Used by 2,678+ happy customers
Star FilledStar FilledStar FilledStar FilledStar Filled
5-star reviews
Blog
/
Greece C
Expert verified
5 min read

How to Get Greek Citizenship and Secure Your EU Passport

Published date:
September 18, 2025
Dean Fankhauser
Written by:
Dean Fankhauser
Reviewed by:
Radica Maneva
Our Editorial Standards:

We use the highest editorial standards at Movingto by ensuring every article is written by a qualified lawyer or immigration expert and fact-checked by a Portugal licensed lawyer. Learn more about our Editorial Process.

Greek citizenship is coveted; it grants you the right to live and work anywhere in the EU and connects you to one of Europe's oldest nations. But the process isn’t always straightforward.

Some people are Greek by birth without realising it; others face years of residence and a demanding exam before they can naturalise. And one persistent myth needs clearing up right away: there is no citizenship-by-investment in Greece.

The Greece Golden Visa is a residence permit only; citizenship comes later, if you meet the naturalisation criteria.

Greek Citizenship at a Glance

Route Who Qualifies Residence Needed PEGP Exam? Where to File Typical Timeline Source
By Descent (jus sanguinis) Child of a Greek father or mother (registered in a Greek municipal roll). Includes pre-1982/84 edge cases and adoptions. None No Local municipality or Greek consulate Weeks–months (depending on records) Law 3284/2004 (Art.1, 3); MITOS procedures
By Birth & Schooling (Law 4332/2015) Children born in Greece who complete Greek primary schooling; parents must hold 5 years’ legal residence before birth. N/A (child applies via parents) No Decentralized Administration 6–12 months Law 4332/2015; MITOS declaration page
Naturalisation (residence route) Non-Greek foreigners with continuous lawful stay (7 years; 3 for EU citizens/spouses with Greek minor child; 12 for some permits). 7 / 3 / 12 years Yes (unless exempt) Citizenship Directorate (Decentralized Admin) 12–18+ months MITOS naturalisation; PEGP gov.gr
Homogeneis (people of Greek origin) Ethnic Greeks abroad or in Greece; includes ΕΔΤΟ card holders. None Sometimes waived Consulate (abroad) or Citizenship Directorate (Greece) 12–18 months MITOS expatriate naturalisation; MFA consular pages
Marriage to a Greek citizen Spouse of a Greek; only counts if couple has a minor child. 3 years Yes Citizenship Directorate 12–18+ months Law 3284/2004; MITOS guidance
Military Service (ethnic Greeks) Homogeneis who enter Greek military academies or volunteer in wartime. N/A No Ministry of Defence / Interior Immediate on service Nationality Code Art.4

Even with the routes mapped out, the rules don’t stand still. Greece has introduced key updates recently, especially around naturalisation exams, income requirements, and procedural timelines, that anyone considering citizenship should be aware of.

Below are the most important changes, with direct links to official sources.

Major Recent Changes & Cautions

  • Caution — Residency ≠ Citizenship The Golden Visa keeps your residency active without a stay requirement, but citizenship is a separate track that typically requires about 7 years of continuous lawful presence plus the PEGP exam and integration steps. (source ↗)
  • New PEGP Exam Rules Since 2021, the oral interview was abolished. All candidates must now pass the standardized PEGP exam (B1-level Greek + history/civics) held twice a year. (official exam portal ↗)
  • Updated Nationality Code Law 4735/2020 and later amendments streamlined naturalisation criteria, introduced income proof thresholds, and clarified reduced-residency categories. Always verify requirements against the latest codified text. (codified law ↗)

Need Help With Your Greek Citizenship Application?

At Movingto, we guide international residents and families through every route — from descent to naturalisation — so you can secure your Greek passport with confidence.

✅ Get Expert Help With My Citizenship

Independent advice • Local expertise • Free consultation available

Who qualifies for Greek citizenship?

