Greek citizenship refers to the legal status of being a citizen of Greece, granting individuals full rights and responsibilities under Greek law. A Greek citizen can live, work, and study not only in Greece but also in any European Union country without restrictions. Greek citizens benefit from the protections of the Greek legal system and enjoy all the rights and advantages that come with EU membership, including access to healthcare, education, and freedom of movement across the EU and Schengen Area.
Greek Citizenship
Learn everything you need to know on how to get the Greek Citizenship
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What is the Greek citizenship?
How to obtain Greek citizenship?
There are several pathways to obtaining Greek citizenship, depending on your individual circumstances. Whether you have Greek ancestry, have resided in Greece for a certain period, or are married to a Greek citizen, each route has its own legal requirements and benefits.
By Birth
Children born to at least one Greek citizen parent typically acquire Greek citizenship automatically, regardless of their country of birth, as long as the parent is registered in a Greek municipal registry.
By Descent
Individuals with Greek ancestry—such as a parent or grandparent who is or was a Greek citizen—may apply for citizenship by descent. Applicants must prove direct lineage and may need to register their ancestor (or parent) in the Greek municipal records if not already registered.
By Residence (Naturalization)
Foreign nationals can apply for Greek citizenship after a period of legal residence in Greece, provided they meet integration and documentation requirements. The standard residency requirements are:
7 years of continuous legal residence for most applicants
3 years for those married to a Greek citizen with a child in common, or for parents of a minor Greek citizen
3 years for recognized refugees
Applicants must also pass a Greek language and culture exam, unless exempt.
By Marriage
Marriage alone does not grant automatic eligibility for Greek citizenship. However, spouses of Greek citizens may apply for naturalization after 3 years of legal residence in Greece, especially if they have a child together.
By Exceptional Naturalization
In rare and highly specific cases, the Greek government may grant citizenship by presidential decree to individuals who have made exceptional contributions to Greece in the fields of science, culture, sports, or public interest.
What are the requirements?
Greek Citizenship by Descent
This is the most straightforward route for individuals with Greek ancestry.
Eligibility
You have at least one parent or grandparent who was a Greek citizen.
Your Greek ancestor must be (or must have been) registered in a Greek municipal registry (Dimotologio) or male register (Mitroo Arenon).
Requirements
Proof of Lineage: Birth and marriage certificates tracing your ancestry from you to the Greek citizen.
Apostilled and Translated Documents: All foreign documents must be apostilled (or legalized) and translated into Greek.
Parent Registration (if needed): If your parent (child of the Greek ancestor) is not yet registered as a Greek citizen, they must apply and be registered before your application can proceed.
Valid Identification: A valid passport or national ID.
No Residency Required: You can apply from abroad without ever having lived in Greece.
No Language or Integration Tests
Oath of Allegiance: Required once citizenship is approved.
Greek Citizenship by Naturalization (Residency-Based)
This is for non-Greeks who have legally resided in Greece for a sufficient period.
Eligibility
You have legally and continuously lived in Greece for:
7 years for most foreign nationals.
3 years if married to a Greek citizen with a child in common, or if you are a recognized refugee.
3 years if you are the parent of a minor Greek citizen.
Requirements
Proof of Legal Residence: Residence permits, tax records, and lease or property documentation.
Clean Criminal Record: From Greece and your country of origin.
Language & Civic Knowledge: Pass the Greek Citizenship (Naturalization) Exam, which includes Greek language (B1 level) and cultural/political knowledge.
Proof of Financial Stability: Employment records, tax returns, or proof of income.
Integration Evidence: Community involvement, ties to Greece, and general adaptation.
Oath of Allegiance: Taken upon approval of your application.
Greek Citizenship by Marriage
Marriage to a Greek citizen alone does not automatically grant citizenship — it’s a special case under naturalization.
Eligibility
You are married to a Greek citizen and have a child in common, or
You are the parent of a minor Greek citizen, or
You have lived in Greece with your spouse for at least 3 years.
Requirements
Same as residency-based naturalization:
Legal residence (minimum 3 years).
Language and integration test.
Clean criminal record.
Proof of marriage and birth certificate of the shared child (if applicable).
Oath of Allegiance after approval.
What is the process for applying?
Determine Your Eligibility
There are several pathways to Greek citizenship, and each has its own criteria:
By Descent: You have a Greek parent or grandparent who is (or was) registered in a Greek municipal record.
By Naturalization: You have legally lived in Greece for several consecutive years (typically 7).
By Marriage: You are married to a Greek citizen and meet additional conditions, such as having a child in common or living in Greece for at least 3 years.
Gather Required Documents
Depending on your pathway, you may need to provide:
A valid passport or national ID
A Greek residence permit (if applying from within Greece)
Your birth certificate, plus birth and marriage certificates of your Greek ancestor(s)
A marriage certificate (if applying by marriage)
Criminal record certificates from both Greece and your country of origin
Proof of legal residence and financial stability (e.g., tax filings, employment contracts)
Language proficiency certificate and Greek citizenship exam certificate (if applying by naturalization)
All foreign documents must be apostilled or legalized and officially translated into Greek.
Pass the Required Exams (for naturalization applicants only)
Greek Language Exam: Proof of B1-level proficiency in Greek, unless you qualify for an exemption.
Greek Citizenship Exam: Covers topics like Greek history, politics, geography, and culture.
Submit Your Application
If applying by descent, submit your application through a Greek consulate or municipality in Greece.
If applying by naturalization or marriage, submit to the Citizenship Directorate of your local Decentralized Administration in Greece.
Include all required documents and pay the applicable government fee (approximately €100 for naturalization).
Attend an Interview (if required)
Naturalization applicants may be called to attend an interview to assess their integration into Greek society.
