How to Apply for Greek Citizenship
The step-by-step application process to apply for Greek nationality
Applying for Greek citizenship involves a relatively complex process depending on the path you are applying through. The first step is to confirm how you qualify and through which path you are going to apply as each path has different requirements to apply for citizenship.
You will need a citizenship portfolio with all of the correct documents in hand, and you need an appointment at the Greek consulate. Greece requires that you apply for Greek citizenship in person.
Then, it’s a matter of correcting filling out the forms and supporting documents and paying the necessary fees.
Below, you’ll find an easy-to-use guide to figure out what steps to take to apply for Greece citizenship.
Greek Citizenship Application Routes
The exact steps below—especially with documentation—will vary slightly depending on which path to Greek citizenship you are applying through. Everything starts with confirming with path you will be using to apply for Greek citizenship.
1. Citizenship by Descent
- Born to Greek parent(s)
- Greek grandparent(s)
- Greek great-grandparent(s) if intermediate relatives obtain citizenship first
- Processing time: 3 months to 3 years
Click here for the full guide to Greek citizenship by descent.
2. Naturalization
- 7 years of legal residence
- Knowledge of Greek language, history, and culture
- Clean criminal record
- Stable income
- Processing time: 12-24 months
3. Marriage to Greek Citizen
- 3 years of marriage and residence in Greece
- Language proficiency
- Integration into Greek society
- Processing time: 6-12 months
Click here for the full guide to citizenship by marriage.
4. Citizenship by Investment (Greece Golden Visa)
- Property investment from €250,000-€800,000
- 7 years residence before citizenship eligibility
- Language and integration requirements apply
- Processing time: Initial visa 2-3 months, citizenship after 7 years
How to Apply for Greek Citizenship
Submitting your application is similar across the different Greek citizenship application options. The main difference is whether you live in Greece or primarily reside outside the country.
If you currently live in Greece, you’ll submit your application to the Regional Directorate of Citizenship in your area.
For those living abroad, applications go through the Greek diplomatic mission—i.e., the Greek consulate in your jurisdiction.
Step 1: Document Preparation
Required documents include:
- Valid passport
- Birth certificate
- Marriage certificate (if applicable)
- Criminal record check
- Proof of residence
- Income statements
- Greek language certification
- Greek citizenship test results
- Additional documents specific to your eligibility route
This step is where many of our clients have struggled in the past. That happens when we don’t have all the documents necessary to have your application process successfully. If this sounds like you, don’t worry. We can assist you in finding and fixing the missing documents—either by translating and authenticating other supporting documents or by taking steps to replace missing documents.
If you feel unsure about your documentation, contact us for a free consultation. We can help confirm what the steps would be to recover lost or missing certificates.
Step 2: Document Authentication
- Apostille certification for non-EU documents
- Official translations into Greek
- Registration with local authorities
Step 3: Application Submission
- Schedule appointment with:
- Greek consulate (if abroad)
- Regional Directorate of Citizenship (if in Greece)
- Submit completed application form
- Pay application fees
- Provide biometric data
Step 4: Application Review
- Authority review period: 6-24 months
- Possible requests for additional documentation
- Interview may be required
Step 5: Citizenship Ceremony
- Oath of allegiance to Greece
- Receipt of Greek citizenship certificate
- Application for Greek passport
Fees and Costs
Government Fees
- Application fee: €100
- Document registration: €15-30 per document
- Citizenship test: €250
- Passport issuance: €84.40
Additional Costs
- Document translation: €20-40 per page
- Apostille certification: €30-50 per document
- Legal assistance (optional): Varies
- Language courses (if needed): €500-2000
Common Challenges
- Document Collection
- Missing birth/marriage records
- Difficulties obtaining ancestral documents
- Inconsistencies in names or dates
- Language Requirement
- B1 level Greek proficiency needed
- Preparation time might be required
- Processing Delays
- High volume of applications
- Administrative backlogs
- Additional document requests
Tips for Success
Getting Greek citizenship is always easiest for people who have properly prepared, particularly with documentation and language requirements.
So, how can you make this process as easy as possible? Start as early as possible—preferably several months or a few years before applying. A well-organized filing system can go a long way in making the process for applying for Greek citizenship move smoothly.
Also, remember that you’ll need to translate documents, and that requires sending documents to government-approved translators. Build extra time into your schedule for this step, as high-quality certified translations.
It’s also worth noting that some applicants need to demonstrate B1-level competency to become Greek citizens. You will want to start learning Greek early if this requirement applies to you.
Once the Greek citizenship application is submitted, be sure to respond quickly if Greek authorities request additional information or documentation.
For complex cases, particularly those involving ancestry research or unusual circumstances, consider seeking legal assistance.
- Documentation
- Start gathering documents early
- Keep copies of everything
- Have translations done by certified translators
- Language Preparation
- Begin Greek language studies immediately
- Practice regularly
- Take practice tests before the official exam
- Application Process
- Follow instructions precisely
- Respond promptly to requests
- Keep track of all correspondence
- Consider legal assistance for complex cases
After Obtaining Citizenship
- Register with local municipality
- Apply for Greek passport
- Register to vote
- Update social security information
- Consider tax implications
Key Considerations
- Timeline Expectations
- Total process: 1-3 years minimum
- Varies significantly by route
- Plan accordingly for document expiration dates
- Dual Citizenship
- Check if your current country allows dual citizenship
- Understand tax obligations
- Know your rights and responsibilities
- Integration Requirements
- Active participation in Greek society
- Understanding of Greek culture and customs
- Community involvement
Resources and Support
Official Channels
Additional Support
- Legal consultants
- Translation services
- Language schools
- Cultural integration programs
Next Steps
- Determine your eligibility route for how to become a Greek citizen
- Begin document collection
- Start language preparation
- Seek professional guidance if needed
- Plan your timeline and budget
Remember that the citizenship application process requires patience, thorough preparation, and attention to detail. Success depends on meeting all requirements and following procedures precisely—which makes having help from experts a major advantage on your way to becoming a Greek citizen.
Schedule a free call with us right now to put your best foot forward.
This page was last updated with help by Marco Permunian
Do You Qualify?
Want to learn if you qualify for Greek citizenship and which path is right for you? Contact us, we offer a free consultation to help determine your eligibility.
