Citizenship by marriage in Greece allows foreign spouses of Greek citizens to apply for Greek nationality under certain conditions. Marriage alone does not automatically grant citizenship. To qualify, the applicant must have been legally married to a Greek citizen for at least three years and have a child in common, or must have lived legally in Greece with their spouse for at least three years. Successful applicants gain the right to live, work, and travel freely in Greece and the EU, and may pass citizenship to their children.
Greek Citizenship by marriage
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What is the Citizenship by marriage in Greece?
Who can apply for it?
You can apply if:
You are married to a Greek citizen, and
You have a child together, or
You have lived legally in Greece for at least 3 years with your spouse
You must also meet the standard naturalization requirements, including a clean criminal record, Greek language proficiency, and knowledge of Greek culture and institutions (proven through the citizenship exam).
Marriage alone is not enough—you must show both legal residency and integration into Greek society.
What are the requirements?
To apply for Greek citizenship through marriage, you must meet the following criteria:
Be legally married to a Greek citizen
Have a child together or have lived legally in Greece for at least 3 years with your spouse
Hold a valid residence permit in Greece
Pass the Greek citizenship exam, which tests knowledge of the Greek language, history, society, and political system (B1 level proficiency required)
Have a clean criminal record from both Greece and your country of origin
Show integration into Greek society, such as community ties, employment, or long-term residence
Provide supporting documents, including:
Marriage certificate
Birth certificate of the shared child (if applicable)
Proof of residence and cohabitation
Tax and social security records
Once approved, you must also take the oath of allegiance to officially acquire Greek citizenship.
What is the process?
How long does it take?
The process typically takes 12 to 24 months, depending on the completeness of your file, the regional office’s workload, and whether additional documents or interviews are required. Delays are possible, so it’s important to ensure all documents are accurate and properly submitted.
What Documentation do I need?
To apply, you will need to submit the following:
Valid passport and residence permit in Greece
Marriage certificate (official and translated into Greek)
Birth certificate of the child (if you have one with your Greek spouse)
Proof of cohabitation or shared residence (e.g., joint lease, utility bills, or tax filings)
Greek language proficiency certificate (B1 level)
Citizenship exam certificate (covering Greek history, culture, and institutions)
Criminal record certificate from Greece and your country of origin
Tax returns and social security contribution records (to prove legal and financial integration)
Photos and official application forms (provided by the Citizenship Directorate)
All foreign documents must be apostilled or legalized and officially translated into Greek by an approved translator.
What taxes will I pay?
Your tax obligations in Greece depend on whether you are classified as a tax resident or non-resident. If you spend +183 days in Greece, you will be considered tax resident. Here’s what you can expect if you live in Greece after acquiring citizenship through marriage:
Personal Income Tax
Progressive rates apply to annual income:
Up to €10,000: 9%
€10,001 – €20,000: 22%
€20,001 – €30,000: 28%
€30,001 – €40,000: 36%
Over €40,000: 44%
Social Security Contributions
Mandatory for employees, freelancers, and self-employed individuals.
Contributions are paid to EFKA and cover pensions, healthcare, and other benefits.
Capital Gains Tax
15% on profits from the sale of securities.
Real estate gains are also taxed at 15%, although this has been suspended in many cases.
Dividends and Interest
Dividends: 5% withholding tax
Interest: 15% withholding tax
Property Tax (ENFIA)
Annual tax on property ownership, based on factors like size, location, and value.
VAT (Value Added Tax)
Standard rate is 24%
Reduced rates of 13% and 6% apply to certain goods and services.
Double Taxation Treaties
Greece has agreements with over 50 countries to avoid double taxation, allowing tax credits or exemptions on foreign income.
In conclusion, Greek citizenship by marriage offers a meaningful path to becoming part of a country rich in history, culture, and opportunity within the European Union. While the process involves legal steps and detailed documentation, you don’t have to navigate it alone. If you’re ready to start a new chapter in Greece and want expert guidance through every stage of the citizenship process, our team is here to help.
Whether you have questions or are ready to begin your application for Greek citizenship by marriage, don’t hesitate to reach out. Our experienced legal team is ready to support you and make your journey to Greek citizenship smooth and successful.
How can a lawyer help me with the Greek Citizenship by marriage?
A lawyer can be incredibly helpful in obtaining the citizenship in Greece by assisting in the following areas:
Eligibility Assessment: We evaluate your specific situation—such as your marriage status, residency history, and family ties—to confirm your eligibility and guide you on the best path to Greek citizenship.
Document Preparation: We help gather, verify, translate, and legalize all required documents according to Greek legal standards, ensuring your application is complete and compliant.
Application Submission: Our team manages the entire submission process, ensuring your file is accurate, properly formatted, and meets all current legal requirements to avoid unnecessary delays.
Legal Support: We assist with complex situations, provide guidance in case of additional requests or interviews, and communicate directly with Greek authorities on your behalf.
Efficiency and Peace of Mind: With our help, you save time, reduce stress, and avoid common mistakes—ensuring a smoother and more confident journey to Greek citizenship by marriage.
If you’d like personalized advice or assistance with your Citizenship in Greece, we can arrange a meeting to discuss your case in detail.
Our team of experienced lawyers is ready to assist you and guide you through the entire application process. Let us help you make your dream of living and working in Greece a reality.
Life
Work
Quality Life for You and Your Family
Why Greece?
Obtaining citizenship in Greece offers numerous advantages. Firstly, it opens an opportunity to live in one of Europe’s most captivating countries, with its vibrant cities, stunning coastline, and rich cultural heritage. Secondly, the visa enables access to Greek’s thriving digital and tech ecosystem, fostering networking opportunities and professional growth. Lastly, you will immerse in the warmth of French hospitality, savour its delectable cuisine, and explore its diverse regions while maintaining a flexible work-life balance.
Cultural immersion
Experience the rich Greek culture.
Location
Explore Europe without visa restrictions.
Stable economy
Greece has a stable and growing economy
Delicious cuisine
Taste world-renowned Greek food and wine.
Affordable living
Cost of living is lower compared to other European countries.
Healthcare access
Access to high-quality healthcare facilities and services.
Skilled workforce
Greece has a highly skilled and multilingual workforce.
Travel Opportunities
Explore diverse regions within Greece.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can apply for Greek citizenship by marriage?
Foreign spouses of Greek citizens can apply if they have a child in common or have lived legally in Greece with their spouse for at least 3 years.
Does marriage automatically grant me Greek citizenship?
No, marriage alone is not enough. You must also meet residency and integration requirements.
Do I need to live in Greece to apply?
Yes, unless you have a child with your Greek spouse. In most cases, you must live legally in Greece for at least 3 years before applying.
Is there a language requirement?
Yes. You must prove Greek language proficiency at the B1 level and pass a citizenship exam, unless you are exempt.
What is the Greek citizenship exam?
It’s a test that assesses your knowledge of the Greek language, history, culture, geography, and political system.
Do I need a residence permit?
Yes, a valid Greek residence permit is required when applying for citizenship by marriage.
How long does the application process take?
Can I apply online?
Do I need to attend an interview?
Can my children apply with me?
Will I need to renounce my current citizenship?
What is the cost to apply?
Our Team
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