Wait for a Decision
Descent-based applications typically take 6 to 12 months, depending on document availability.
Naturalization cases often take 12 to 24 months or longer, especially if additional steps or reviews are needed.
Swear Allegiance to Greece
Once approved, you must attend a ceremony to swear allegiance to the Greek Republic and Constitution.
Receive Your Citizenship Certificate
After the oath, you will receive a certificate of Greek citizenship, which allows you to apply for:
A Greek national ID card
A Greek passport
What taxes will you pay?
As a Greek citizen or resident, your tax responsibilities depend on whether you are considered a tax resident or a non-resident. This classification determines whether you are taxed on your worldwide income or only on income earned within Greece.
Tax Residency in Greece
You are considered a tax resident if you spend more than 183 days in Greece in a calendar year, or if your main personal or economic interests (such as your home, family, or business activity) are located in Greece.
Tax residents are subject to income tax on their worldwide earnings.
Non-residents are only taxed on income sourced in Greece.
Taxes for Greek Tax Residents
Personal Income Tax (PIT)
Greece applies a progressive income tax system:
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
Contributions to Greece’s public system (EFKA) are mandatory for employees, freelancers, and business owners.
Rates vary depending on employment type and income level.
Capital Gains Tax
15% on profits from the sale of securities (e.g., non-listed shares).
15% on property sales, though this has been suspended for most real estate transactions since 2015.
Dividends and Interest
Dividends are taxed at a flat rate of 5%.
Interest income is taxed at 15%.
Property Tax (ENFIA)
All property owners in Greece must pay ENFIA annually.
The amount is based on factors like property location, size, and age.
A supplementary tax applies to high-value real estate.
Inheritance and Gift Tax
Tax rates depend on the relationship between the giver and recipient.
Close family members receive favorable rates and higher exemptions, while distant relatives or unrelated recipients pay higher rates.
VAT (FPA)
The standard VAT rate is 24%.
Reduced rates include 13% for basic goods and services such as food, transportation, and accommodation, and 6% for essentials like books, medicines, and theater tickets.
Taxes for Non-Residents
Rental Income
Rental income is taxed progressively:
Up to €12,000: 15%
€12,001 – €35,000: 35%
Over €35,000: 45%
Non-residents may have limited access to deductions compared to residents.
Capital Gains Tax
15% tax on capital gains from the sale of property located in Greece.
Property Tax (ENFIA)
Non-resident property owners are equally subject to ENFIA.
Double Taxation Agreements
Greece has tax treaties with over 50 countries to avoid double taxation.
These agreements may offer tax credits or exemptions for income taxed abroad.
They are especially useful for individuals with international income or assets.
How can a lawyer help me with the Spanish citizenship?
A lawyer can help you by providing legal advice and guidance throughout the application process. Some ways a lawyer can assist you include:
Understanding the eligibility requirements
A lawyer can help you understand the eligibility requirements, including the criteria you need to meet and the documents you need to submit.
Preparing your application
A lawyer can assist you in preparing your application, ensuring that all the required documents are included and that your application is complete.
Addressing potential issues
If there are any potential issues with your application, such as gaps in your employment history or criminal convictions, a lawyer can help you address these issues and present your case in the best possible light.
Representing you in appeals
If your application is denied, a lawyer can represent you in any appeals process and help you to overcome the reasons for denial.
Providing ongoing support
A lawyer can provide ongoing support throughout the application process, answering any questions you may have and keeping you updated on the status of your application.
If you are interested in obtaining a Greek citizenship, don’t hesitate to contact us today.
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.
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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
How long do I need to live in Greece before applying?
7 years for most applicants. Only 3 years if married to a Greek citizen with a child, or if you’re a recognized refugee. No residence needed if applying by descent.
If my grandparents were Greek, can I apply for citizenship by descent?
Yes, you may apply for Greek citizenship if one or more of your grandparents was a Greek citizen. You will need to prove direct lineage and show that your Greek ancestor was registered in a Greek municipal record (Dimotologio) or male register (Mitroo Arenon). In many cases, your parent (child of the Greek grandparent) must first obtain or confirm their Greek citizenship before you can apply.
Do I need to renounce my current nationality?
No, Greece allows dual citizenship. You are not required to renounce your original nationality when acquiring Greek citizenship by descent or through naturalization.
Is it necessary to speak Greek to apply?
If you are applying by descent, there is no language requirement. However, if you are applying for citizenship through naturalization, you must demonstrate Greek language proficiency (typically at the B1 level) and pass a civic integration exam, unless you qualify for an exemption.
How long does it take to process a citizenship application?
Processing times vary depending on the route and the completeness of your documents.
By descent: Typically takes 6 to 12 months, though it can vary depending on the records and consular or municipal workload.
By naturalization: Can take 12 to 24 months or more, due to interviews, exams, and documentation reviews.
Can I apply online?
Currently, Greek citizenship applications are not submitted online. Applications must be filed in person at:
A Greek consulate, if you are applying from abroad.
The Citizenship Directorate or relevant municipal office, if you are applying within Greece.
Do I need to attend an interview?
If you are applying by descent, an interview is generally not required.
For naturalization applications, an interview may be required as part of the assessment of your integration into Greek society.
What happens after my application is approved?
Once your application is approved, you will be invited to take an oath of allegiance to the Greek Republic. After the oath, you will be officially registered as a Greek citizen and can apply for a Greek national ID card and passport.
Can my family apply with me?
Each family member must apply individually. If your child is a minor at the time of your approval, they may be eligible for citizenship under simplified conditions, depending on their connection to the registered Greek ancestor or through your citizenship status.
what is the application cost?
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