Greek Citizenship via Investment: Is It Possible?

No. Greece has no citizenship-by-investment program, so you can’t buy a Greek passport. Non-EU citizens can apply for citizenship through the standard naturalization process after 7 years of legal residence as a Greek tax resident, for example on a work permit sponsored by a Greek employer, or on a Golden Visa once you move your tax residency here. Time on the FIP visa or the Digital Nomad Visa doesn’t count. You also need to pass a language and culture exam like anyone else, and have tax returns showing Greek-sourced income for those years, which means taking on tax liability here. It’s a possibility down the line, not a perk you’re buying today.

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Greek Citizenship by Investment

In contrast to what most people believe to be true, there currently is not a program that exists which grants residents to obtain Greek Citizenship through investment. Meanwhile, other countries such as Portugal and Turkey offer citizenship programs by making an investment to the country.

Differences Between the Greece Golden Visa and Citizenship

The Greece Golden Visa differs from Greek citizenship, as it is a residency program based on a property investment of €800,000 in high-demand areas including Attica, Thessaloniki, Mykonos, Santorini, Crete, Corfu, Rhodes and a number of larger islands, €400,000 elsewhere, or €250,000 for certain conversion projects. With the Golden Visa, you can reside in Greece for at least five years before renewing your permit, and get access to free travel across the Schengen region without a visa.

Meanwhile, obtaining Greek citizenship through naturalization grants more rights, including the ability to live and work in any EU country. This also allows free movement, residence, study, and employment across the 27 EU countries.

To see if you qualify for a Golden Visa, please see How to Get a Golden Visa in Greece in 2024.

Pathways to Greek Citizenship: Residency via Naturalization

Obtaining Greek citizenship through naturalization is one of the most common routes for foreign nationals seeking long-term residency and full rights in Greece. Naturalization means admitting foreigners to the citizenship of a country. In the case of Greece, citizens can obtain Greek citizenship by meeting the residency requirements and passing Greek language and civics tests to prove integration into society.

This process typically requires applicants to meet specific criteria, including a minimum period of legal residency, language proficiency, and proof of integration into Greek society. While naturalization offers many benefits, such as the right to live, work, and study freely within the European Union, it also involves navigating the country's legal and bureaucratic requirements. Understanding the key steps and prerequisites is essential for a successful application.

Requirements for Naturalization as a Greek Citizen ‍

1. Minimum Stay: Non-EU citizens need at least 7 years of permanent and legal residence in Greece as Greek tax residents, for example on a work permit sponsored by a Greek employer, or on a Golden Visa once they move their tax residency to Greece. Time on the FIP visa or the Digital Nomad Visa doesn’t count. Here are some exceptions:
   • If you are an EU citizen, then you can apply after 3 years of permanent and legal residence in Greece.
   • If you are married to a Greek citizen and have a child together, then you can apply for Greek Citizenship via naturalization after staying beyond a period of 3 years, with permanent and legal residence.
   • If you have an underage child who holds Greek citizenship (this does not apply to those who obtained Greek citizenship because they attended a Greek school).
   • If you are a refugee or have been recognized as a stateless person by the Greek authorities.
2. Proficiency in Greek: Demonstrating proficiency in the Greek language is a requirement for Greek citizenship. This ensures you can integrate well into Greek society and fulfill civic responsibilities.
   • You must demonstrate sufficient knowledge of the Greek language. This includes being able to read, write, and speak Greek at a conversational level (usually B1 level or higher).

Transitioning from Residency to Greek Citizenship

Required documents

• A “Declaration of Naturalisation” at the municipality of where the applicant resides.
• Registration certificate or a permanent residence certificate of EU citizens, provided by the immigration department of the Greek Police
• Passport
• Personal tax audits for recent years.
• AMKA number

Timeframe for Naturalization

While the official timeframe for obtaining Greek citizenship is set at 1 year, in practice, the process can take from 2 to 4 years. This is due to various factors, including the complexities of Greek bureaucracy, thorough background checks, and the time required to review applications.

Delays can also arise from submitting incomplete documentation or failing to meet specific requirements, such as language proficiency or demonstrating integration into Greek society. As a result, applicants should be prepared for a longer process and take care to avoid common pitfalls that could further extend the wait.

Costs for Greek Citizenship Application

The cost is 100 euros to make an application.

Where to Apply

In order to make an application for Greek Citizenship via Naturalization, you must apply at the Directorate of Civic Status of the Decentralised Administration of the area where the applicant resides.

Potential Challenges of Acquiring Greek Citizenship

Acquiring Greek citizenship can be a lengthy process, often taking anywhere from 2 to 4 years. One of the key challenges is navigating the complex Greek bureaucracy, where delays and administrative hurdles are common. Documentation errors, incomplete applications, or missing deadlines can significantly slow down the process. Additionally, meeting all the legal requirements, such as language proficiency and proving integration into Greek society, can take time.

Understanding these potential obstacles and avoiding common mistakes—like failing to submit proper paperwork or not adhering to tax obligations—can help streamline the journey toward citizenship. Patience and attention to detail are crucial to avoid unnecessary delays.

Get a Straight Answer on Your Own Case

Every relocation turns on the details, and the wrong permit or tax status can cost you months. Before you file anything, book a free 15-minute discovery call and we will go through your situation and tell you plainly what you need, what it costs and how long it takes.

Written by Chloe Mason, founder of My Greek Expat Journey. Chloe has lived in seven countries and has personally guided 300+ people through Greek residency, tax, property and bureaucracy. More articles by Chloe.