🇬🇷 Greece · Citizenship
Naturalization rules: required residence years, language and civics requirements, and each country's dual-citizenship policy.
Quick answer
Greece grants citizenship by naturalization after 7 years of legal residence, requiring Greek-language ability and knowledge of Greek history, geography, institutions and culture (the Panhellenic naturalization exam). Greece permits dual nationality.
Greek citizenship by naturalisation is generally available after seven years of legal residence (fewer in some cases), with language and integration requirements. Citizenship by descent applies to those with Greek parents.
- Naturalisation typically requires seven years of legal residence plus integration and language tests.
- Citizenship by descent applies to children of Greek nationals.
- As an EU member, Greek citizenship confers EU citizenship.
Step-by-step
- 1
Confirm your route and residence
Hold 7 years of legal residence on a valid residence permit (some categories differ).
- 2
Meet language and knowledge tests
Pass the Panhellenic naturalization exam covering Greek language, history, geography, institutions and culture.
- 3
Meet good-character and other conditions
Show integration into Greek economic and social life and have a clean record.
- 4
Apply to the nationality authority
Apply to the Decentralized Administration / Ministry of the Interior with a naturalization declaration and documents.
- 5
Attend interview / test and ceremony
Attend the naturalization committee interview; on approval, take the oath before the authorities.
- 6
Receive citizenship and a passport
You become a Greek (and EU) citizen; Greece allows dual nationality. Apply for a Greek passport.
Checklist
- Eligible route + qualifying residence period
- Continuous / legal residence conditions met
- Language + civic knowledge test passed
- Good character / clean record
- Application + documents + fee
- Interview / ceremony completed
- Dual-nationality / renunciation rule handled
- Citizenship confirmed; passport applied
Official authorities
- Ministry of Migration and Asylum
Ministry of Migration and Asylum — citizenship and naturalisation information.
Frequently asked questions
How long must I live in Greece?
Generally 7 years of legal residence before you can apply for naturalization.
Is there a naturalization exam?
Yes — the Panhellenic exam on Greek language, history, geography, institutions and culture.
Does Greece allow dual nationality?
Yes — Greece permits dual nationality, so you can keep your original citizenship.
Official-information aggregation, not legal advice. Always verify on the authority's own site.