About our English Speaking Immigration and Citizenship Legal Service in Greece

Our specialist independent 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. Tsaks Consulting works with these independent professionals to provide immigration consultancy, administrative coordination and access to specialist legal assistance.

Our citizenship and immigration attorney partners are qualified to advise potential Greek citizens according to the policies and requirements of the Department of Immigration and other relevant Greek authorities. Our independent immigration and citizenship lawyer and attorney partners are registered with the relevant professional associations across Greece, including the Athens Bar Association, the Bar Association of Thessaloniki and other bar associations 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 ancestors. Greece also attracts many foreign nationals looking to retire in the country, considering its weather, holiday destinations and affordable property.

There are several pathways to Greek citizenship or residency, depending on your personal circumstances. These include:

If one of your parents is a Greek citizen, you may qualify for citizenship by descent.
If you have Greek ancestors or were adopted by Greek citizens, you may qualify for citizenship under the applicable legal requirements.
By naturalisation.
Through qualifying residence in Greece, which may include residence obtained through investment, followed by meeting the separate requirements for naturalisation.
Through qualifying family circumstances, including marriage to a Greek citizen where the relevant naturalisation requirements are satisfied.

English Speaking Immigration and Citizenship Lawyer in Greece

Greek citizenship eligibility requirements

Our independent immigration attorney partners 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 under one of the pathways above, there is still a list of requirements that can make it a lengthy, tiresome experience.

Our specialist independent immigration legal partners can assess your current situation and advise you on the journey to citizenship, while Tsaks Consulting can assist with administrative coordination and documentation.

Standard naturalisation application requirements may include:

Not having disqualifying criminal convictions in Greece or another country.
Meeting the applicable residence requirement, which is generally seven years for standard naturalisation applications.
Having a valid legal residence permit where required.
Meeting the applicable Greek language requirements.
Not currently facing deportation.
Being 18 years old or over for standard adult naturalisation.
Demonstrating integration into Greek society, which may include employment, tax compliance and other relevant economic or social ties.

The requirements differ depending on the citizenship pathway. For example, citizenship by descent may not require the same period of residence or naturalisation process.

Fast tracked Greek citizenship

If you’re looking to speed up the application process for Greek citizenship, there are a number of exceptions that may allow you to apply after a shorter period of residence. In certain circumstances, the standard seven-year residence requirement may be reduced to three years.

A shorter residence requirement may apply if you are:

Married to a Greek citizen and have a child from the relationship.
A citizen of a European Union country.
The parent of a Greek citizen, where the applicable legal requirements are satisfied.
A stateless person or a refugee recognised by Greek authorities.

Eligibility for these exceptions depends on the applicable legislation and your individual circumstances. Our independent immigration lawyers can assess whether a shorter residence requirement applies to you.

Bringing your child to Greece as a citizen

One common concern our international clients raise with our independent immigration and citizenship lawyer and attorney partners is whether they can obtain Greek citizenship for their children so they can settle in Greece. Our specialist independent citizenship and immigration lawyers have experience assisting families with citizenship applications for children.

Minors under 18 years of age may qualify for Greek citizenship in circumstances including:

One or both of their parents are Greek citizens.
They have a Greek father and the relevant legal requirements for establishing paternity and citizenship are satisfied.
They have a Greek mother and the relevant legal requirements for establishing parentage and citizenship are satisfied.
They have completed qualifying periods of education in Greece, such as nine years of primary and secondary education or six years of secondary education, subject to the applicable requirements.

Our consultancy team can assist with coordinating documentation and communication with the relevant authorities, while independent legal professionals advise on eligibility and the application process.

How to apply for Greek Citizenship

The first step is to check that your current country of citizenship permits dual citizenship and to establish which Greek citizenship pathway applies to your circumstances. Following this, you can start the process of preparing the relevant documentation for your citizenship application.

