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Greek citizenship through naturalization

Greek citizenship through naturalization

Obtain Greek citizenship for the freedom to live in the EU

  • Visa-free access to 170+ countries worldwide
  • Access to European healthcare and banking services
  • Access to a liquid real estate market

Apply now to get expert advice

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Overview of the program

The naturalization process in Greece is regulated by the Greek Citizenship Code (Κώδικας Ελληνικής Ιθαγένειας) and Law 3284/2004. The main requirements for naturalization include 7 years of legal residence in the country, Greek language proficiency at B1 level, a clean criminal record, passing the mandatory integration exam and demonstrating successful social integration. The processing time for a citizenship application depends on the workload of the relevant authorities and may range from several months to several years.

Visa-free access 170+ countries
Eligibility for citizenship after 7 years

Benefits of Greek citizenship

  • Social support system

    By obtaining Greek citizenship, you gain access to Greece’s social protection system, which includes state benefits, social payments, pensions and participation in government programs, including housing support and employment assistance.

  • Right to hold multiple citizenships

    Greek legislation allows multiple citizenships, meaning that foreigners who obtain citizenship through naturalization can maintain their connection with their country of origin and retain the advantages of another passport.

  • High standard of living

    Greece is chosen for its combination of a comfortable Mediterranean climate, affordable prices for goods and services, welcoming attitude towards foreigners and opportunities to invest in local real estate.

  • Visa-free travel worldwide

    A Greek passport allows you to visit 170+ countries without obtaining a visa in advance, including China, the UAE and Japan, as well as enter Canada, the United Kingdom and New Zealand with an electronic travel authorization (ETA).

  • Education based on international standards

    Greek citizens have free access to public primary, secondary and higher education. Students may also apply for support from the State Scholarship Foundation (IKY) and receive housing subsidies when studying in another city.

  • Freedom of movement within the EU

    Greek citizenship provides full freedom to move, reside and work in all 27 EU countries without visas or additional permits. This opens access to the single European labour market with a population of more than 450 million people.

  • Access to an advanced healthcare system

    Greece provides universal healthcare services through the National Organization for the Provision of Health Services (EOPYY), giving citizens access to medical, clinical and pharmaceutical services within the public National Health System (ESY).

  • Reliable protection of civil rights

    Greece is a democratic country with a developed legal system based on the Constitution, national legislation, legal codes and European Union law. This ensures the protection of citizens’ civil and political rights in accordance with international standards.

Unlock business and financial opportunities with the program

  • Banks and accounts With a Greek passport, it is possible to open a multi-currency account within the EU banking system (EUR, USD and other currencies) within 7–14 days, subject to having an AFM (tax identification number). Greece’s financial sector is regulated by the Central Bank and includes more than 30 reliable financial institutions.
  • Asset protection Greek citizenship allows you to invest in local businesses, access the wider European market and benefit from strong legal protection within the EU, creating opportunities to preserve and grow existing financial assets.
  • Taxes Greece offers preferential tax regimes for tax residents, including Non-Dom and HNWI programs with a fixed 7% tax rate on worldwide income for eligible foreign investors, as well as full inheritance tax exemptions for certain categories of taxpayers.

Step-by-step guide to a Greek passport

  • Specific requirements and expected costs
  • A clear step-by-step plan for obtaining Greek citizenship
  • Up-to-date citizenship options in 2026
Step-by-step guide to a Greek passport

Fill out the form and get a detailed guide about the service from iWorld specialists

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Visa-free travel map

The Greek passport, ranked 4th in international passport strength rankings, allows holders to travel to more than 170 countries without obtaining a visa in advance, including EU and Schengen Area countries, as well as the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, the UAE, South Korea and Japan.

  • Mobility index 173
  • Visa-free travel 120
  • Visa on arrival 43
  • E-visa 10
  • Passport power ranking 4
map

Visa-free travel to 170+ with a Greek passport

The Americas

  • Antigua and Barbuda
  • Argentina
  • Bahamas
  • Barbados
  • Belize
  • Bolivia
  • Brazil
  • Canada
  • Chile
  • Colombia
  • Costa Rica
  • Cuba
  • Dominica
  • Dominican Republic
  • Ecuador
  • El Salvador
  • Grenada
  • Guatemala
  • Guyana
  • Haiti
  • Honduras
  • Jamaica
  • Mexico
  • Nicaragua
  • Panama
  • Paraguay
  • Peru
  • Saint Kitts and Nevis
  • Saint Lucia
  • Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
  • Suriname
  • Trinidad and Tobago
  • United States
  • Uruguay
  • Venezuela

