A practical guide to moving, living, working & traveling in Greece, plus tips and narratives from an American in Athens
March 16, 2007 at 20:47
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Acquiring Greek citizenship through naturalization is a lengthy and expensive process for non-EU immigrants of no Greek descent. Many applications are initially rejected after taking several years to be reviewed.
This is also true for a non-EU citizen married to a Greek, unless connections and bribes are utilized. It is a myth that marrying for Greek citizenship is easy — citizenship is not transferable. Being married to a Greek spouse only shortens the waiting time if you have a child together, and everyone of no Greek descent/origin themselves must go through naturalization, as described below.
If you have an ancestor born in Greece, this article does not apply to you. Please see, “Greek citizenship by claim of Greek origin.”
* Article last updated March 18, 2010: I am in the process of translating the new, 52-page Greek Citizenship Code that took effect May 28, 2010. That means there are some significant changes to this article I haven’t made.
Benefits of dual citizenship with Greece?
If you are a non-EU spouse and marry a Greek, or are a non-EU child with an EU parent, with the belief it would be beneficial to have dual citizenship with Greece, this is a falsehood.
A permanent EU residence/work permit (five years initially, then 10 years upon renewal) is easily obtained after a few months waiting, free of cost and gives a non-EU spouse or child under 18 the same rights as an EU citizen without proving fluency in the Greek language, knowledge of Greek history/culture and subjective assessments of morals and character. It can also be retained as an individual after divorce if the marriage lasted at least three years or after a spouse’s death if total residence in Greece was at least one year. See, “Regular residence/work permit for an American or other non-EU citizen married to a Greek or EU citizen.”
Dual citizenship grants you no additional benefits except entitlement to a Greek passport and a Greek national ID, things that hold no higher standing than your current passport that is widely accepted for all official and daily transactions.
Most people opting for naturalization are either:
a) Non-EU citizens without Greek origin or a family link to a Greek citizen, who have a desire and right to reside and work in the EU permanently without restrictions after 12 years in Greece
or
b) non-Greek, non-EU citizens who have uniquely personal reasons.
Warning to men
If you are male and between the ages of 19-45, you will be required to serve mandatory Greek military duty of six (6) months upon taking Greek citizenship. See, “Mandatory Greek Military Service.”
Basic criteria for Greek citizenship
1. Be married three (3) full years to a Greek from the wedding date AND three (3) years of legal residence in Greece AND child or children with his/her Greek spouse;
or
1. Ten (10) of the last 12 years legal residence in Greece with an absence no longer than 10 continuous months in the last five (5) years before application. It does not matter if the non-EU citizen is married or unmarried if he/she has no children with a Greek spouse. (The most stringent requirements in the EU, tied with Switzerland.)
2. Be over the age of 18.
Children born to non-Greek immigrants in Greece may apply on or after their 18th birthday.
3. Must not have a criminal record or a deportation order issued against them.
Refugees are recognized under the 1951 Geneva Convention on Refugees and must have a total of five (5) years residency in Greece.
Documents, fee and fingerprints required
Assuming the applicant meets the three basic criteria listed above, the following documents must be gathered, a fee paid and fingerprints given.
1. A multi-paged application completed in Greek
– An application can be obtained by going to:
a) the Interior Ministry at 31 Stadiou Street in person or by calling the citizenship office at (210) 324-9683 or alternative numbers of (210) 324-9465 or (210) 324-9314 to request one be sent somewhere within Greece; at the Greek Consulate in your homeland, should you be outside Greece
b) the Mayor’s Office or City Hall of your municipality
* Note: There are no online forms available, and applications do not have instructions
2. A formal statement of naturalization in Greek
– Certified statement (dilosi), signed in the presence of the mayor or the head of the village council or Greek Consulate and two witnesses who are Greek citizens
3. A photocopy of the applicant’s passport or valid travel document.
– A translation is only necessary if the information on this document is not written in Latin characters; get a translation at the Foreign Ministry’s Translation Department in Athens, Greece or from a lawyer.
4. A photocopy of all residence permits held by the applicant
a) For the past three (3) years if married to a Greek citizen with child
or
b) For the past 12 years, if married to a Greek citizen with no children, if single or if there is no connection to a Greek citizen regardless of marital status
5. Applicant’s birth certificate from his/her homeland with apostille attached and one (1) photocopy
– An official long-form birth certificate must be issued from applicant’s birth city, then affixed with apostille
– See “How to get an apostille” if you are unfamiliar with what it is and where to get one
– Birth certificate with apostille attached must be translated to Greek (see Translation Department link in #3)
6. A photocopy of the applicant’s most recent printed income tax return (ekkatharistiko) from the eforia (Greek tax office)
– If you are unemployed, a copy of your spouse’s tax return from the eforia (Greek tax office) is required or a statement of income from outside the country, which has been translated into Greek and certified by police
– If you are single/divorced, you must provide evidence of sufficient funds to support yourself
