Does Greece Allow Dual Citizenship? Here’s How to Qualify for Greek Dual Citizenship in 2025

You’ve got Greek roots. Or a Greek spouse. Or maybe you’re eyeing the benefits of EU citizenship through the Golden Visa program. But when you ask: “Does Greece allow dual citizenship?” — you hit a wall of outdated advice, confusing government sites, and unclear requirements.

The good news?
Yes, Greece allows dual citizenship. You can hold a Greek passport while keeping your current nationality and become a Greek citizen without renouncing your current nationality. Eligible applicants include those with Greek ancestry, spouses of Greek citizens, long-term residents, and qualified investors via the Golden Visa.

This guide is built for people like you:

• ✅ Americans with Greek ancestry are unsure how to prove their lineage

• ✅ Spouses of Greek citizens wondering how long they need to live in Greece

• ✅ Investors or expats overwhelmed by legal jargon and shifting policies

• ✅ Anyone asking “How do I get Greek dual citizenship?”

We’ll walk you through everything step by step: eligibility rules, documents, timelines, pitfalls to avoid, and how to apply — without getting lost in red tape.

Countries That Allow Dual Citizenship: Full Guide For 2025

Are you a U.S. citizen looking for a second passport to enhance global mobility? Read More...

Learn More!

Know if You’re Qualified and Which Path is Right for You in 2025? [Requirements by Pathway]

To qualify for Greek citizenship and keep your existing nationality, you must meet the criteria under one of the following:

1. Greek Citizenship by Descent

• At least one Greek parent, grandparent, or great-grandparent

• Must provide official documents (birth/marriage certificates)

2. Greek Citizenship by Marriage

• Married to a Greek citizen for at least 3 years

• Must live in Greece together

• Must demonstrate knowledge of the Greek language and society

3. Greek Citizenship by Naturalization

• Must live in Greece for 7+ years (3 if married to a Greek)

• Fluent in Greek

• Clean criminal record

4. Greek Citizenship Through the Golden Visa

• Invest €250,000+ in real estate

• Maintain investment and residency for 7 years

• No full-time residency required, but you’ll still need language/culture knowledge when applying for citizenship

Citizenship by investment

Citizenship by Investment – CBI Global Experts in Second Citizenship by Investment Programes ...

Learn More!

How to Apply for Greek Dual Citizenship If You Are Qualified (Step-by-Step Guide)

To apply for Greek dual citizenship, determine your eligibility, gather required documents, submit your application to the Greek consulate or municipality, attend an interview (if applicable), and await approval. Those applying by descent must prove Greek ancestry; others may need to meet residency or language requirements. Here’s how to apply for Greek citizenship, depending on your path:

Step 1: Confirm Your Eligibility

Before starting the paperwork, you need to identify the correct path based on your background. This is the most important step — applying through the wrong route can lead to delays or even rejection.

Here’s how to know which path fits you:

🔍 Not sure which applies to you?
Contact us to verify your best option. It can save months of back-and-forth.

Once you’re clear on your path, you can begin gathering the right documents

Step 2: Gather Required Documents

Core Documents (All Applicants):

• Valid passport or national ID

• Certified birth certificate (translated into Greek)

• Criminal background check (clean record required)

• Passport photos (as per specifications)

Additional Documents by Pathway:

🔍 Tip: All foreign documents must be officially translated and apostilled or certified by a Greek consulate.

Step 3: Submit Your Application

If You Live Outside Greece:
Apply at your nearest Greek Consulate. They’ll verify documents, guide the process, and forward your file to the Greek authorities.

If You’re in Greece:
Apply through the local municipality or the Ministry of the Interior office. For Golden Visa holders, legal representatives often handle this.

Step 4: Attend the Interview (for Naturalization Applicants)

You’ll be assessed on:

• Greek language proficiency

• Knowledge of Greek history, culture, and society

• Integration into Greek life (residency, community involvement)

Step 5: Wait for Approval & Take the Citizenship Oath

Once your application is approved:

• You’ll be invited to take the Greek Citizenship Oath

• You’ll receive your Greek Citizenship Certificate

• You can now apply for your Greek passport and national ID

⏳ Processing Time: 1–2 years depending on the method and municipality

Common Mistakes That Delay Applications

Premium Citizen offers full support — from verifying your ancestry to preparing your application and ensuring all legal steps are covered. We make the complex process smooth, accurate, and fast.

Benefits of Greek Dual Citizenship: What Do You Actually Gain from Greek Citizenship?

Greek dual citizenship gives you the right to live, work, and travel freely across the EU, access top-tier healthcare and education, own property, vote in elections, and preserve your Greek heritage without giving up your current nationality.

Holding Greek dual citizenship means you’re not just a tourist — you’re a full citizen of both Greece and the European Union. Here’s what that means for your life, freedom, and future:

1. Visa-Free Travel and EU Mobility

• Greek citizens can live and work in any EU/EEA country without a visa.

• Visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 190+ countries, including the Schengen Zone, UK, and Canada.

2. Access to World-Class Healthcare & Education

• Enroll in Greek public universities or prestigious EU institutions at local tuition rates.

• Qualify for public healthcare in Greece and other EU countries.

3. Buy Property and Start a Business

• No restrictions on owning property in Greece or the EU.

• Register and operate a business under EU laws and protections.

4. Political Rights and Civic Participation

• Vote in Greek national elections and EU parliamentary elections.

• Participate in shaping both Greek and EU policies as a full citizen.

5. Reconnect with Your Greek Roots

• Citizenship by descent allows you to honor your family heritage.

• Access Greek archives, land, and cultural resources.

• Pass citizenship to your children and preserve your legacy.

6. Dual Identity, Global Flexibility

• Keep your original nationality — no need to renounce.

• Enjoy greater freedom, security, and global mobility in uncertain times.

7. Long-Term Financial and Legal Stability

• Benefit from EU consumer, labor, and legal protections.

• Secure long-term residency options for family members.

• Make international investments with fewer restrictions.

🎯 So, Is Greek Citizenship Worth It?
If you’re looking for mobility, heritage, EU rights, and a strong second passport — absolutely. It’s a high-value investment in your future and your family’s opportunities.

What Are the Advantages of Dual Citizenship? (Complete Guide for 2025)

In an increasingly globalized world, the concept of dual citizenship has captured the interest of millions.... Read More

Learn More!

Greece vs. Portugal vs. Malta: Which Dual Citizenship Program Is Easier in 2025?

Greece requires 7 years of residency and language skills for citizenship. Portugal is faster, with just 5 years, while Malta offers the fastest citizenship by investment, often with no residency requirement.

🇬🇷 Why Choose Greece?

• Stronger cultural connection for those with ancestry

• Lower investment threshold than Malta

• Established Golden Visa infrastructure

• Access to Mediterranean lifestyle and real estate

🇵🇹 Why Choose Portugal?

• Faster path (5 years) with residency

• Easier integration with widespread expat communities

• Clearer bureaucracy and faster processing times

🇲🇹 Why Choose Malta?

• Fastest route for wealthy investors

• No residency needed

• Higher financial cost, but faster results

💡 Tip: Greece is ideal for those with heritage, family ties, or long-term EU ambitions. But if you’re looking for speed and have the budget, Malta may offer a shortcut.

Common Mistakes When Applying for Greek Citizenship: Avoid Getting Rejected

The most common mistakes in Greek citizenship applications include missing translated documents, choosing the wrong pathway, failing the language interview, and not meeting residency requirements. Avoid delays by preparing the correct paperwork and understanding your eligibility.

1. Applying Under the Wrong Path

Why it happens: People often assume that Greek ancestry guarantees automatic approval, or they misunderstand naturalization timelines.

How to avoid it:

• Use the correct route based on your situation: descent, marriage, naturalization, or citizenship by investment.

• Consult with the Greek consulate or an expert before submitting.

Citizenship by investment

Citizenship by Investment – CBI Global Experts in Second Citizenship by Investment Programes...Read More

Learn More!

2. Submitting Incomplete or Untranslated Documents

Why it happens: Greek authorities require all foreign documents to be officially translated and apostilled. Missing just one form can reset your timeline.

How to avoid it:

• Use certified translators (preferably recommended by the consulate).

• Ensure every document is notarized, translated into Greek, and certified.

3. Failing the Interview (for Naturalization Applicants)

Why it happens: Applicants are unprepared for questions about Greek language, history, or integration.

How to avoid it:

• Practice Greek with language tutors or apps.

• Study the official Greek citizenship interview guide (available from government or consular offices).

• Review cultural, historical, and legal basics.

4. Misunderstanding Residency or Investment Requirements

Why it happens: Some applicants believe buying property is enough for citizenship. But the Golden Visa is just a residency pathway — not automatic citizenship.

How to avoid it:

• Maintain 7 years of residency before applying for citizenship.

• Fulfill all tax, legal, and biometric steps outlined under the Golden Visa program.

5. Not Tracking Legal Changes

Why it happens: Laws around investment thresholds, residency, and eligibility change frequently.

How to avoid it:

• Stay updated via official Greek government sites or through legal advisors.

• Sign up for alerts if you’re in the application process.

✅ Pro Tip: Get your application pre-reviewed by an expert before submission. A second pair of eyes can save you months of delays.

Greece Allow Dual Citizenship – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Does Greece allow dual citizenship with the US?

Yes. Greece permits dual citizenship with the United States, allowing you to hold both a Greek and American passport simultaneously. You do not need to renounce your U.S. citizenship when becoming Greek.

