Greece Dual Citizenship - Application Process and Documentation

Guide for Greek dual citizenship?

Greek nationality ranks at the very top (top 20 countries) of global ranking according to the Quality of Nationality Index. Greek citizens enjoy numerous benefits, including high levels of travel freedom, security, and human development, as well as affordable food. Many foreigners aspire to obtain Greek dual citizenship for migration or retirement purposes.

Once you acquire your Greek ID, you will have the exact same rights as other European Union citizens and the ability to participate in Greek and European elections. The application process for citizenship requires specific documents based on your ethnic status and country of origin.

Types of Greek dual citizenship

The majority of individuals seeking Greek citizenship are ethnic Greeks and their family members. Greece is also a sought-after retirement destination for foreigners from countries such as Germany, Canada, the UK, and others. They are drawn to Greece by its warm climate, affordable property options, numerous prestigious universities, and excellent healthcare facilities. Moreover, Greece also attracts some refugees from war-torn regions in the Middle East who are seeking employment opportunities.

There are five pathways to obtain Greek citizenship:

1. By ancestry and descent – one of your parents is a Greek citizen.
2. By marriage to a Greek citizen.
3. By declaration, if you have some Greek heritage or a Greek adoptive parent.
4. Through investment.
5. By naturalization.

Requirements for becoming a Greek citizen

Are you in need of assistance with Greek citizenship? Our team of managers is here to address all your inquiries.

Greece is a wonderful country to live and work in. However, while obtaining a long-term Greek visa is relatively straightforward, acquiring citizenship can be a complex and time-consuming process with its share of challenges. The Greek authorities are actively working towards streamlining the application procedure, but it’s important to note that Greece is not the most lenient EU country when it comes to naturalization.

The basic requirements for immigration include being at least 18 years old, having no criminal record in Greece or any other country, not facing deportation, residing and working in Greece for a minimum of 7 years, possessing a valid residence permit, being proficient in the Greek language, and actively participating in the economic and social life of the country. This involvement can include working, studying, paying taxes, owning real estate, and having family ties with Greek citizens.

Certain conditions can expedite the application process. Greece aims to attract ethnic Greeks and their family members, and it also adheres to EU norms, which facilitates faster naturalization for other European nationals. This is one of the potential advantages.

If you fall into one of the following categories, the length of your required legal residence is reduced to 3 years: being a citizen of another European Union country, being married to a Greek citizen and raising a child together, having parental custody of a Greek citizen, or being recognized as a political refugee or stateless person by the Greek authorities.

We hope this information clarifies the process for you. Feel free to reach out to us with any further questions or concerns.

Greek dual citizenship for minors

Children under 18 can acquire Greek citizenship if any of the following conditions are met:

• Both of their legal parents are Greek citizens.
• Their paternity is confirmed through a paternity test, proving their father is Greek.
• They are born out of wedlock and their mother is Greek.
• Their parents have resided in Greece for a period of 5 years.
• They have completed 9 years of elementary and secondary education, or 6 years of secondary school, in Greece. (The school can be located anywhere in Greece)

How to apply for Greek citizenship

If’re considering a move to Greece, it’s important to determine whether the laws of your country permit dual citizenship. Contact your country’s embassy or consulate if you’re residing abroad. Next, it’s advisable to review the other eligibility requirements. Once you’ve done that, you’ll need to complete the Greek dual citizenship application form and gather the necessary documents.

The mandatory documents for naturalization include:

• Your application
• Your passport
• A valid residence permit
• A birth certificate
• Recent personal tax statements
• A marriage certificate

Ensure that you have the documents translated into Greek and authenticated. There is an application fee, which is €700 for first-time applicants from non-EU countries. For second and subsequent applications, the fee is €200 if you need to renew your application.

For non-Greek individuals from the UK, this is the only method to obtain both British and Greek dual citizenship after Brexit.

