Holding Greek citizenship presents great opportunities, from a wonderful life to leveraging the benefits of being an EU citizen. The Golden Visa program provides a direct route to securing this desired status through investment. This program provides residency and leads investors on the path to full citizenship. The significance and benefits of Greek citizenship are substantial, such as access to extensive social services, the right to work and live in any European country, and the freedom to engage with Greece’s vibrant culture and democratic life.
How to Obtain Citizenship in Greece?
1: Eligibility Criteria
Citizenship by Descent (Jus Sanguinis):
Jus sanguinis means “right of blood” — citizenship in Greece is primarily granted on this basis. This means children with at least one Greek parent, regardless of where they are born, are eligible for Greek citizenship. This guiding belief ensures that Greek nationality is passed down through generations, while maintaining strong family and cultural ties to the country.
Naturalization Process for Long-Term Residents:
Long-term residents can obtain citizenship in Greece through naturalization. Candidates must legally reside in Greece for at least seven years to become part of Greece’s residents. This time can be reduced for those with Greek ancestors or those married to Greek citizens. Candidates need to learn the Greek language and be aware of Greek history and culture to demonstrate integration into Greek society.
Obtaining Citizenship Through Marriage:
Greek citizenship is also available to spouses of Greek citizens. To obtain Greek citizenship, a foreign spouse must marry and live with a Greek citizen for at least three years. Furthermore, they must demonstrate the extent to which they have integrated into Greek society, including their language skills and cultural understanding.
2: The Application Process for Citizenship in Greece
There are several steps to applying for Greek citizenship, some of which are below:
Candidates must submit their applications to the local decentralized administration or their consulate.
The applicant must attend an interview to assess the extent of their integration into Greek society.
Approval from the Ministry of Interior is required.
Important Documents:
There are various documents that applicants must submit, such as:
- Birth certificate.
- Marriage certificate (if applicable).
- Proof of residence.
- Proof of language proficiency.
- Documentation of involvement in activities or employment within the Greek community demonstrating integration into Greek society.
Timeline and Processing Time:
Obtaining citizenship in Greece can take a long time. On average, it takes one to two years from the date of application submission to the final decision. Factors affecting the timeline include the completeness of the application, the number of applications being processed, and the applicant’s circumstances.
3: Rights and Obligations
Voting and Political Rights:
Holding Greek citizenship allows you to vote in local and national elections and participate in referendums. They can also participate in the country’s democratic system and political process, and can also run for public office.
Social and Healthcare Services:
Greek citizenship grants individuals access to various social services and benefits. These include free healthcare, national insurance benefits such as pension and unemployment, and education. Greek citizens can enjoy a high quality of life with a comprehensive national welfare system.
Citizen Obligations for Military Service:
Male Greek citizens are required to fulfill military obligations. Generally, those serving in the army are required to serve for nine months, while those serving in other branches of the military serve for shorter periods. Exemptions and deferrals are available under certain circumstances, such as health, family responsibilities, or studies.
Visa Requirements for Greek Citizens
Countries Requiring a Visa for Greek Citizens:
Even with an extensive list of visa-free countries, there are still some countries where Greek citizens need visas to travel to those countries. These include countries like Russia, India, China, and some African countries. Visa requirements for travel to these countries typically depend on the purpose of the visit and the length of stay.
Different Types of Visas Are Required for Different Purposes:
Different types of visas are required depending on the purpose of travel.
Business Visa:
Business visas are essential for business-related activities. An invitation letter from the business partner in the host country is required.
Tourist Visa:
Tourist visas are required for convenient travel to countries like India and China. The purpose of these visas is to provide proof of accommodation and travel.
Student Visa:
These visas are used for studying in foreign countries. Candidates must provide proof of enrollment in an educational institution and evidence of financial means to support themselves.
Work Visa:
A work permit is required for working in foreign countries. The process generally involves obtaining a job offer and receiving work authorization.
Documents and Application Process:
The visa application process includes the following steps:
Submitting Required Documents:
Several documents are required to apply for a visa. These typically include passport-sized photos, proof of travel arrangements, a valid passport, a financial statement, and a letter of acceptance or invitation.
Filling Out an Application Form:
A visa application form must be completed. These forms are available on the website of the embassy or consulate of the country you wish to apply to.
Interview:
You must attend a consular interview in certain countries to apply for a visa.
Paying Visa Fees:
Visa fees depend on the country and type of visa.