7. Applicant’s fingerprints taken at his/her local police station, which includes verification with their application.
– See a map book or call information to find the nearest police station to your residence
8. A non-refundable processing fee of 1,470 euros, paid at the eforia (Greek tax office) under applicant’s AFM (tax number)
- *Highest application fee in the world and deemed discriminatory by the EU
9. Certificate issued by IDEKE that applicant has already completed 150 hours of Greek language lessons or passed a proficiency test proving fluency in Greek
– See, “Free Greek language lessons” to get a sense of the requirements and availability of classes in your area
10. Certificate issued by IDEKE that applicant completed 25 hours proving knowledge of ancient Greek history and culture
– See “IDEKE Greek history/culture lessons” to find information on these classes
What happens next?
* The application and accompanying documents should be taken and submitted to the local municipality City Hall/Mayor’s Office (Dimarxeio) or village council.
* The municipality forwards the application to the local prefecture, where officials will forward it to the regional general secretary for approval if everything is in order.
* If approved, a copy of the applicant’s Type ‘A’ criminal record certificate is requested from the justice ministry.
* The application is then forwarded to the interior ministry, where officials request a personal interview that assesses:
– Your fluency in Greek. Since you completed the 150 100 hours of IDEKE government language classes or passed their test to obtain the certificate, it is assumed you are fluent.
– Your knowledge of Greek culture and ancient history. Since you completed the 25 hours of government classes to obtain the official certificate, it is assumed you know it well.
– “High moral standards, strong character and personality” (all subjective)
– Possession of “stable and regular resources,” medical insurance and a home that “meets the required specifications for hygiene” (subjective, no guidelines given)
Note: If the applicant does not show up at this interview, his/her request for citizenship is automatically rejected.
* If the application is approved, it will be published in the Government Gazette.
* The applicant is then required to take an oath within one (1) year of the decision’s publication date. Check with your respective Embassy/Consulate or your homeland’s federal government office regarding dual citizenship or laws that forbid it. Americans in Greece wishing to acquire dual citizenship are requested to go to the Embassy and take an oath that states you do not renounce the USA, which will be recorded on video and kept on file. See, “American and Greek dual citizenship” for details.
How long does the citizenship process take?
The entire Greek citizenship process via naturalization from submitting your application to receiving an answer (approval or denial) could be up to 2-10 years. The Greek Ombudsman can intervene on your behalf at no cost, if you have been waiting an excessive amount of time; it is not necessary to get a lawyer.
Once the citizenship certificate is issued, the new Greek citizen can apply for a Greek passport and Greek national ID (tautotita). See, “How to get a Greek passport” and “How to get a Greek national ID.”
Also be aware that military service applies to all men with Greek citizenship or Greek ancestry between the ages of 19-45, unless an exemption applies. Naturalized Greek citizens typically serve six (6) months of mandatory military duty. See “Mandatory Greek military service” for more information.
What if I’m denied?
If citizenship is denied, the applicant will be given the reason on what grounds the decision was made. He/she can challenge the decision if tangible evidence exists to the contrary, or apply again after one (1) year if the passage of time helps meet the requirements, using the same process outlined above. The application fee is only 733 euros (half).
The one year date is counted from the time they notified you of the decision, not the date you submitted your application.
* Please see other options for EU citizenship and permits at the end of this post in, “Related posts.”
The future of Greek citizenship
Greeks are adverse to immigrants becoming citizens of Greece, a country with not only the most stringent guidelines in the EU, but also the world. Therefore, legislation is likely to stay the same unless the EC takes Greece to the European Court of Justice.
“One-third of Greeks believe immigrants should be naturalized after five years of residence in Greece, according to findings of a nationwide poll conducted by the Technical University of Crete in November 2003. Approximately 16 percent said it should be after 10 years, and 22 percent said immigrants should never be eligible for Greek citizenship.”
In the news
“French citizen waits 10 years for application to be examined” (link broken) — Athens News
“Overhauling Greek Citizenship Law — proposed changes” (link broken) – Athens News
“Vast majority of new Greeks are Orthodox Christian and ethnic Greeks” (link broken) – Athens News
Related posts
“Acquiring EU citizenship through ancestry or naturalization”
“How to get EU citizenship, driver’s licenses, national IDs, visas, residence/work permits”
“How non-EU citizens can get a permit to live and work in Greece”
http://tinyurl.com/GRnaturalization
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jakara wrote @ November 27th, 2008 at 03:42
that is a long process from the greeks. is their country heaven or what? i am married to a greek with a child, and i will take the government to any extent to get what am entitled to
I have a specific question regarding item 3 of the basic criteria for Greek citizenship. It’s stated that you must have no criminal record or deportation order. By the deportation order, is it meant specifically a deportation order from Greece, or any deportation order, regardless of country?