EU nationals enjoy certain privileges. For instance, Greek and Albanian dual citizenship requires 3 years of residency in Greece, as per the law, and incurs a low fee of around €100. Ethnic Greeks from the Southouthern part of Albania can become citizens within one year of applying

Greek dual citizenship for US citizens

The allure of migration and dual citizenship has captured the attention of many Americans during the pandemic, particularly those with Greek heritage. Even celebrities are drawn to the idea of American and Greek dual citizenship. Take, for example, Tom Hanks, who became a Greek citizen in 2020.

Possessing a Greek passport offers a significant advantage, granting holders visa-free travel to 186 countries – a privilege not afforded to those with only a US passport. Even during the pandemic lockdowns, Americans with Greek citizenship can enter Greece with ease. Moreover, they and their families gain the ability to live, work, and access excellent public health services throughout most of Europe. The perks extend further to employment opportunities and entrepreneurial endeavors.

Individuals of Greek descent can enjoy expedited citizenship approval, provided they can furnish evidence of their relation to a Greek ancestor, such as a great-grandparent. Applications can be submitted at the Greek embassy or consulate in their respective home state, with a fee of €120 plus consular fees.

For those who don’t have Greek ancestry, residency for investment presents a viable option. The Greek Golden Visa program stands as the most cost-effective choice in Europe, requiring an investment of €250,000 in real estate. This investment grants a residence permit, enabling legal residency in Greece and opening the path to Greek citizenship after a period of 7 years.

Greece Visa Homes is your trusted partner for finding your dream property in Greece. Our dedicated team of expert advisors specializes in assisting global investors and families in their property acquisition journey.

From guiding you through the process to ensuring you have a clear understanding of tax obligations, we are here to support you every step of the way. Feel free to reach out to us with any inquiries; we’re committed to providing comprehensive assistance tailored to your needs.

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Easy Ways to Obtain Greek Dual Citizenship

In the upcoming sections, we will outline the most suitable methods to acquire Greek citizenship based on their cost-effectiveness, processing time, and the ease of required documentation. However, certain eligibility criteria will remain applicable:

1. Obtaining permanent residency is a prerequisite.
2. A clean police certificate is mandatory.
3. Applicants must be at least 18 years old.
4. No history of deportation in Greece.
5. Proficiency in the Greek language at the B1 level or higher.

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Citizenship by Descent

If one of your ancestors, such as your grandparents or great-grandparents, was or is a Greek national, you may be eligible for citizenship by descent. However, the eligibility criteria for this option can be quite complex. We strongly recommend seeking advice from a relevant professional or Greek government official to navigate through the process. The required documents include:

• Your ID and police clearance
• Your birth, baptism, and marriage certificates
• Equivalent certificates for your spouse, children, and the ancestor in question
• Your ancestor’s registration record in their municipality in Greece
• Receipt for the application fee of €150

Please ensure to consult with the appropriate authorities for accurate guidance and support.

Naturalization by Ethnicity

If you do not meet the requirements for citizenship by descent, but you are of Greek ethnicity, you can still apply for a Greek passport based on your ethnicity. The necessary documentation will differ slightly in this case, and you will also need to submit a declaration, co-signed by two Greek citizens, to the nearest Greek Consulate or directly through the Greek Home Affairs.

Please note that if you acquire citizenship through this process, it will automatically be passed on to your children under the age of 18 and who are single at the time.

Regarding naturalization through marriage, being married to a Greek national no longer guarantees citizenship. The best outcome in such cases is obtaining permanent resident status. However, there is an exception for marriages that took place before 1984, when citizenship by marriage was automatically granted.

This exception may also be relevant if any of your ancestors were married to a Greek national before the specified date. In such instances, the ancestor in question is eligible to obtain citizenship, even if they never applied for it themselves at that time or are no longer alive. As their descendant, you can apply for a Greek passport through descent

Naturalization by Military Service

If you are of Greek descent, another option is to join the Hellenic Army, either as a volunteer or by enrolling in a military academy in the country. Upon your official enrollment or enlistment, you will automatically be granted citizenship. Alternatively, you can also seek admission to any Agion Oros monastery, where becoming a monk will grant you citizenship on the same day.