1. By Descent (jus sanguinis)

Greek nationality primarily follows jus sanguinis (“right of blood”): if at least one parent was a Greek citizen at the time of your birth, you are Greek by law.

To use that right (ID/passport), you’ll formalise it by ensuring your (or your parent’s) registration in a Greek municipal register (δημοτολόγιο) and, where needed, transcribing a foreign birth into the Greek civil registry (ληξιαρχείο).

Who qualifies

  • Automatic at birth: A child born to a Greek father or a Greek mother, provided that the parent held Greek nationality at the time of the child's birth.
  • Adoption: A minor adopted by a Greek citizen acquires Greek nationality from the date of adoption.
  • Recognition of paternity: If a Greek father formally recognises a child before age 18, the child is Greek from the date of recognition.

Edge cases

  • Pre-1982/1984 declarations:
    • If you were born before 16 July 1982 to a Greek father and a foreign mother, you may need to follow a declaration route.
    • If you were born before 8 May 1984 to a Greek mother, you might need to follow a declaration route.
  • Unregistered Greek parent: If the Greek parent was never entered in a municipal roll, their registration (including birth and marriage entries) is typically established first, followed by the registration of the descendant.

Checklist: Proving Descent

Greek parent’s municipal registration Πιστοποιητικό οικογενειακής κατάστασης / δημοτολόγιο extract showing the parent is registered as a Greek citizen.
Greek parent’s ID or passport Proof that the parent held Greek nationality at the time of the applicant’s birth.
Applicant’s full-form birth certificate Long-form showing parents’ details, with Apostille/legalisation and official Greek translation.
Parents’ marriage / recognition / adoption documents Marriage certificate (if married) or notarised recognition of paternity; adoption decree if applicable (apostilled & translated).
Foreign birth transcription (ληξιαρχείο) If born outside Greece, arrange transcription of the foreign birth into the Greek civil registry before/with municipal registration.
Application for municipal registration Standard application (via municipality or consulate) to enter the family register (δημοτολόγιο) using the Greek parent’s provenance.
Civil status / name change evidence Any divorce, adoption updates, or legal name changes relevant to the family record (apostilled & translated as needed).
Fees & authorisation (if using a representative) Any municipal fee/revenue stamp required and a notarised power of attorney if an agent files on your behalf.

Once these documents are ordered and registered, your Greek citizenship of descent is formally recognised.

2. Naturalisation after lawful residence

For foreigners without Greek ancestry, citizenship is most often obtained through naturalisation. This requires several years of continuous legal residence in Greece, proof of integration, and successful completion of the PEGP exam.

While the law sets minimum timelines, in practice the process can take longer depending on the completeness of your application and administrative backlogs.

To qualify, most applicants must show 7 years of lawful residence in Greece. This period is reduced to 3 years for certain categories, such as EEA/Ecitizens, spouses of Greek nationals with a minor child in common, and parents of a minor Greek child.

Applicants must also demonstrate sufficient income, pay taxes, maintain social security contributions, and have no serious criminal record.

The final step is taking the oath of allegiance once the decision is published in the Government Gazette.

Checklist: Proving Naturalisation

Residence permits Proof of continuous legal stay in Greece for the required years (7 years, or 3 years in special cases).
Criminal record certificates Issued by both Greek authorities and the applicant’s country of origin, showing no disqualifying offences.
PEGP exam certificate Proof of passing the naturalisation exam (language at B1 level plus history, culture, and civics).
Tax returns and EFKA statements Evidence of income, tax compliance, and active social security contributions in Greece.
Birth, marriage, or child certificates Required if applying through the reduced 3-year category or to confirm family status.
Application form and fee The official ΥΠΕΣ form with payment of the naturalisation fee (currently €100).

Once approved and sworn in within the one-year window, the applicant becomes a Greek citizen and can apply for ID and passport.

3. Born in Greece under limited jus soli

Greece applies a limited form of jus soli (you can obtain Greek citizenship by birth on national soil). Under Law 4332/2015, children born in Greece to foreign parents can obtain citizenship citizenship if their family meets certain conditions.