In my case, for example, I was officially deported from ____ 7 years ago. Does this mean that if I ever wanted to apply for Greek Citizenship (have no intention of doing so, I’m asking just for s*its and giggles), I’d be denied? Do you suppose that the Greek government actually would discover a deportation order on its own if you never mentioned it?
Lukas wrote @ April 13th, 2009 at 21:04
Dear Kat,
Thank you very much for such an informative site. I am a greek american living in the US. I recently submitted all of my paperwork with the Greek Embassy in Washington DC, to attain my dual citizenship with Greece. The Embassy was most helpful. My situation was a bit different. My maternal grandfather is greek, but was born in New York City. We could not trace his exact roots to his father in Greece, so I had to submit my application via my maternal grandmother, via naturalization. My mother also applied for her dual citizenship, but since I am 27, I could not tag directly onto her application. The Embassy has assured me that I will get my dual citizenship because it is very clear that I am of Greek descent. They stated that it should take about 1 year for all of the paperwork to go through and about 6 months for my mothers.
Thanks again for such a great site. It really helped me get all of my paperwork together!
Best,
Lukas
i came this country 1992. i like this country, i decide to stay… 1998 i got amnesty from oaed (white/green card systems). from 2002 i change to business with permit for independent economic activity. february 2009 i got my permanent residence permit. and i have submitted already my greek nationality.. im waiting the response from the ministry. i like to ask what countries is possible i can work with my permanent residence permit. beside i have 3 children who born here and go to greek school from child age , i request you please tell me what is the possible for me to work,and stay with my family . i pray for your long happy healthy life
thanks lot
FMS wrote @ June 6th, 2009 at 04:11
Well. According to my reading of European law, anyone with the Greek permanent residence permit can apply to have the EU long-term permit but has to satisfy their stupid requirements about knowing the history and language of Greece.
Most EU countries simply converted their permanent residence permits to the EU long-term permit, but the Greeks had to make life as difficult as possible, of course. Is anyone surprised?
Mari wrote @ July 13th, 2009 at 23:29
Hi,
I’m 21, was born in Central Asia, in 2006 I moved to USA and got my asylee status but it’s not a citizenship, I’m planning to get married and my fiancee lives in Greece and he has a greek citizenship, so I’d like move to Greece before the marriage. Would I be able to do it? Is it possible for me to obtain a Greek citizenship eventually? What would be the process for me to do it? Please advice. And thank you a lot, this is the most helpful website ever.
george wrote @ July 29th, 2009 at 19:12
my mother is nationally greek but citizen of georgia. i have all proved document about this. documents translation from georgian into greek and witness.about citizen i have all documents collect , in my interest is pass this documents and hurry it. i m interesting about your help procedure. . and help to me to get citizen. especially im interesting how long gonna be procedure after i pass this documents. or when i will pass the document did i get the something documents before i get the citizen.? please elucidation this question if you can to help me. course if i pass this documents in georgia its gonna be 3 4 year to waiting. please if something is for help to me.
lukas, i have the same story as you. my great grandparents were born in greece. my mother is 100% greek, but she and my grandparents were born in the u.s.a. i do not have any paper from my maternal grandfather because they were lost in war. however i do have papers from my maternal grandmothers parent’s marriage license, and residence in greece. in order for me to start.. would my mother and grandmother have to apply for dual as well? i do not believe they would want to..
malcolm wrote @ October 23rd, 2009 at 17:45
hi there, i was married to a greek woman for 5 yrs before we divorced, and i have 2 children with her and i have been living in greece for 13 yrs now. my question is, what group are my to apply for greek citizenship? i have a residence permit that is renewed every 5yrs, please kindly tell in group i belong cos you know that the greek government doesnt tell you what your right is, you have to look for it by yourself, so your help and advise will be highly regarded, thanks.
layla wrote @ November 6th, 2009 at 20:53
hi, i got married a greek man and we have a child. i have applied greek citizenship.how long will take to get greek citizenship? and i cannot speak greek fluently.this is the matter to get greek citizenship?thanks
reza wrote @ December 23rd, 2009 at 19:50
I m living in Greece almost 9 years.I ve got the resident permit of 5 years which can be renewed.Ive got a travel document as well.I want to know if people like me can apply for greek citizenship or not? also is there any hope for those having Rose card of 6 months permit,to be recognized as political refugees? Sas euxaristo para poli gia tis xrisimes plirofories.Na exete kales giortes.
mary wrote @ March 19th, 2010 at 23:44
i’m a Greek citizen married to an American (non-Greek) man and we have been living in Greece since 2003. My husband has a residency permit, now valid for 10 years. We had a baby, born in Greece, 3 years ago. How easy is it for my husband to gain Greek citizenship and once he does, is he entitled to a Greek/EU passport?
