Greece (GR)
Greece is a southeastern European republic and EU member state, birthplace of democracy, philosophy, and the Olympic Games, celebrated for its 6,000 sun-drenched islands, ancient ruins from the Acropolis to Delphi, vibrant Mediterranean cuisine, and a warm culture that draws expats, retirees, digital nomads, and Golden Visa investors from across the world.
Capital: Athens
Region: Europe
Language: Greek
Currency: EUR (€)
Cost of living: Affordable (index 52)
Emergency: 112
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Citizenship & Permanent Residency
Long-term settlement options in Greece.
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Permanent Residency
Name
Long-Term EU Residence Permit
Eligibility
Non-EU/EEA nationals who have legally and continuously resided in Greece for at least 5 years.
Duration
Indefinite (subject to renewal every 5 years; permanent in practice)
Requirements
- ✓Continuous legal residence in Greece for 5 years (temporary absences allowed: max 6 months at a time, no more than 10 months total in 5 years)
- ✓Stable and regular income sufficient for self-support (above minimum wage threshold)
- ✓Health insurance coverage
- ✓Clean criminal record (from Greece and country of origin)
- ✓Accommodation in Greece
- ✓Greek language knowledge (A1 level for application; officially tested in some cases)
- ✓Application submitted to the Migration Department of the relevant Decentralised Administration
The EU Long-Term Resident Permit (based on EU Directive 2003/109/EC) gives the right to live and work in any EU member state. It also gives access to most social benefits on an equal basis with Greek citizens. Holders may be absent from Greece for up to 12 months without losing the permit (12 months per 5-year period). EU/EEA citizens have permanent residence rights after 5 years under the EU Freedom of Movement Directive and can simply obtain a Permanent Residence Certificate from the local KEP.
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Citizenship
Name
Greek Citizenship (Ελληνική Ιθαγένεια)
Eligibility
Long-term residents with 7 years of legal continuous residence (or 5 years if married to a Greek citizen or parent of a Greek citizen). Also available through descent.
Duration
Permanent
Requirements
- ✓7 years of continuous legal residence in Greece (reduced to 5 years for spouses/parents of Greek citizens)
- ✓Greek language proficiency at B1 level (tested by the Ministry of Interior — written exam on Greek language, history, culture, and civic knowledge)
- ✓Clean criminal record (no serious criminal convictions in Greece or abroad)
- ✓No unpaid tax obligations or social security debts in Greece
- ✓Application submitted to the relevant Decentralised Administration or local Registry Office (Δημοτολόγιο)
- ✓Greek language and culture test must be passed (exam held periodically at examination centres)
- ✓Processing time: 12–36 months (significant backlog in the system as of 2026)
Greek citizenship through naturalisation grants full EU citizenship. The marriage path requires 5 years of continuous residence following marriage to a Greek citizen (the 5-year reduced requirement applies to spouses and parents of Greek citizens). B1 Greek language proficiency and the Greek language/history/culture exam are required for all naturalisation routes. Greek citizenship by descent (Ομογένεια): persons of Greek descent may have an expedited pathway — contact the relevant registry office and consulate.
Other Routes to Residency & Citizenship
Greece Golden Visa (Investment Residency)
Eligibility
Non-EU nationals who make a qualifying real estate or other investment in Greece receive a 5-year renewable residence permit (Golden Visa). This is a residency instrument, not an automatic path to citizenship, but after 7 consecutive years of residence with B1 Greek language proficiency and passing the integration exam, Golden Visa holders can apply for Greek citizenship. Greece maintained its Golden Visa programme in 2026 (unlike Spain, which closed its programme in April 2025). Investment thresholds as of 2026: €800,000 for properties in Athens/Attica, Thessaloniki, Mykonos, Santorini and islands with a population of 3,100 or more; €400,000 elsewhere in Greece; €250,000 for commercial conversion to residential or heritage restoration; €250,000 in a qualifying Greek startup (new option from 2025).
Duration / Outcome
5-year renewable residence permit; path to citizenship after 7 years of residence
Requirements
- ✓Qualifying investment at the applicable threshold: €800,000 (Athens/Thessaloniki/Mykonos/Santorini/islands pop. >3,100); €400,000 (elsewhere in Greece); €250,000 (commercial conversion to residential, or heritage restoration); €250,000 in a qualifying Greek startup (new option from 2025)
- ✓Real estate must be a single property of at least 120 m²; short-term rentals (Airbnb-type) and sub-letting are prohibited under penalty of permit revocation and €50,000 fine
- ✓Clean criminal record from home country (apostilled)
- ✓Health insurance covering Greece
- ✓Valid passport
- ✓Application to the Directorate of Aliens and Migration with investment documentation
- ✓For citizenship after 7 years: B1 Greek language proficiency and Greek language/history/culture exam
The Golden Visa grants residency but not citizenship. The holder is not required to live in Greece to maintain the permit (no minimum stay requirement). For citizenship, the 7-year residence clock requires actual presence in Greece — verify the current physical-presence requirements for citizenship applications built on Golden Visa status.
Citizenship by Descent (Repatriation)
Eligibility
Persons of Greek ancestry (children or grandchildren of Greek citizens who lost Greek citizenship upon naturalisation in another country, or Omogeneis from former Soviet countries)
Duration / Outcome
Permanent
Requirements
- ✓Evidence of Greek ancestry (grandfather's/grandmother's birth certificate, Greek Orthodox baptism records, etc.)
- ✓Application at the relevant Δήμος (municipality) where ancestor was registered
- ✓Supporting genealogical documents (apostilled and translated)
This process can be complex and lengthy depending on the quality of historical records. The Hellenic Republic Ministry of Interior handles special ancestry cases. Greek diaspora communities worldwide can assist with the process.
Citizenship for Ethnic Greeks (Ομογένεια / Special Identity Card)
Eligibility
Ethnic Greeks from Albania, former Soviet Union, and certain other countries who can demonstrate Greek ethnic heritage.
Duration / Outcome
Residence permit or citizenship pathway
Requirements
- ✓Proof of Greek ethnic origin (documents in Greek language, Orthodox church records, family records)
- ✓Application at the relevant Decentralised Administration
The "Special Identity Card for Ethnic Greeks" (Ειδική Ταυτότητα Ομογενούς) provides a simplified residency pathway but is separate from citizenship. Full citizenship applications follow the standard naturalisation process with some facilitations.
🌍 Dual Citizenship
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Dual citizenship is allowed — Greece permits dual citizenship and does not require renouncing prior citizenship upon naturalisation. Greek citizens who naturalise in another country do not automatically lose Greek citizenship (though some countries require renouncing Greek citizenship — this is a matter for the other country's law, not Greek law). Check your home country's rules on dual nationality before applying for Greek citizenship.
Citizenship & Permanent Residency
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