Asia

  • Armenia
  • Azerbaijan
  • Bangladesh
  • Brunei
  • Cambodia
  • China
  • Georgia
  • Hong Kong
  • India
  • Indonesia
  • Japan
  • Kazakhstan
  • Kyrgyzstan
  • Laos
  • Macau
  • Malaysia
  • Maldives
  • Mongolia
  • Nepal
  • Philippines
  • Singapore
  • South Korea
  • Sri Lanka
  • Taiwan
  • Tajikistan
  • Thailand
  • Timor-Leste
  • Uzbekistan
  • Vietnam

Africa

  • Angola
  • Botswana
  • Burundi
  • Cape Verde
  • Comoros
  • DR Congo
  • Ivory Coast
  • Djibouti
  • Egypt
  • Equatorial Guinea
  • Eswatini
  • Ethiopia
  • Gabon
  • Gambia
  • Guinea
  • Guinea-Bissau
  • Kenya
  • Lesotho
  • Madagascar
  • Malawi
  • Mauritania
  • Mauritius
  • Morocco
  • Mozambique
  • Namibia
  • Nigeria
  • Rwanda
  • São Tomé and Príncipe
  • Senegal
  • Seychelles
  • Sierra Leone
  • South Africa
  • South Sudan
  • Tanzania
  • Togo
  • Tunisia
  • Uganda
  • Zambia
  • Zimbabwe

Europe

  • Albania
  • Andorra
  • Austria
  • Belarus
  • Belgium
  • Bosnia and Herzegovina
  • Bulgaria
  • Croatia
  • Cyprus
  • Czech Republic
  • Denmark
  • Estonia
  • Finland
  • France
  • Germany
  • Hungary
  • Iceland
  • Ireland
  • Italy
  • Kosovo
  • Latvia
  • Liechtenstein
  • Lithuania
  • Luxembourg
  • Malta
  • Moldova
  • Monaco
  • Montenegro
  • Netherlands
  • North Macedonia
  • Norway
  • Poland
  • Portugal
  • Romania
  • Russia
  • San Marino
  • Serbia
  • Slovakia
  • Slovenia
  • Spain
  • Sweden
  • Switzerland
  • Ukraine
  • The UK
  • Vatican City

Oceania

  • Australia
  • Fiji
  • Kiribati
  • Marshall Islands
  • Micronesia
  • New Zealand
  • Palau
  • Papua New Guinea
  • Samoa
  • Solomon Islands
  • Tonga
  • Tuvalu
  • Vanuatu

Middle East

  • Bahrain
  • Israel
  • Jordan
  • Kuwait
  • Lebanon
  • Oman
  • Palestinian Territories
  • Qatar
  • Saudi Arabia
  • Syria
  • Turkey
  • The UAE

Discover a European standard of living with a Greek passport

  • Greek citizenship status after 7 years of legal residence in the country
  • Visa-free travel to 170+ countries worldwide, including EU member states
  • Mediterranean climate and rich cultural heritage
  • Transmission of citizenship by descent to future generations

Apply now to get expert advice

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The path to citizenship begins with residency status

The first step is obtaining a residence permit in Greece. The country offers several residency options, including the EU Blue Card (EU Blue Card, residence permit category E.1) for highly qualified professionals, a residence permit for financially independent persons (FIP), the Digital Nomad Residence Permit, the Golden Visa program for investors and a residence permit for independent economic activity.

iWorld provides legal support throughout the entire process — from selecting the most suitable residency option and obtaining a residence permit to preparing for Greek citizenship through naturalization.

Comparison of Greek citizenship with other popular countries

Category
Greece Greece
Spain Spain
Portugal Portugal
Visa-free destinations
170+
170+
170+
Minimum residency period
7 years
10 years
10 years
Personal income tax
from 9%
from 19%
from 12,5%
Corporate tax
22%
from 15%
19%
For the whole family
yes
yes
yes

Citizenship application process

Obtaining a residence permit

The naturalization process begins with obtaining an initial residence permit. iWorld specialists help you become a legal resident of Greece through the grounds established by law, including employment, business activities, education and family reunification.