What is the best official/government website for all the steps necessary for this whole process?
Lukas wrote @ May 3rd, 2010 at 07:44
Hi Kat,
I wanted to give you an update on my status. It’s been about a year since I applied for my citizenship with Greece via my grandmother. I have been in contact with the Embassy in Washington, DC who continue to be most helpful. My mother’s paperwork is moving through (as expected) but mine has not gone too far as yet. They indicated that since I am a male and going through my grandmother, it will take more time than usual. You warned me (via your site) that it may take a couple years. I am not in any rush, so it really does not bother me!
Again, you’ve got a wonderful website, I frequent it ever few months to see what is going on and to see if the conscription will be changing soon!
Best,
Lukas
Meral wrote @ May 22nd, 2010 at 17:14
Hi Kat,
Thank you for a very informative site! I am at the very beginning of my citizenship process, and this is the best information I’ve found so far. I’ll go to the Greek consulate in Istanbul soon to get more information, but wanted to get your opinion on my case, if you feel like it: my great-grandfather was an ethnic Greek who lived his whole life in Bulgaria. His daughter immigrated to Turkey and married a Turk, and my father was born in Turkey. My father will be applying for citizenship (and I, his daughter, with him, although I am over 18, so I am not sure if this entails anything different).
I’m guessing we both need to do this via naturalization since my great-grandfather never lived in Greece, right? My father, of course, stands a better chance of getting everything processed because it’s his grandfather… My case will likely linger, but… who knows!
Anyway, if you have any opinions, words of advice, etc, I’d be happy to hear them. Otherwise, please know your site is a gem!
Best,
Meral
Lukas wrote @ June 3rd, 2010 at 06:54
Hi Kat,
I hope you’re well and hopefully things are settling down in Greece.
I wanted your opinion, as you may recall, i posted on your site howI submitted all of my paperwork to get my Dual Citizenship over a year ago (via my grandmother). I’ve been trying to contact my correspondent at the Greek Embassy in DC for some time now with no avail.
I know that I could just call down to the Embassy and speak with someone else, but I am not sure if there are more internal things going on in Greece and I should just leave it be for a few more months.
What are your thoughts? I know Greece is Greece and things take forever…. so I can wait, I am just a typical, impatient Greek American =)
Thanks!
Lukas
Lukas wrote @ June 4th, 2010 at 00:04
Hi Kat-
I wrote you yesterday about the status of my Dual Citizenship. Ironically, I finally got a response from the Greek Embassy. They indicated to me that there are significant delays in Greece for citizenship (male only). She also indicated that there are 5 open cases from 2008.
Anyway, this goes to show that all of your information you’ve listed about Dual Citizenship is accurate including the delays!
Just wanted to give you an update.
Best,
Lukas
louise wrote @ June 25th, 2010 at 15:47
Thanks a lot for the information, your site really makes me feel that I’m not alone. It’s a shame I didn’t get this sort of information back in 1991.
Married to a Greek in 1987 and still married to this day, I’ve been living in Greece since 1991 after moving here from Australia on an English passport due to my father being English. My 2 sons were also born in Australia but as their father is Greek they automatically became Greek citizens. Me, however, I’m still struggling.
When I first came here I was told that because I wasn’t working I didn’t need a green card or a residence permit because I was married to a Greek, only to discover that was wrong. When I wanted to buy a car in my name it was then I discovered all the previous years I was given incorrect information. In 2006 the following year I discovered that my rights as a foreigner were not many. Even when it came to signing my son’s application for an ID card at the local police station, I was politely told that I couldn’t as I was not Greek; being his mother had no effect on the matter. Generally I felt alienated not by the people but by the system.
So I thought that since we have chosen to live in this country I should become naturalized. I submitted my first application in 2007, only to be told that I didn’t have the 3-year continuous residency period required for Greece. Legally I suppose they were right as my adeia paramonis started in 2006, even though I came with my husband and children here in 1991. I waited another year to reapply only to be told now there is a problem as far as my name is concerned. It is a total nightmare.
I still haven’t given up. I am going to get what I think is my right after so many years living here and having sent my 2 sons into the army to serve Greece. I feel that it is unjustifiable that my application to become Greek has been denied due to errors made by the local departments themselves.
However after reading your site and hearing other similar stories, I realize my story isn’t something new.
Kind Regards
Louise
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Kat Reply:
March 14th, 2009 at 22:32
I don’t know the extent of Russian record keeping, but I assume deportation is attached to your passport number and it will be traced to you somehow. Whether you disclose it or not, Greece will ask U.S. authorities to run a background and criminal check on you, and your passport traces your travel history, visa violations and deportations.
So if you hide the deportation on the application or lie, you’d automatically be disqualified and denied Greek citizenship. And they get to keep your 1500 euros.