This path mainly benefits second-generation immigrants who have grown up and studied in Greece.

To qualify, at least one parent must have been a legal resident for five consecutive years before the child’s birth. If that condition wasn’t met, the requirement increases to ten years of legal residence.

In addition, the child must be enrolled in and complete primary school in Greece, starting at grade 1. Parents then file a joint declaration at the Decentralised Administration (Αποκεντρωμένη Διοίκηση).

Once approved, the decision is published, and the child is registered in the municipal records as a Greek citizen. A revenue stamp of €100 is usually attached to the declaration.

Checklist: Proving Jus Soli Citizenship

Parents’ valid residence permits At least one parent must show 5 years’ continuous legal residence before the child’s birth (or 10 years if not met).
Child’s full-form birth certificate Issued by the Greek ληξιαρχείο (civil registry), confirming place of birth in Greece.
School attendance certificate Proof the child has completed or is enrolled from grade 1 in a Greek primary school program.
Parents’ joint declaration form Formal application submitted to the Decentralized Administration requesting the child’s citizenship.
Revenue stamp (€100) Payment proof attached to the declaration as required by Law 4332/2015.

Once the declaration is approved and registered, the child officially becomes a Greek citizen and can later apply for an ID and passport.

4. People of Greek origin in Greece or abroad

Greek citizenship law recognises a special path for individuals of proven Greek descent (ομογενείς), even if they were born and raised abroad. This route is designed for members of the diaspora who can demonstrate ancestry and national consciousness, as well as for ethnic Greeks who have settled in Greece with a Special Identity Card (ΕΔΤΟ).

Those applying from abroad typically file their applications at a Greek consulate, while those already in Greece submit to the Regional Citizenship Directorate.

Timelines are usually shorter than standard naturalisation, often between 12 and 18 months, but applicants must provide clear documentation of Greek heritage, properly apostilled and translated.

Checklist: Proving Greek Origin

Evidence of Greek ancestry Birth, marriage, or baptism certificates of Greek ancestors proving lineage.
Applicant’s birth certificate Full-form certificate, apostilled and translated into Greek.
Consular or municipal registration records Certificates confirming that the applicant or their family are recorded in a Greek registry abroad or in Greece.
Special Identity Card (ΕΔΤΟ) For ethnic Greeks from the former Soviet states who hold this card and reside in Greece.
Application form and fee Submission of the official form to the consulate or Directorate, with payment (commonly €100–€130 depending on category).

With clear proof of ancestry and proper filing, people of Greek origin can secure citizenship more quickly than through standard naturalisation.

5. Marriage to a Greek citizen

Many people assume that marrying a Greek citizen automatically grants nationality. In reality, marriage alone does not confer Greek citizenship.

The law only provides a shortened residence requirement in limited circumstances:

If the couple has a minor child in common, the foreign spouse may apply for naturalisation after 3 years of lawful residence in Greece, instead of the standard 7.

Otherwise, the foreign spouse follows the normal naturalisation process, including proof of income, integration, and passing the PEGP exam.

This distinction is important to avoid disappointment or misinformation that often spreads online.

Checklist: Proving Eligibility Through Marriage

Marriage certificate Proof of legal marriage to a Greek citizen, officially registered and translated if issued abroad.
Child’s birth certificate Required to qualify for the reduced 3-year residence track when the couple has a minor child together.
Residence permits Evidence of at least 3 years of continuous legal residence in Greece before applying.
PEGP exam certificate Proof of passing the naturalisation exam, unless exempt through Greek schooling.

Without children in common, marriage offers no shortcut; a foreign spouse must naturalise under the standard rules.

6. Military service (for people of Greek origin)

Greek nationality law also provides a special route through military service, but it applies only to people of proven Greek descent (ομογενείς).

According to Article 4 of the Nationality Code (Law 3284/2004), ethnic Greeks who are accepted into a Greek military academy or who serve as wartime volunteers automatically acquire Greek citizenship.

