citizenship?

Children born in Greece to foreign parents do not acquire citizenship automatically, but they may become eligible if specific conditions are fulfilled — including attendance at a Greek school for the required number of years and having parents who have lived lawfully in the country. Children born in Greece to foreign parents may obtain citizenship if both parents had legally and permanently resided in Greece for at least five years before the child’s birth. In contrast, a child born to at least one Greek parent is a citizen from birth, wherever in the world the birth takes place.

Can Greek citizenship be lost or revoked?

Greek citizenship may be revoked in exceptional circumstances. A Greek child who is adopted by foreign parents retains their Greek citizenship, which can only be withdrawn by the Ministry of Interior. More broadly, citizenship may be revoked where it was obtained through fraud, misrepresentation, or the deliberate concealment of material facts. The former Article 19 of the previous Citizenship Code, which permitted the removal of citizenship from individuals of non-Greek ethnic origin who had left the country, was repealed in 1998.

What happens if I move abroad during the citizenship application process?

The applicant is required to hold a valid residence permit throughout the entire citizenship application process. Relocating abroad and allowing your residence permit to lapse could seriously undermine your application. If you anticipate spending time outside Greece, seek specific legal advice on how to maintain your qualifying residence status, and notify the competent Regional Directorate of Citizenship of any material change in your circumstances.

Does marriage to a Greek citizen automatically grant citizenship?

Marrying a Greek citizen does not result in the automatic grant of a Greek passport. However, following marriage you may obtain a residence permit and, after residing in the country for the requisite period, apply for citizenship. The reduced three-year residency threshold applies to spouses who also have a child with their Greek citizen partner.

Can I pass Greek citizenship to my children who were born abroad?

Yes. A child born abroad to at least one Greek parent is entitled to Greek citizenship by descent. The child must be registered with a Greek municipality in order to formalise that citizenship. There is no residency requirement for a child to inherit citizenship from a Greek parent.

Are children of naturalised parents automatically included in the citizenship?

Where both parents apply for Greek citizenship together, their children are automatically included in the application. Children of a naturalised foreign national acquire Greek citizenship provided that, at the time the naturalisation proceedings are completed, they are unmarried and under the age of 18.

Does the Greek Golden Visa lead directly to citizenship?

No. The Greek Golden Visa confers residency through investment, but applicants must reside in Greece for seven continuous years before they are eligible to apply for citizenship. The Golden Visa is a residence permit, not a citizenship programme. After seven years of qualifying residence — during which the applicant must genuinely live in Greece — they may then apply through the standard naturalisation route, including satisfying the citizenship exam and integration requirements.

Is there a citizenship route for people of Greek heritage living outside Greece?

Yes. Article 10 of Law 3284/2004 covers expatriate foreign nationals residing abroad who wish to acquire Greek nationality through naturalisation. The defining characteristic of those qualifying under this category is their indisputable Greek national origin in combination with a demonstrated sense of Greek national identity — both of which are assessed by the competent consular authorities across two separate stages. Applications are submitted through the local Greek consulate.

What language is the citizenship exam conducted in?

The exam is conducted entirely in Greek and is not available in any other language, which means candidates must be able to read and communicate in Greek to complete it successfully. The written component requires at least B1 level Greek proficiency. The exam is held twice a year at examination centres across Greece, and candidates register through the official online platform.

Will becoming a Greek citizen affect my tax obligations?

Upon acquiring Greek citizenship, you may become liable to pay taxes on your personal income if you purchase property, spend more than 183 days per year in Greece, operate a business in Greece, or acquire assets in the country. Tax obligations are complex and depend on your individual circumstances, your country of residence, and any applicable double taxation treaties in force. You should seek advice from a qualified tax professional in both Greece and your home country before proceeding with a citizenship application.