How Long It Takes to Get Greek Dual Citizenship

The timeline for obtaining Greek citizenship varies depending on which pathway you use. Some routes are fast and document-based, while others require years of residence and testing.

Typical Timelines

1. Citizenship by Descent

6–18 months depending on documentation availability and municipal workload.

This is the fastest and most consistent route, especially for Greek-Americans and diaspora applicants.

2. Citizenship by Marriage

Usually 1–3 years after meeting the requirements (three years of marriage and demonstrating integration).

3. Naturalization Through Residency

Generally the slowest route:

• 7 years of legal residence,

• Followed by 1–2 years for exam completion, review, and approval.

4. Exceptional Naturalization

Timelines vary widely depending on ministerial approval.

Factors That Influence Speed

• Accuracy of documents

• Translations and apostilles

• Municipal record matching

• Name inconsistencies

• Application volume at the Ministry of Interior

Bottom Line

Ancestry-based citizenship is by far the quickest path, with well-documented applicants often receiving approval within a year. Residency-based citizenship requires commitment and patience, but the benefits of Greek dual nationality make the timeline worthwhile.

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