This provision highlights the strong connection between national service and belonging to the Greek nation; however, in practice, it is a less common pathway to citizenship compared to descent or naturalisation.

Checklist: Proving Eligibility Through Military Service

Proof of Greek origin Documents such as ancestry certificates or municipal registry extracts confirming descent.
Military academy admission or service record Official proof of entry into a Greek military academy or documentation of service as a wartime volunteer.
Official confirmation of citizenship grant Ministerial or Gazette publication confirming automatic acquisition of Greek nationality.

While automatic, this path is reserved for ethnic Greeks in the armed forces and is one of the least common routes to citizenship.

Benefits of Greek Citizenship

Gaining Greek citizenship is more than a legal status; it’s access to a European future.

As a citizen, you enjoy the rights of belonging to both Greece and the EU, opening opportunities for travel, family security, education, and cultural integration.

Below are the key benefits explained clearly:

EU freedom of movement

As a Greek (and EU) citizen, you can live, work, or study in any of the 27 EU countries without visas or permits.

Visa-free travel

The Greek passport provides visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to over 180 countries, easing global travel for work and leisure.

Healthcare access

Citizens receive full access to Greece’s national healthcare system (EFKA) and reciprocal EU healthcare when abroad.

Education advantages

Citizens enjoy free or low-cost access to Greek schools and universities, plus EU tuition benefits across Europe.

Inheritance & property rights

Greek citizens face fewer restrictions on property ownership and smoother inheritance rights under Greek law.

Political participation

As a citizen, you can vote, run for office, and participate in both Greek national elections and EU parliamentary elections.

Consular protection

Greek citizens abroad receive assistance from Greek embassies and consulates, and from other EU consulates where Greece is not present.

Cultural belonging

Citizenship formally connects you to Greece’s history, culture, and identity — recognition of belonging to the Greek nation.

Family rights

Your children automatically inherit Greek citizenship, ensuring generational continuity and security for your family.

With these benefits combined, Greek citizenship is more than a passport; it’s a legal, cultural, and practical foundation for building your life in Greece and across the EU.

Does Greece Offer Citizenship by investment?

Despite frequent claims online, Greece does not offer citizenship by investment. The well-known Greece Golden Visa program grants only a residence permit to property investors and their families.

To become a Greek citizen, Golden Visa holders must still satisfy the standard naturalisation rules, typically seven years of lawful residence, proof of income and integration, and passing the PEGP exam.

In summary, investment leads to residency, not nationality, and Greek citizenship can only be obtained through established legal channels.

Greece Citizenship Application Guide

So far, we’ve seen who qualifies for Greek citizenship. Now let’s turn to the “how”—the actual process you’ll follow once you know which route applies.

Each pathway has its sequence of filings, documents, and timelines. To make things practical, we’ve condensed all playbooks into a single comparison table below.

This way, you can scan the eligibility, steps, main paperwork, and expected timeline for every legal route side by side. The detailed narratives above give you the legal background; this table gives you the hands-on roadmap.

Route Eligibility Key Steps Main Documents Timeline
Descent At least one Greek parent at birth Prove parent’s Greek status → Register in municipal roll → Apply for ID/passport Parent’s municipal registration, parent’s ID, applicant’s birth cert (apostilled/translated) Usually a few months once docs are complete
Birth & Schooling (Law 4332/2015) Born in Greece + parent’s legal stay + child’s Greek school attendance Parents’ joint declaration → Submit school certificate → Decentralized Admin decision → Municipal registration Parents’ residence permits, child’s birth cert, school attendance certificate, declaration form ~6–12 months
Naturalisation 7 years legal residence (3 years for some categories) Pass PEGP exam → Submit application with fee → Review → Gazette decision → Oath within 1 year Residence permits, PEGP certificate, criminal record, tax & EFKA records, income proof 12–24 months+ (backlogs possible)
Greek Origin (ομογενείς) Proven Greek ancestry (diaspora or ΕΔΤΟ holders) Apply at consulate or Citizenship Directorate → Provide ancestry proof → Review → Municipal registration Ancestor’s Greek documents, applicant’s birth cert, consular/municipal records, ΕΔΤΟ card if applicable ~12–18 months
Marriage Foreign spouse of Greek + minor child in common Follow naturalisation steps but with reduced 3-year residence requirement Marriage cert, child’s birth cert, residence permits, PEGP certificate 12–24 months+
Military Service (for ομογενείς) Ethnic Greeks admitted to military academies or serving as wartime volunteers Provide ancestry proof → Service record → Automatic citizenship grant Proof of Greek origin, military admission/record Immediate upon service confirmation

