How Difficult Is It to Get Greek Citizenship?

The difficulty varies depending on which pathway you’re following. For many applicants—especially those with Greek heritage—it’s significantly easier than other EU citizenship routes.

Easiest Route: Citizenship by Descent

If you have Greek ancestry, the process is straightforward. You only need to prove your lineage through civil records. There is no residency requirement and no language exam, making this the most accessible route.

Moderate Difficulty: Marriage

Marriage to a Greek citizen provides an easier route than standard naturalization but still requires:

• At least three years of marriage,

• Evidence of stable family life,

• Meeting naturalization requirements if living abroad.

Most Challenging: Naturalization Through Residency

Non-Greek applicants face a more rigorous process:

• Seven years of legal residence,

• Greek language exam,

• Citizenship knowledge test,

• Tax and legal compliance,

• Demonstrating integration.

Exceptional Naturalization

Reserved for individuals who bring national benefit, and usually approved directly at ministerial level.

Bottom Line

If you’ve got Greek roots, it’s one of the easiest EU citizenships to obtain. Without ancestry, the process is still clear—but requires real presence and integration in Greece.

Use CitizenGR to streamline your application.

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