Processing Time:
The processing time for a visa application can range from a few days to several weeks depending on the destination country and visa type.
Dual Citizenship
Greece’s Dual Citizenship Policy:
Greece allows its citizens to maintain dual citizenship. This means Greek citizens can obtain citizenship of another country without losing their Greek citizenship. This policy provides significant flexibility and benefits, especially for those with strong ties to more than one country.
Obtaining Citizenship Through Marriage:
Greek citizenship is also available to spouses of Greek citizens. To obtain Greek citizenship, a foreign spouse must marry and live with a Greek citizen for at least three years. Furthermore, they must demonstrate the extent to which they have integrated into Greek society, including their language skills and cultural understanding.
Implications for Visa and Travel Requirements:
Holding dual citizenship can simplify international travel and expand visa-free access. For example, a Greek citizen with dual citizenship in a non-EU country may be able to travel visa-free from both countries, potentially covering a wider range of destinations. However, dual citizens must be aware of their entry and exit requirements. To comply with immigration regulations, using the correct passport when entering or leaving specific countries is essential.
Greek Citizenship by Investment
Overview of the Golden Visa Program and Its Goals:
In 2013, Greece launched the Golden Visa program, aiming to attract foreign investment to the country. This program allows non-EU citizens who make qualifying investments in Greece to reside in Greece. The primary goal of the Golden Visa program is to stimulate economic growth by driving real estate investment, fostering business development, and bringing job opportunities to the country.
The Golden Visa program provides an opportunity for permanent residency and citizenship for investors and their family members. To be eligible for this visa, you must invest at least €250,000 in Greek real estate, which is one of the cheapest thresholds in Europe. Other suitable investments include Greek capital contribution companies, shares of Greek real estate companies, and government bonds.
Benefits of the Golden Visa
Access to European Countries:
One of the main advantages of the Greek Golden Visa is that it grants investors and their families the right to settle in Greece, part of the EU. This arrangement provides visa-free travel within the Schengen area, including 26 European countries. Free movement of people across Europe is a highly valuable benefit for businesspeople, frequent travelers, and those with family or business interests across the continent.
The Path to Citizenship:
The Golden Visa can be extended indefinitely if the investment is maintained. To obtain Greek citizenship after seven years of continuous residence in Greece, investors and their family members must demonstrate integration into Greek society, including knowledge of Greek culture and language proficiency. As a Greek citizen, you are entitled to full EU citizenship, granting you the right to live, work, and study anywhere in the EU.
Real Estate Investment Opportunities:
Greece’s real estate market offers a range of options, from luxurious island villas to modern apartments in Athens, making the program an excellent investment opportunity. Due to its strong growth potential, Greece’s real estate market is attractive for both personal use and rental income.
Quality of Life:
There are many reasons to visit Greece, such as its rich history, vibrant culture, and breathtaking natural landscapes. Residents enjoy a high quality of life thanks to excellent healthcare and education systems, a Mediterranean climate, and a relaxed lifestyle. Expat communities and families find the country attractive due to its safety, hospitality, and established expat community.
Business and Financial Incentives:
Greece offers investors a strategic location as a gateway to Europe, Asia, and Africa. For certain types of investments, the country offers tax incentives and subsidies. Furthermore, the Golden Visa program provides a stable and business-friendly environment within Greece, making it easier to establish and operate businesses.
Family Inclusion:
The Golden Visa program extends to the investor’s immediate family, including the investor’s spouse, children up to age 21, and the parents of both the investor and spouse. Including the entire family allows them to live, work, and study in Greece and the wider EU while benefiting from residency and citizenship.
No Residency Requirement:
Unlike many other residency programs, the Greek Golden Visa does not require investors to actually reside in Greece. Investors can maintain their current lifestyle and business activities while holding Greek residency, making it an attractive option for global investors.
Summary
Citizenship in Greece offers many benefits, including the freedom to live, work, and travel within the EU and access to extensive social services and political opportunities. To maximize these benefits, Greek citizens should understand visa requirements, including visa-free travel options and necessary documentation for countries requiring visas. As part of a Greek citizenship-by-investment program, especially the Golden Visa, investors can efficiently obtain residency and eventually citizenship. It is, therefore, a good option for those seeking to expand their global mobility and improve their family’s quality of life. A Greek citizen can enjoy various benefits through the many opportunities of the Golden Visa program.