Use this table as your quick action guide: identify your route, gather the listed documents, and follow the outlined steps.

Remember that timelines are conservative estimates from official sources (MITOS directory, gov.gr, Greek Ministry of Interior), and actual processing may take longer depending on backlogs.

PEGP Exam: What to expect & how to pass

Since 2021, Greece requires most applicants for naturalisation to pass the Πανελλήνιες Εξετάσεις Γνώσεων Πολιτογράφησης (ΠΕΓΠ), the Hellenic Naturalisation Knowledge Exams. This replaced the old interview system and is now a standard way to prove integration.

The PEGP measures your knowledge of Greek language, history, culture, geography, and civic life. Passing is mandatory, unless you already hold a Greek high school diploma or a recognised degree from a Greek university.

How it works

  • Frequency: Exams are held twice per year (spring & autumn).
  • Format: Multiple-choice written test, plus an oral language component.
  • Level required: Roughly B1 (intermediate) on the CEFR scale for language skills.
  • Passing score: 70% overall. Both written and oral parts must be passed.
  • Fee: €150 per sitting (paid through gov.gr).
  • Registration: Online via the official portal exetaseis-ithageneia.ypes.gr.

What to study

The Ministry of Interior publishes the official PEGP syllabus and question bank, covering:

  • Greek history (ancient, modern, and political institutions)
  • Geography and key cultural landmarks
  • Greek language comprehension and grammar
  • Everyday civic life (public services, rights, obligations)

Preparing for the PEGP exam

Step 1

Confirm you need the exam (required unless you hold a Greek high school diploma or university degree).

Step 2

Register online at exetaseis-ithageneia.ypes.gr before the published deadline.

Step 3

Pay the €150 exam fee securely through gov.gr to confirm your seat.

Step 4

Download the official syllabus and question bank (PDFs provided on the portal) and begin study.

Step 5

Practice with past questions and focus on language skills at B1 level (history, geography, civic life included).

Step 6

On exam day, bring valid ID (passport or residence permit) and attend both written and oral components.

🔥Remember: Failing the PEGP isn’t the end; you can reapply for the next session. But without a pass certificate, your naturalisation file won’t even be examined.

Fees & Forms

Every route to Greek citizenship comes with its own official fee and form. Here’s a quick reference table so you can see what applies to your case and where to file or pay.

Procedure Fee (€) Form / Code Where to Pay / File
Standard Naturalisation (non-homogeneis, residence route) N/A Application form (Αίτηση Πολιτογράφησης) Decentralised Administration / Regional Citizenship Directorate
Naturalisation of Expatriates with Special Identity Card (ΕΔΤΟ) 100 Application form for ομογενείς Regional Citizenship Directorate
Naturalisation of Expatriates Residing Abroad 130 Consular application form Greek Consulate abroad
Citizenship by Birth & Schooling (Law 4332/2015 declaration) 100 Joint declaration form (γονείς) Municipality / Decentralised Administration
Acquisition of Nationality by Declaratory Decision (e.g. pre-1982 paternal line cases) 240–340 Declaratory decision request form Municipality / Decentralised Administration
PEGP Exam Registration 150 Online application via exam portal gov.gr / exetaseis-ithageneia.ypes.gr

Use this table as your one-stop checklist before applying. All fees are taken directly from the MITOS registry of administrative services and the gov.gr portal.

