HOW TO BECOME A GREEK CITIZEN?

There are several ways to apply for Greek citizenship. Methods of obtaining Greek citizenship in Greece include birth, marriage, long-term residency, or investment. The main ways to become a Greek citizen are explained in detail below:

1. Citizenship by Birth (Jus Sanguinis)

In Greece, citizenship jus sanguinis (citizenship by blood). According to this principle, children whose one or both parents are Greek citizens automatically acquire Greek citizenship. The fact that the child was born outside of Greece does not affect this.

2. Citizenship through Marriage

Individuals who marry a Greek citizen can apply for Greek citizenship under certain conditions. The process of obtaining Greek citizenship through marriage involves the following steps:

• Marriage Duration : Individuals marrying a Greek citizen must remain married and live together for at least three years
• Residence Permit: After marriage, spouses residing in Greece must obtain a residence permit.
• Citizenship Application: Foreign nationals who have held a continuous residence permit in Greece for the duration of their marriage can apply for citizenship. Additional requirements may apply during the application process, such as demonstrating good character and having a clean criminal record.

3. Citizenship through Long-Term Residency

Foreign nationals who have resided in Greece for an extended period can apply for citizenship by fulfilling certain conditions. This process involves the following steps:

• Permanent Residence: Individuals who have resided legally and continuously in Greece for at least 7 years are eligible to apply for citizenship. However, this period may be shorter for citizens of the European Union.
• Language Proficiency: Applicants for Greek citizenship must have a basic level of knowledge of the Greek language.
• Economic Independence: Applicants for Greek citizenship are expected to demonstrate their financial independence and be able to support themselves financially in Greece.
• Criminal Record: Applicants must have a clean criminal record.

4. Citizenship by Investment (Golden Visa Program)

Greece operates the Golden Visa program , offering the opportunity to obtain residency and citizenship through investment . Under this program, individuals who invest a certain amount in Greece can obtain a residency permit and subsequently apply for citizenship. The requirements for this program are as follows:

• Real Estate Investment : Individuals who purchase real estate in Greece worth at least €250,000 can obtain a residence permit. This residence permit is renewable as long as the investment continues
• Citizenship Application: Investors can apply for Greek citizenship after residing in Greece for a specified period with a residence permit. Investors are not required to reside permanently in Greece during this process.

5. Citizenship through Refugee or Asylum Application

Individuals who arrive in Greece seeking asylum and are granted refugee status can also apply for Greek citizenship after residing in Greece for a certain period. This process can be more complex and lengthy than other citizenship application processes.

6. Being of Greek Origin (Greek Diaspora)

Individuals of Greek descent (for example, having Greek grandparents) can apply for citizenship. In this case, the person must provide documents proving their Greek ancestry. The Greek government has facilitated this process with laws granting citizenship rights to the Greek diaspora.

7. Citizenship Application Process

The following documents are generally required to apply for Greek citizenship:

• Passports and identity documents
• Rap sheet
• Birth certificate
• Residence permit documents (for long-term residency or citizenship by investment applications)
• Marriage certificates (for citizenship applications through marriage)
• Greek language proficiency certificate
• Documents showing economic status

Applications are submitted to the Ministry of the Interior in Greece, and the processing time can take several months. Once the citizenship application is approved, the applicant receives official documents as a Greek citizen and enjoys all the rights of a Greek citizen.

8. Dual nationality

Greece allows dual citizenship. Therefore, individuals who are citizens of another country do not have to renounce their previous citizenship when they obtain Greek citizenship. However, this also depends on the laws of the applicant's other country of citizenship.

Conclusion

The process for applying for Greek citizenship can vary depending on the individual's circumstances. Marriage, long-term residency, investment, or being of Greek descent offer several avenues for obtaining citizenship. Applicants must also meet criteria such as language proficiency, criminal record checks, and financial status.

 

Intern Law Faculty Student

Mert Emir Balci