Key documentation may include:

Your application.
A legal residence permit, where required.
Your personal income tax statements, where applicable.
Your passport, marriage certificate and birth certificate.

You may need to engage an authorised translation service, and there are translators in most major cities in Australia, the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom. An initial application fee and other administrative fees may also apply, depending on the citizenship pathway.

Tsaks Consulting can assist with administrative coordination, document collection and introductions to independent immigration lawyers who can advise on the legal requirements.

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 extensive visa-free travel opportunities, as well as rights associated with European Union citizenship.

Many of our clients were able to enter Greece through the COVID lockdown and benefit from the ability to live and work across the EU. Greek citizenship can also provide access to public services and healthcare, subject to the applicable eligibility requirements.

There may be a more direct pathway to Greek citizenship for Greek Americans who have documents establishing their relationship to a Greek ancestor. Our team can guide you through the administrative process, and applications or relevant registrations may be handled through a Greek embassy or consulate, depending on your circumstances.

One of the key requirements may be birth records from your parent’s or grandparent’s home village or municipality. Another document that can be helpful is military service records establishing Greek ancestry.

Our team can help guide you through the available options for Greek citizenship. Sometimes we do not charge for initial assistance where the matter involves straightforward administrative guidance and the applicant can complete the remaining process through the Greek Embassy or Consulate.

We can also introduce clients to independent accounting and legal professionals where specialist services are required, particularly when citizenship matters are connected with inheriting property or other assets in Greece.

Dual Citizenship for Canadian and Australian Citizens

Through our presence and partnerships in Australia and Canada, we have strong capabilities in 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 assist with and expedite the documentation collection process.

If you need certain documentation from Greece, our independent legal partners can assist with obtaining it where appropriately authorised. Our service extends all over Greece.

In addition, our team has experience coordinating citizenship documentation and understands the administrative requirements involved. Working with independent immigration lawyers where necessary, we can help 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 Democracy government’s key initiatives to boost the economy has been the Golden Visa program. The Golden Visa program is designed for eligible non-EU nationals looking to obtain residency in Greece through qualifying investments, including investments in the local real estate sector.

It is important to distinguish between Greek residency and Greek citizenship. The Golden Visa provides a pathway to a renewable residence permit rather than immediate Greek citizenship or a Greek passport.

For some foreign nationals, including people with Greek ancestry who do not qualify for citizenship by descent, the Golden Visa may provide an alternative pathway to residency in Greece. However, obtaining Greek citizenship through naturalisation involves separate legal requirements, including applicable residence and integration conditions.

Minimum qualifying investment amounts depend on the type and location of the investment and the rules in force at the time of application. The previously available €250,000 property investment threshold does not apply universally.

Our consultancy team can help you explore the administrative aspects of the Golden Visa program and introduce you to independent immigration lawyers, accountants and appropriately authorised investment professionals who can advise on the available options.

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 independent citizenship and immigration law partners are available to advise and represent you in the legal process, assisting with the documentation you will require.

Tsaks Consulting can help coordinate the administrative process, collect documentation and facilitate communication with your appointed legal representatives.

If you’re currently located outside Greece, many aspects of the process can be managed remotely, although some applications may require personal attendance at a Greek embassy, consulate or other relevant authority.

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.

About Our Professional Network and Important Information

Tsaks Consulting Greece is a business consultancy assisting international clients with Greek citizenship, immigration, residency and related administrative matters. We provide consulting, documentation support and coordination services directly and work with a network of independent immigration lawyers, accountants and other qualified professionals who provide specialist services.

Tsaks Consulting is not a law firm and does not directly provide legal advice or representation. Legal, immigration, taxation and other regulated professional services are provided by appropriately qualified independent professionals.

Information on this website is for general purposes only and does not constitute legal, immigration or taxation advice. Greek citizenship and immigration laws, eligibility requirements and administrative procedures may change. We recommend obtaining independent professional advice before making immigration, citizenship or residency decisions.