Timelines (from application to passport)

Applying for Greek citizenship is not instant. The journey moves through several key stages, each with its own timeframe.

Below, you’ll find the main steps explained clearly, with both official targets and observed ranges (2023–2025) so you know what to expect.

1. Application submission

Your case begins with filing the correct application and supporting documents.

  • Official: Applicant-dependent.
  • Observed: 2–12 weeks to gather apostilles, translations, and correct record mismatches.

2. PEGP exam (if required)

Naturalisation applicants must pass the PEGP exam, which is held twice a year.

  • Official: Two exam sessions annually.
  • Observed: 4–16 weeks from registration to receiving results.

3. Administrative review

Authorities examine your file, background, and integration requirements. This is usually the longest stage.

  • Official: Varies by route.
  • Observed: 6–18+ months, depending on regional backlogs and completeness of the file.

4. Decision & Government Gazette publication

If approved, your Greek citizenship grant is published in the Government Gazette.

  • Official: Decision published once issued.
  • Observed: 2–8 weeks from decision to Gazette entry.

5. Oath of allegiance

You must swear the oath within 12 months of publication. Missing the window cancels the grant.

  • Official: ≤12 months.
  • Observed: 2–8 weeks to schedule, depending on municipal ceremony availability.

6. ID & passport issuance

After the oath and registration, you can apply for a Greek ID card and passport at your local police station.

  • Official: Immediately after oath.
  • Observed: 1–6 weeks, depending on appointment availability.
  • Track your application status Check real-time updates for Greek residence/citizenship files using your surname and passport number. (official tracker ↗).

Risks & Pitfalls (and how to avoid them)

Most delays and rejections happen for avoidable reasons. Here are the 10 most common pitfalls, with practical tips to prevent them.

  • 🔴 Criminal record issues: unresolved cases can block a person's "good character." Provide extracts from Greece and the home country.
  • 🟤 Gaps in lawful stay: breaks reset qualifying years. Keep your permits continuous and renew them on time.
  • ⚖️ Tax / EFKA debt: unpaid taxes or contributions signal poor integration. Clear debts or arrange plans.
  • 📉 Weak income evidence: missing payslips or EFKA records won’t pass. Provide contracts and returns.
  • 📘 PEGP not booked / failed: no valid exam certificate = no file review. Register early, study, and retake if needed.
  • 📄 Missing PEGP exemption proof: Greek school diplomas must be original and match your ID spelling.
  • ✍️ Name mismatches: inconsistent transliteration across documents delays registry. Confirm with the consulate first.
  • 📝 Apostille/translation errors: uncertified translations or missing apostilles void documents. Always certify properly.
  • Oath not taken in 12 months: grants lapse if the oath window closes. Attend the ceremony promptly.
  • 📍 Wrong venue / incomplete file: filing at the wrong office or missing forms delays processing. Cross-check MITOS/gov.gr.

✅ Always double-check requirements and fees on gov.gr or the official MITOS registry before submitting your application. Rules change; staying updated prevents costly delays.