Passport by Investment

Greece is actively attracting potential investors to bolster its economy. However, this isn’t about purchasing the state’s bonds. Instead, you have the opportunity to obtain permanent residency in Greece by investing in purchasing real estate in Greece, commonly referred to as a Greece Golden Visa. This path offers convenience in obtaining citizenship, even if you are of Greek descent, as long as you possess sufficient funds to acquire a house or apartment in the country. There’s no need to splurge on luxurious villas in Santorini.

The minimum investment required for this purpose is €250,000, and the process of obtaining a permanent residence permit typically takes just two to three months. After that, you’ll need to reside in the country for a period of seven years before you become eligible to apply for citizenship. 

The necessary documentation for the visa application include your identity document, proof of income, local tax number, bank account details, SIM card, medical insurance, police certificate, and the purchase contract for your Greek real estate.

Multiple Citizenship

While allows for dual and multiple citizenship, it is important to verify if the other countries where you hold passports permit it as well. Additionally, it should be noted that the Greek government will recognize you as its subject only when you are in Greece or traveling abroad. For example, if you possess citizenship in the USA, Australia and Greece, the Greek Embassy will acknowledge you as either an American or an Australian depending on the country you are in at that time.

Application Paperwork

If are not a citizen of Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, Switzerland, or any EU state, obtaining a type D visa is necessary. The following documents are required:

• Valid passport or ID
• Proof of income from various sources (e.g. pension fund, salary, dividends)
• Passport-size photos
• Residential address confirmation
• Medical insurance
• Documentation of family relationships (if applicable)
• Police certificates from all countries of citizenship, including the EU

Please note that if your patronymic name is not stated in your Identification Card, you need to submit a copy of your birth certificate as well.

The next step is to apply for permanent residency, which requires specific documentation based on the grounds of your application (e.g. by descent, investments, etc.). When applying for citizenship, you will need the following:

• Identity document
• Greek tax number
• Permanent residence permit
• Updated police certificate
• Account statement from a Greek bank
• A Receipt of the for the application fee (around €700), for non-EU residents.

What Happens If my Application Is Rejected

If your application is declined, you have the option to appeal within a specified timeframe. To determine the current duration, reach out to the Greek Consulate abroad, the government department in your country, or your legal representative.

In most cases, there is little cause for concern. Typically, they will request additional documents or provide guidance on rectifying any mistakes made during the application process. They will advise you on the best steps to take.

However, certain circumstances may complicate your case:

1. Insufficient evidence of your Greek heritage for citizenship by descent.
2. A criminal record revealed by your police certificate, which may prevent you from appealing.

Residence-Greece offers access to a vast real estate database and provides assistance with purchase registration, consulting services, and legal support throughout the entire Greek residency acquisition journey.

FAQ – Greek Dual Citizenship

Does Greece allow for triple citizenship?

Absolutely! In Greece, you have the freedom to possess as many passports as you desire, provided that it aligns with the regulations of other countries involved. For further information, please refer to the relevant section mentioned above.

How can you get a Greek ID card?

To begin the process, you must submit the necessary documents to either the nearest Greek Consulate or Municipal Registry in your place of residence in Greece. Afterward, you will await an official confirmation letter and schedule an appointment with a government official or consular officer. Please refer to the relevant section above for a detailed list of the required documentation.

Can I get a Greek passport by servicing in the Greek military? Can you Serve in the Greek military if you have dual citizenship?

Yes to both questions! As per the guidelines outlined in the aforementioned section, it is indeed possible to do so. However, it is important to note that this option is exclusively accessible to individuals of Greek ethnicity who are not Greek citizens. Based on our professional expertise, possessing two passports has not posed any legal obstacles thus far in terms of military service in the country. Greece, in fact, permits the holding of dual and even multiple citizenships.

What is the currency of Greece?

Greece, as a member of the EU, embraced the Euro as its official currency in 2001, solidifying its place within the European economic landscape.

What is the cost of average rental price in Greece?

The rental costs you may encounter can vary depending on the region, municipality, and neighborhood where you choose to settle. Prices can range from as low as €285 to as high as €1,755. On average, the rental price hovers around €1,060.