Many individuals want to become Greek citizens so they may link with their family history, enjoy the freedoms of the European Union, or live the Mediterranean lifestyle. Citizenship gives you all the rights of an EU citizen, such as the freedom to live, work, and study anywhere in the EU. Greece has a number of options to get citizenship, and each one has its own rules and procedures. If you’re thinking about making Greece your permanent home, it’s important to know about these alternatives.
Citizenship by descent
Descent is the most frequent and easiest way to become a Greek citizen. The “right of blood” idea, or jus sanguinis, is what Greece follows. This implies that if you were born to at least one Greek parent, you are automatically a citizen, no matter where you were born.
You can still be able to get it even if your Greek heritage stretches back to a grandfather. But candidates must be able to provide proof of their heritage using official documents such birth certificates, marriage records, or family registers. A lot of Greeks who live in the US, Canada, and Australia use this approach to get their citizenship back while still being able to live in their native countries.
Citizenship by birth in Greece
Descent is still the most common way to become a citizen, however being born in Greece may also lead to citizenship in certain cases. If their parents have been living in Greece lawfully for a number of years, children born there to foreign parents may be eligible. This demonstrates how Greece is attempting to support families of immigrants who have been in the nation for a long time. This option permits second-generation immigrants fully participate in Greek society and enjoy the same rights as citizens by descent.
Becoming a citizen via naturalisation
Naturalisation is a legal process for people who are not Greek to become citizens. Most of the time, applicants must have resided in Greece for at least seven years in a row to be able to apply. During this time, people must prove that they are part of society by learning Greek, getting to know the country’s culture, and taking part in community life.
You have to fill out an application, attend to an interview, and then pass exams in Greek history, politics, and language to acquire the position. Naturalisation may seem challenging, but it’s a fantastic choice for those who have lived in Greece for a long time and wish to stay there for good. People who are naturalised citizens have the same rights as people who were born citizens or gained their citizenship via familial connections.
Citizenship by marriage
If you marry a Greek citizen, you could also gain Greek citizenship, however this isn’t always the case. Before a foreign spouse may apply, they must reside in Greece for a certain length of time. Usually, you have to be married for three years and live in Greece for two years. People who want to be married must also establish that the marriage is sincere and not merely a ruse to gain citizenship. This method understands how important familial connections are while also making sure that candidates are dedicated to becoming part of Greek culture.
Military service as a path to citizenship
There is another, less popular option for those of Greek heritage who could be residing overseas. Men of Greek descent who choose to join the Greek military may be able to speed up the process of becoming citizens. This path is typically only open to younger candidates who are prepared to do Greece’s required military duty as part of their road to become a citizen.
Getting citizenship by investment and residency
Greece’s Golden Visa scheme has made the country famous. It lets people live there if they invest in real estate or other qualified areas. The initiative doesn’t directly give people citizenship, but it does make it easier to get. Investors may ultimately apply for naturalisation if they stay in Greece via the program and live there for the requisite number of years. People who want both lifestyle perks and long-term potential in Greece’s economy like this choice.
Benefits and responsibilities of citizenship
There are several benefits to becoming a Greek citizen. Citizens may live and work in 27 EU member states since they have access to the EU’s freedoms. They may also use Greece’s healthcare, schools, and voting privileges. At the same time, those who want to apply should know about their duties, such paying taxes and, for males, possible military service. Most of the time, dual nationality is allowed, which means that new citizens may keep their previous citizenship while still enjoying the privileges of Greek citizenship. Before moving further, however, it’s vital to check whether the other country accepts dual nationality.
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Traveling to Greece: Visa requirements
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