Frequently Asked Questions

Greek citizenship by descent is based on Greek law (jus sanguinis). If you can prove that at least one parent (or in some cases, a grandparent) is Greek, you may claim citizenship even if you were born abroad. To hold Greek citizenship officially, your birth must be transcribed in a municipal registry via a local Greek consulate or directly in Greece. Supporting documentation often includes birth and marriage certificates, which must be legalised and translated.
Yes. Greece permits dual and even multiple citizenships. This means you can hold Greek citizenship while also keeping another nationality, such as British citizenship or U.S. citizenship. As a dual citizen, you gain all the benefits of a Greek passport — visa free travel across Europe and the wider world, plus EU rights — while retaining the privileges of your other nationality.
Holding both Greek and British citizenship offers a unique set of advantages. With British citizenship, you retain rights in the UK; with Greek nationality, you are also an EU citizen, which restores your right to live, work, and study freely in every EU country. Many applicants with Greek lineage in the UK pursue this path through local Greek consulates, with guidance from both Greek authorities and UK foreign affairs services.
Yes. Applicants for naturalisation must demonstrate language proficiency in Greek, usually through the PEGP exam, which tests knowledge of the Greek language, culture, history, and society. The required level is approximately B1 on the CEFR scale. Exemptions exist if you graduated from a Greek school or university, but in most cases, proving you can speak Greek and engage with Greek culture is essential to integration.
Yes. If you live abroad, your first step is often through a Greek embassy or a local Greek consulate. These Greek consular authorities guide you through the process, verify supporting documentation, and forward your file to the Ministry of Interior in Athens. This is especially important for those born abroad claiming citizenship through descent, where proof of Greek lineage must be authenticated.
No. The Greek Golden Visa program is a residency permit, not an investment program for nationality. Unlike the Portugal Golden Visa, which is sometimes misrepresented in the media, the Greek scheme does not lead to direct citizenship. Long-term residents who maintain their permit may later enter the citizenship process, but they must still complete seven years of residence, pass the PEGP exam, and satisfy Greek law requirements.
A Greek passport is one of the strongest in the world, giving visa free travel or visa-on-arrival access to over 180 countries. It is also an EU passport, granting you European citizenship rights: the ability to live, work, and study anywhere across the entire continent. Beyond mobility, holding Greek citizenship secures access to national healthcare, education, and political participation.
The required documents vary by route but usually include birth certificates, marriage certificates, clean criminal records, proof of lawful residence, and sometimes bank account records for proof of financial stability. All supporting documentation must be apostilled or legalised and translated into Greek. Local consulates and embassies can confirm the exact requirements for your situation.
Yes. Many applicants born abroad qualify through their Greek parent or ancestor. The process usually begins with the local Greek consulate, which helps with transcription into the municipal register. While the right exists by birth, it only becomes official once the registration is complete and a citizenship certificate is issued.
The citizenship certificate is the final proof that you are recognised as a Greek national under Greek law. Once issued, it allows you to apply for a Greek passport and ID card. Without this certificate, you cannot access the full rights of citizenship, even if you qualify by descent.
Like other EU countries, Greece reviews each file for national security reasons. Criminal convictions, unresolved cases, or risks to Greek society can block approval. This review is carried out in cooperation with the Ministry of Interior and other foreign affairs departments to protect both Greece and the wider EU community.
Yes. Many law firms and service providers in Greece offer free consultation sessions to review your case. They can check your supporting documentation, confirm eligibility, and advise whether you can claim citizenship through descent, naturalisation, or another route. Always ensure your advisor cites Greek law and uses official sources.

Conclusion: Your Path to Greek Citizenship

Applying for Greek citizenship can feel like a maze, from proving descent or registering with a consulate to passing the PEGP exam and making sure every document is properly legalised.

The reward, however, is significant: a Greek passport that brings EU citizenship, visa-free travel worldwide, and the right to live and work anywhere in Europe.

At Movingto, we specialise in guiding people through this process with clarity and confidence. Whether you’re applying by descent, naturalisation, or abroad through a Greek consulate, we help you gather the right documents, avoid common pitfalls, and stay on top of every legal requirement.

With teams familiar with Greek law and procedures, we make sure your application is not just submitted but done right.

Movingto Logo

Ready to Secure Your Greek Citizenship?

At Movingto, we guide you through every step — from verifying eligibility to preparing documents — so you can claim your Greek passport with confidence.

Book a Free Consultation

How we reviewed this article

All Movingto articles go through a rigorous review process before publication. Learn more about the Movingto Editorial Process.

🌏
💻
✈️
Join 1,000+ Digital Nomads
Your Global Community Awaits
Connect with remote professionals worldwide, share experiences, and get real insights about the location-independent lifestyle.
📍
Visa Updates
💰
Cost Insights
🏠
Housing Tips
💼
Job Board
Join Our Community