General Documents Required for Citizenship Applications:
- Birth certificates (yours and any relevant family members’)
- Passport or national identity card
- Proof of legal residence (e.g., residence permit)
- Tax and financial records
- Proof of language proficiency (if required)
- Marriage certificate (if applicable)
Steps to attain Citizenship
1. Citizenship by Descent (Jus Sanguinis)
Steps:
- Proof of Greek Descent: You must provide documents proving that one or both of your parents (or ancestors) were Greek citizens. This can include birth certificates, Greek identity cards, or passports of your parents or grandparents.
- Application Submission: Submit your application to the relevant Greek authorities at a Greek consulate office.
- Verification Process: Greek Ministry of the Interior will review your application and documents to confirm your eligibility.
2. Citizenship by Birth in Greece
Steps:
- Residence Requirement: The child must have been born in Greece to foreign parents who have legally resided in the country for a certain period (typically, 5 years of continuous residence).
- Application Submission: The application should be submitted to the Greek Ministry of Interior or the local municipal authorities.
- Approval Process: Your application will be reviewed and processed by the relevant authorities.
3. Citizenship by Marriage to a Greek Citizen
Steps:
- Residency Requirement: You must have lived in Greece for at least three years after your marriage to a Greek citizen.
- Proof of Marriage: Submit your marriage certificate and proof of a stable relationship.
- Language Requirement: Demonstrate a basic knowledge of the Greek language.
- Application Submission: Apply for citizenship at your local municipal office or Greek consulate.
- Approval Process: The Greek authorities will review your application and may interview you before granting citizenship
4. Citizenship by Naturalization
Steps:
- Residency Requirement: Typically, you need to have legally resided in Greece for at least 7 years. This may be reduced under certain conditions (e.g., marriage to a Greek citizen, or if you have Greek heritage).
- Financial and Legal Stability: You must prove that you have stable financial resources and have not been convicted of serious crimes.
- Language Proficiency: Demonstrate proficiency in the Greek language.
- Application Submission: Submit your naturalization application to the Ministry of Interior, including all required documents such as proof of legal residence, financial status, and language proficiency.
- Approval Process: Your application will be reviewed, and you may be required to attend an interview.
Final Steps:
Once all documents are submitted and your application is approved, you will receive a decision from the relevant authorities. If granted citizenship, you may need to take an oath of allegiance to Greece. Afterward, you will be issued a Greek identity card and passport.
Important Notes:
- The process and requirements may vary depending on your specific situation and the local authorities.
- It’s highly recommended to consult with a lawyer or the Greek consulate to ensure all conditions are met and the process runs smoothly.