How To Become A Greek Citizen: A Guide To Naturalization
- by XpatAthens
- Thursday, 19 June 2025
Why Greek Citizenship?
Greece is more than a beloved travel destination; it’s also a country that offers the security, opportunity, and cultural richness of EU citizenship. With a Greek passport, you gain the right to live and work not only in Greece but anywhere in the European Union. While many pursue citizenship through descent, naturalization offers another powerful path, open to anyone who meets the legal requirements, regardless of heritage.
Greece is more than a beloved travel destination; it’s also a country that offers the security, opportunity, and cultural richness of EU citizenship. With a Greek passport, you gain the right to live and work not only in Greece but anywhere in the European Union. While many pursue citizenship through descent, naturalization offers another powerful path, open to anyone who meets the legal requirements, regardless of heritage.
Who Is Eligible?
Greek citizenship through naturalization is available to foreign nationals who satisfy a number of legal conditions. To apply, you must:
Greek citizenship through naturalization is available to foreign nationals who satisfy a number of legal conditions. To apply, you must:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Have no irrevocable convictions for serious crimes in the past 10 years
- Prove continuous legal residence in Greece:
- 7 years for general applicants
- 5 years if residency began before March 24, 2010
- 3 years if you're an EU national, married to a Greek citizen, a parent of a Greek minor, or a recognized refugee/stateless person
- Hold a valid Greek residence permit (e.g., long-term permits, EU/EFTA family cards, refugee certificates)
What Documents Do You Need?
Your application must be supported by a complete and properly certified file. Key documents include:
Your application must be supported by a complete and properly certified file. Key documents include:
- Naturalization Statement signed at your local municipality, in front of two Greek witnesses
- Valid passport and residence permit
- Certified birth certificate, translated into Greek
- Proof of income or tax return from the previous year
- Greek social security number (AMKA)
- Certified translations and authentications of all foreign documents
The Naturalization Process Step-by-Step
The road to Greek citizenship involves several official steps:
The road to Greek citizenship involves several official steps:
- Sign and submit the Naturalization Statement
- Collect and file all required documentation
- Demonstrate continuous, legal residency
- Take language and integration assessments
- Complete an interview with the Naturalization Committee
- Await the committee’s decision
- If successful, take the oath of allegiance and be registered as a Greek citizen
Fees: €700 for non-EU nationals, or €100 for EU nationals, political refugees, and stateless individuals.
What to Expect at the Interview
The interview is a critical part of the process. It assesses:
The interview is a critical part of the process. It assesses:
- Language proficiency – both verbal and written Greek
- Knowledge of Greece – its history, culture, and democratic system
- Personal background – your life in Greece, reasons for applying, and long-term intentions
- Community ties – evidence of social and cultural integration
Why Hire a Legal Advisor?
While it’s possible to apply on your own, working with a legal expert like Expat Law can save time, prevent costly mistakes, and increase your chances of approval. Their team provides:
While it’s possible to apply on your own, working with a legal expert like Expat Law can save time, prevent costly mistakes, and increase your chances of approval. Their team provides:
- Up-to-date guidance on all legal requirements
- A customized application strategy based on your background
- Careful review of documents to avoid delays
- Representation in legal proceedings if needed
- Full support from start to finish
What Expat Law Offers
End-to-end assistance tailored to your case:
- Document preparation and legal verification
- Application submission and follow-up with authorities
- Legal representation in appeals or complex scenarios
- Ongoing guidance throughout the process
Ready to take the next step? Whether you're just starting to explore your options or you're deep into the paperwork, Expat Law is here to help. For personalized legal guidance and answers tailored to your specific case, don’t hesitate to get in touch:
Have questions or need help with your unique case? Reach out today—we’re here to support you at every step.