Greek citizenship by naturalisation
Official name: Πολιτογράφηση αλλογενών αλλοδαπών (Κώδικας Ελληνικής Ιθαγένειας, ν. 3284/2004)
Foreign nationals living legally and permanently in Greece can apply for Greek citizenship, usually after 7 years. They must first pass the PEGP exam on Greek language, history, geography, institutions and culture, show economic and social integration and have a clean criminal record. The fee is 550 EUR for most non-EU applicants. Citizenship starts when the oath is taken.
Life in Greece
Finance
3
Currency
Euro
EUR
Euro
Cost of living
66
Price level · US = 100
World Bank price levels, 2025
Tax
9–44%
Income tax (national)
VAT 24%
2026 scale for employment/pension/business income: 9%, 20%, 26%, 34%, 39% (EUR 40,000-60,000), 44% above EUR 60,000; lower rates for families and under-30s.
Living
1
Happiness
#83 of 145 countries
World Happiness Report 2025
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Who it’s for
Adults with long-term legal residence in Greece (long-term residents, refugees, family members of Greeks and others) who want Greek citizenship.
Eligibility
Years of legal and permanent residence
Sign in to check this route against your profileYou need 7 years of legal and permanent residence in Greece, or a different period if you are in a listed group.
Years of residence required
- Most applicants
- 7 years
- EU citizens and other listed groupsconsecutive years
- 3 years
- Other valid permit holders
- 12 years
- 3-year group: spouses of Greek citizens who have a child
- 3-year group: parents with custody of a Greek child born in Greece
- 3-year group also includes stateless people
- People born in Greece and living there continuously do not need the 7 years
Official wording
7 years for most applicants. 3 consecutive years for EU citizens, spouses of Greek citizens who have a child, parents with custody of a Greek child born in Greece, and stateless people. 12 years for holders of other valid permits. People born in Greece and living there continuously do not need the 7 years.
Qualifying residence permit
Sign in to check this route against your profileA permit on the Citizenship Code's list, such as a long-term residence permit, a refugee or subsidiary protection card, or a family member's permit.
A sneak peek at what's inside
- Next requirement
- Document checklist
- Fees
The full requirements are for members
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- 3 more requirements
- 9 documents
- 4 fees
- 6 steps
- Processing times and conditions
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