How Greece’s 7-Year Path to Naturalization Stacks Up Against Portugal’s Strict Citizenship Rules

Portugal’s Proposed Changes in 2025

Portugal is on the brink of major reforms that could reshape its path to citizenship. Under the current rules, most foreign residents can apply after five years of legal residence.

However, the proposed changes would:

• Double the residency requirement to ten years (seven years for nationals of Portuguese-speaking countries).
• Require a civic knowledge exam covering Portuguese history, culture, and democratic principles.
• Demand proof of a “connection” to Portugal beyond just living there.
  

If this law passed in its strictest form, Portugal would have one of the longest citizenship timelines in the EU.

Greece’s Current Naturalization Rules

Greece currently offers a seven-year residency requirement for most foreign nationals, which can be reduced to three years for those married to a Greek citizen.

Applicants must:

• Pass a Greek language proficiency test at B1 level. (Please see Greek Citizenship Test: How to Pass & Become a Greek Citizen.)
• Complete a basic civic and cultural knowledge test.
• Provide documentation proving legal residence and integration into Greek society.

Greek Golden Visa holders must also meet the seven-year residency rule, and demonstrate legal residency, but without the uncertainty currently surrounding Portugal’s proposed changes.

Key Differences Between Portugal and Greece

Residency Requirements

• Portugal is proposing 10 years (7 for CPLP nationals, or Community of Portuguese Language Countries).
• Greece remains at 7 years (3 for spouses of Greek citizens).

Testing & Examinations

• Both require language and civic/culture tests. Portugal’s proposed version is more comprehensive.

Stability

• Portugal’s law is still in flux and could change retroactively.
• Greece’s system has been stable in recent years.

Golden Visa Holders

• In both countries, Golden Visa investors follow the same residency timelines as other residents.

Investor & Expat Takeaways

For investors and expats, the timeline to citizenship is a critical factor. Those extra years proposed in Portugal could significantly delay the path to an EU passport, which may influence long-term planning and mobility goals.

The uncertainty surrounding Portugal’s reforms also creates unpredictability for both current and future residents, making it harder to plan ahead with confidence. In contrast, Greece offers a shorter and more stable naturalization process, providing greater predictability and peace of mind for those seeking EU citizenship.

Final Thoughts

Citizenship is both a legal and lifestyle decision. With Portugal potentially moving to one of the EU’s slowest timelines, Greece’s steady seven-year route to citizenship remains an attractive option for those seeking an EU passport, Mediterranean living, and a lower cost of living.

Thinking of Making Greece Your Home?

At My Greek Expat Journey, we guide you from residency permits to citizenship applications, ensuring your relocation is seamless. Whether moving for work, retirement, or investment, our tailored services simplify the process.

Start your relocation plan today — contact us to turn your Greek residency into EU citizenship.