Citizenship in Greece
Naturalisation timelines, tests, and dual nationality
Seven years of lawful residence, a B1 Greek language requirement, and the demanding Panhellenic examination in Greek history, geography, culture and politics. Dual citizenship is permitted, but this is the hardest naturalisation in southern Europe.
| Residence required | 7 years of lawful residence source |
| Spouse of a Greek citizen | 3 years of marriage and residence |
| Language | B1 Greek |
| Examination | Written test on Greek history, geography, culture and political institutions |
| Dual citizenship | Permitted |
The examination is the obstacle
Greece administers a standardised naturalisation examination covering the language at B1 level plus Greek history from antiquity to the present, geography, culture and the political system. It is a written examination with a published syllabus, and pass rates have been low relative to comparable European tests.
This is not a formality that can be prepared for in a fortnight. Applicants who intend to naturalise should begin Greek in their first year of residence, not their sixth.
Counting the seven years
Residence must be lawful and continuous, with limits on absences. Student years count at half weight. Time on a golden visa counts only to the extent that you were actually resident, which for most investors is the point at which the plan unravels.
Applicants must also show integration and tax compliance, and the file is examined by a citizenship committee.
Citizenship by descent
Greece recognises citizenship by descent through a Greek parent, and in many cases through a grandparent, provided the line can be documented through Greek municipal registers. Unlike the Italian route this has not been narrowed, but the documentary standard is exacting and records must be traced to a Greek municipality. For anyone with a Greek grandparent this is far faster than naturalisation.
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Official sources
Checked against these pages in September 2026. Fees and processing times change without notice — confirm before you act.