2. How can I apply for Greek citizenship by descent?

To apply by descent, you must prove a direct bloodline to a Greek parent, grandparent, or great-grandparent. You’ll need official birth and marriage certificates that connect each generation to you. Submit your application through a Greek consulate or municipality.

3. How long does it take to get Greek citizenship by descent?

It usually takes 12–18 months if all documents are in order. Delays happen if documents are missing or not properly translated. Descent-based citizenship is often faster than naturalization.

4. Does Greece allow triple citizenship?

Yes. Greece does not limit the number of nationalities you can hold. If your other countries also allow it, you can technically hold triple (or more) citizenships legally.

5. How do I get Greek citizenship through my parents?

If one or both parents are Greek citizens, you can claim citizenship by providing their birth certificate and proving your lineage. If they’re registered in a Greek municipal record, the process is faster.

6. Can I apply for Greek citizenship online?

Some parts of the process, such as document submission or appointment booking, may be done online via the Greek Ministry of Interior or through consulate portals. However, in-person steps like interviews and biometric data are still required.

7. How to get Greek citizenship by marriage?

If you’re married to a Greek citizen and have lived in Greece for at least 3 years, you can apply through the marriage route. You’ll need your marriage certificate, proof of residence, and basic Greek language and culture knowledge.

8. If my child is born in Greece to foreign parents, do they get citizenship?

Not automatically. Children born in Greece to non-Greek parents can obtain citizenship if they attend Greek school for a certain number of years or if the parents naturalize.

9. Who qualifies for Greek citizenship?

You may qualify if:

• You have Greek ancestry

• You’re married to a Greek citizen

• You’ve lived in Greece for 7+ years

• You’ve invested through the Golden Visa program
  Each path has different eligibility rules and timelines.

10. Can I get dual citizenship if my grandparents were born in Greece?

Yes. You can apply through citizenship by descent if you can trace and document your lineage. You’ll need to submit birth and marriage certificates linking your grandparents to you.

11. Which EU country is the easiest to get citizenship?

Portugal is often considered the easiest, requiring just 5 years of legal residency. Greece follows with a 7-year requirement, while Malta offers a fast-track investment option (but at a higher cost).

12. Does the US allow dual citizenship?

Yes. The United States allows dual citizenship. You can become a Greek citizen without losing your U.S. passport.

13. How can I live in Greece as an American?

Options include:

• Residency through the Golden Visa

• Applying for a national visa (retirement, digital nomad, student, etc.)

• Applying for citizenship by descent (if eligible)
  Living in Greece long-term usually requires a valid residency permit or citizenship.

14. What is the Golden Visa program in Greece?

The Greek Golden Visa grants residency to non-EU citizens who invest at least €250,000 in real estate. After 7 years of holding residency, you can apply for citizenship, provided you meet other conditions like language proficiency.

15. What is the loss of Greek citizenship?

Loss of citizenship typically occurs only through voluntary renunciation or if citizenship was obtained fraudulently. Greece does not automatically revoke your citizenship if you live abroad or gain another nationality.

Conclusion: Is Greek Dual Citizenship Right for You?

Greece offers more than beautiful islands and Mediterranean charm — it provides a path to global freedom, cultural connection, and EU opportunity.

Whether you’re reclaiming your ancestry, marrying into a Greek family, or investing through the Golden Visa program, Greek dual citizenship allows you to enjoy the best of both worlds — your current nationality and all the rights of an EU citizen.

But the process can be complex, and small mistakes may cost you months.

That’s why knowing which path fits you, what documents to prepare, and how to avoid delays can mean the difference between rejection and approval.

If you’re ready to begin, don’t go it alone — get expert support and streamline your journey.

🇬🇷 Ready to Become a Greek Citizen?
Whether you’re applying by descent, marriage, or investment, Premium Citizen simplifies the entire process — from document verification to final approval.

✅ Personalized guidance
✅ Help retrieving Greek ancestry records
✅ Golden Visa property sourcing
✅ Legal document prep & interview coaching

👉 Contact Us Now to start your application — and secure your second passport with confidence.

Read About Other Countries’ Dual Citizenship: 

• Does Turkey allow dual citizenship
• Does Portugal Allow Dual Citizenship
• List of Countries That Do Not Allow Dual Citizenship
• Does the US Allow Dual Citizenship
• Can u have dual citizenship Thailand
• Advantages of dual citizenship
• The easiest countries to get dual citizenship

Related Posts

• Ahmed hamdy Ahmed hamdy
• May 7, 2025

St Lucia Extends Passport Validity to 10 Years for Adults

Great news for Saint Lucia passport holders! The government of Saint Lucia has officially annou ..

• Ahmed hamdy Ahmed hamdy
• June 4, 2025

Can You Have Dual Citizenship in Thailand?

Can u have dual citizenship in Thailand? This is a question frequently asked by expats, second- ..