About our English Speaking Immigration and Citizenship Legal Service in Greece
Our specialist immigration law partners have been assisting international clients to gain Greek Citizenship for more than 20 years and are experienced in all aspects of Greek migration law. Our citizenship and immigration attorneys are qualified to advise potential Greek citizens according to the polices of the Department of Immigration. Our highly qualified immigration and citizenship lawyer and attorney partners are registered with the relevant associations across Greece, including the Athens Bar Association, The bar association of Thessaloniki, and other bar associations across Greece according to their jurisdiction.
Five ways to become a Greek Citizen
The majority of expats seeking Greek citizenship are either Ethnic Greeks or have Greek descendants. Greece also attracts many foreign nationals looking to retire in the country, considering its weather, holiday destinations and affordable property.
The Greek Department of Immigration offers these 5 paths for Greek citizenship:
- If one of your parents is a Greek citizen, you can get citizenship by descent
- If you have Greek descendants or were adopted by Greek citizens
- By naturalisation
- Through investment in Greece
- By marriage to a Greek Citizen
Greek citizenship eligibility requirements
Our partner immigration attorneys are aware of the desire many foreign nationals have to obtain citizenship in Greece, and they have assisted numerous foreign clients in achieving that dream. However, even if you qualify from the five steps above, there is still a list of requirements that can make it a lengthy, tiresome experience. Our specialist immigration legal partners can assess your current situation and advise you on the journey to citizenship.
Standard application requirements include:
- Not having a criminal conviction in Greece or any other country
- Living and working in Greece for seven years
- Have a legal residence permit
- Greek language requirement
- Not currently facing deportation
- Being 18 years old or over
- Being an active member of Greek society, e.g., working and paying tax, purchasing property.
Fast tracked Greek citizenship
If you’re looking to speed up the application process for Greek citizenship, there are a number of exceptions which allow you to waive part of the seven-year residence requirement, allowing you to apply for citizenship after only three years residency.
The length of the residence requirement will be three years if you are:
- Married to a Greek citizen, with a child from the relationship
- A citizen of a European Union country
- The parent of, or have legal custody of a Greek citizen
- A stateless person or a refugee recognised by Greek authorities
Bringing your child to Greece as a citizen
One common concern our international clients inquire of our immigration and citizenship lawyer and attorney partners is if they can get citizenship for their children so they can settle in Greece. Our specialist citizenship and immigration lawyers and attorneys are experts at gaining citizenship for children.
Minors under 18 years-of-age can become a citizen of Greece if:
- One or both of their parents are Greek citizens
- They have a Greek father — proven by DNA test (paternity test)
- They have a Greek mother — if they were born out of wedlock
- They have completed the following in Greece: Nine years of primary school or secondary school, or the completion of six years of secondary school.
How to apply for Greek Citizenship
The first step is to check that your current country of citizenship permits dual citizens. Following this, you can start the process of preparing the relevant documentation for your citizenship application. Key documentation required includes:
- Your application
- A legal residence permit
- Your personal income tax statements
- Your passport, marriage certificate and birth certificate
You generally need to engage a translation service (there are translators in most major cities in Australia, the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom). There is an initial application fee as well as a renewal fee which may apply.
Dual Citizenship for US Citizens and Greece
Many Americans of Greek heritage look to secure their Greek citizenship and become dual citizens. Although a US passport is quite powerful, a Greek passport is also powerful and provides visa free access to over 186 countries.
Many of our clients were able to enter Greece through the COVID lockdown as well as live and work across the EU. You also have easier access to health services in Greece and across Europe. There is a fast track option of Greek Americans if you have documents providing your relation to a Greek ancestor. Our team can guide you through this and you can make the application at an embassy or consulate.
One of the key requirements is the birth records from your parent or grandparents home village area and another document which can be helpful are army records to prove Greek ancestry. Our team can help guide you through the best options for Greek Citizenship. Sometimes we don’t charge for this service at it is often simple advice and you can go through the rest of the process at the Embassy. We do provide accounting and legal services which are generally required especially if you are inheriting property.
Dual Citizenship for Canadian and Australian Citizens
Through our presence and partnerships in Australia and Canada, we have strong capabilities in Canada and Australia helping second and third generation Greeks attain Greek Citizenship. We have no way of fast-tracking the processes of the Greek Government. However, where we make a difference is that we can act on and fast track the documentation collection process. If you need certain documentation from Greece, our lawyers are able to attend to this for you. Our service extends all over Greece. In addition, we know the law and what is required and can ensure that any visits to the Greek Consulate are as productive as possible for you.
Passport and Greek Citizenship by investing in Greece
One of the New Democracies key initiatives is boost the economy is the golden visa program. The golden visa program is for those looking to acquire permanent residency in Greece through investing in the local real estate sector. Sometimes, even for ethnic Greeks and people with Greek ancestry, this is a quick path to citizenship assuming you wish to purchase a property to the value of €250,000.
Are you looking for an immigration and citizenship lawyer or attorney in Greece
Now that you know the basic requirements for obtaining citizenship in Greece, our citizenship and immigration law partners are ready to represent you in the legal process, assisting you with the long list of documentation you will require. if you’re currently located outside of Greece, you can go ahead with the process without the need for you to be in the country. We have assisted clients from cities around the world, including London, New York, Beijing, and Moscow. Our services extend internationally including to Turkey, Israel, Australia, the United States and Canada.