Learn more

Renewing the residence permit

After obtaining a residence permit, you must comply with all residency requirements established by Greek law, including maintaining the required income level (where applicable) and renewing your status on time.

Learn more

Passing the Greek citizenship exam

After 7 years of residence in Greece, you must demonstrate knowledge of the Greek language, history, geography, culture and state structure by passing the ΠΕΓΠ exam (Πιστοποιητικό Επάρκειας Γνώσεων για Πολιτογράφηση). The level of your economic and social integration into Greek society is also assessed.

Learn more

Submitting a citizenship application

The naturalization application and the required set of documents are submitted to the Regional Citizenship Authority at your place of residence. After registration, the competent authority conducts a legal review of your application. According to official information, the processing period starts from 12 months.

Learn more

Oath and acquisition of citizenship

After a positive decision, the applicant completes the oath-taking procedure. Once completed, citizenship acquisition is registered in the municipal registry (Δημοτολόγιο), after which Greek citizenship documents — an identity card (ID) and passport — can be issued.

Learn more

Get a personalized cost estimate for Greek citizenship

iWorld specialists will prepare a tailored estimate covering each stage, expected timelines, your family situation, eligibility grounds, and all applicable fees.

Get a personalized cost estimate for Greek citizenship

Citizenship by naturalization: alternative programs

Spain Country Spain
Cost upon request
Residency requirements from 10 years
Key advantages
  • Visa-free access to 176 countries worldwide
  • Access to healthcare and education systems
  • Freedom of travel, work, and living in the Schengen Area
Learn more
Portugal Country Portugal
Cost upon request
Processing time from 10 years
Key advantages
  • One of the most flexible and fastest routes to citizenship in the EU
  • Dual citizenship is permitted
  • High quality of life, strong social benefits, and freedom of movement across the EU
Learn more
See All Programs

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FAQ

How long do you need to live in Greece to obtain citizenship?

According to Greek legislation, you must have lived in the country for at least 7 years before applying for naturalization. Reduced residence periods may apply to spouses of Greek citizens who live in Greece and have children.

Do you need to renounce your citizenship of your country of origin?

Greece allows dual and multiple citizenships. However, retaining your second passport is only possible if the legislation of your country of origin also recognizes dual citizenship.

What level of Greek language proficiency is required for the exam?

The legislation requires applicants to demonstrate Greek language proficiency at a minimum B1 level according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). The exam assesses both spoken and written language skills.

Can you apply for citizenship without permanent residence status?

Greek legislation does not require applicants to obtain permanent residence status before applying for citizenship. The key requirements are meeting the required period of legal residence and fulfilling all other naturalization criteria.

Does time spent studying or working in Greece count towards naturalization?

Yes. For naturalization purposes, legal residence in Greece is counted regardless of the basis for residence, whether it was for education, employment or business activities, provided that you held a valid residence permit.

Can you obtain Greek citizenship if you previously had refugee status?

Yes, this is possible. Foreign nationals with refugee status in Greece may qualify for an accelerated naturalization period of 3 years.

How long does the citizenship process take?

After submitting a complete application package, government authorities should conduct a legal review within 12 months. After this stage, the applicant is invited for an interview with the naturalization committee. In practice, due to the workload of the competent authorities, the process may take up to 2 years.

What can you do in case of a citizenship refusal?

If naturalization is refused, the decision may be appealed. Under the Greek Citizenship Code, you can submit an application for annulment of the decision to the competent Administrative Court of Appeal. In certain cases, an administrative appeal to the Ministry of Interior may also be available.

What documents are required for submission to the authorities?

The standard naturalization application package includes an application form, valid passport, birth certificate, residence permit or other proof of legal residence, proof of income (tax declaration), criminal record certificate, Greek language certificate (B1) and confirmation of passing the exam on Greek history and culture. Documents issued in foreign languages must be officially translated into Greek and certified.

Can Greek citizenship be obtained for family members?

Yes. Family members can apply for citizenship provided that each applicant meets the naturalization requirements, including the required residence period, language proficiency, financial independence and other criteria. Special rules apply to minor children, and in some cases they may obtain citizenship together with you.

Get expert advice — contact us today

You can schedule a consultation with a company specialist either in person at our office or online. During the consultation, you’ll receive a detailed case analysis, a service cost estimate, and personalized recommendations tailored to your goals.

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Aleksey Nosovsky Head of Legal Department

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