Blogs • January 22, 2026 • 17 Min

How to Get a Greek Passport in 2026

A Greek passport gives you full European Union citizenship. You can live and work across 29 EU states and travel widely without visas. There is no direct citizenship by investment in Greece. Foreigners become citizens mainly through naturalisation after seven years of legal residence in the country. If you are looking at Greece from an investor or relocation perspective, the Golden Visa is the residency route that makes long-term settlement possible. It does not give you citizenship on its own, but it creates the legal foundation you need if your goal is to eventually hold a Greek passport. Below you will find how the passport process works, who can qualify, and how the Golden Visa fits into the bigger picture. Can You Get a Greek Passport by Investment? Direct answer: No. Greece does not offer citizenship by investment. You cannot become a Greek citizen by buying property or making a financial contribution. Citizenship is granted only through naturalisation or other legal grounds such as descent or marriage. Details: Investment programs in Greece provide residency, not nationality. The Golden Visa is the option most investors use to establish legal residence in the country, but it does not grant a passport and it does not shorten the seven-year naturalisation timeline. Greece Does Not Offer Citizenship by Investment Greece does not sell passports. You cannot become a citizen by buying property or making a financial contribution. Citizenship is granted only through naturalisation or other legal grounds such as descent or marriage. The Golden Visa Gives You Residency, Not Automatic Citizenship The Greece Golden Visa gives you a residence permit. It lets you live in the country and move freely across the Schengen Area. It does not make you a citizen and it does not shorten the seven-year naturalisation timeline. If you want a passport later, you must: Hold valid Greek residency for a long period Fulfil naturalisation requirements (language and civics exam) Show ties to Greece and a clean record We explain these requirements in the next section. Why You Should Consider the Golden Visa if Your Goal Is Citizenship The Golden Visa is still worth considering if you want a passport in the future because it gives you a legal base in Greece and supports long-term settlement. It also lets you include your family and gives you the right to own property. If you hold the permit for many years and integrate into the country, you can later apply for citizenship through the regular naturalisation process. How Does Greek Citizenship Work? Direct answer: Greek citizenship is granted through naturalisation, which requires legal residence and proof of integration. It is not automatic and involves exams and administrative checks. Other routes exist for applicants with Greek origin or family ties. Details: Naturalisation is the main path for long-term foreign residents and most non-EU applicants. To qualify, you need to live legally in Greece for several years, demonstrate knowledge of the Greek language, and show that you are integrated into society. People with Greek ancestry or those married to Greek citizens may follow different procedures that do not always rely on the standard naturalisation timeline. Legal Residence Requirement (Seven Years) To apply for a Greek passport through naturalisation, you must hold legal residence in Greece for seven consecutive years. Throughout this period, residency should remain valid and active. The Golden Visa can support this requirement as long as the permit is renewed on time. Language and Civics Examination Naturalisation applicants need to pass an exam covering: Greek language Greek history and culture Basic elements of society and public life This confirms that applicants can communicate in Greek and understand the country’s cultural and civic framework. Integration and Good Conduct Criteria Naturalisation also includes broader criteria aimed at assessing integration and reliability. Authorities typically expect: A clean criminal record Proof of stable financial means No serious issues with Greek institutions Once the residency period is complete and the exam and integration requirements are met, applicants can submit a naturalisation request to the Ministry of Interior. Successful applicants become Greek citizens and may apply for a Greek passport. Who Is Eligible for Greek Citizenship? Direct answer: Eligibility for Greek citizenship depends on the legal basis you qualify under. The most common route for non-EU nationals is naturalisation after seven years of legal residence. Other pathways exist for people with Greek ancestry or certain family relationships. Details: Greek nationality law recognises several categories of applicants, and each category has its own rules, documents, and processing timeline. If you are not of Greek origin, you will usually follow the standard naturalisation route. If you have Greek parents or grandparents, or if you are married to a Greek citizen, you may qualify through a different procedure that does not always require seven years of residence. Naturalisation for Long-Term Residents This is the standard route for most foreign nationals. Naturalisation requires seven years of legal residence, passing the language and civics exam, and meeting integration criteria. Golden Visa holders fall under this category if they live in Greece long term and maintain their residency status. Citizenship by Descent (Greek Origin) Individuals with Greek parents or grandparents may qualify through descent. In these cases, citizenship is based on ancestry rather than residency. Applicants must provide official documents that prove their Greek origin and complete the registration process with Greek authorities. Processing can be lengthy due to documentation checks. Citizenship Through Marriage Marriage to a Greek citizen does not grant automatic citizenship. However, it can lead to a faster residency and naturalisation process. Generally, spouses can apply for permanent residence after a shorter period of living together in Greece and may apply for citizenship after five years instead of seven. Proof of genuine marriage and cohabitation is required. Citizenship for Ethnic Greeks Through Military Service Ethnic Greeks who serve in the Greek Armed Forces may follow a special route. This process is separate from standard naturalisation and is available only to individuals who meet the ethnic Greek criteria and complete military service obligations. What Is the Greece Golden Visa? Direct answer: The Greece Golden Visa is a residency-by-investment program. It gives you and your family the right to live in Greece and move freely within the Schengen Area. It does not grant citizenship directly, but it can support a long-term plan if your goal is to apply for a Greek passport through naturalisation. Details: The program allows non-EU nationals to obtain a residence permit by making a qualifying investment in Greece. Most applicants use real estate as their qualifying route, although financial instruments are also possible. The permit can be renewed as long as you maintain your investment and meet basic conditions. How the Golden Visa Works The Golden Visa gives you a temporary residence permit with multi-year validity. You can renew the permit if you maintain the qualifying investment. There are no strict physical stay requirements, which is one of the main reasons the program appeals to international investors. Many people use the Golden Visa to: Live in Greece Own property Bring family members Access the Schengen Area If you want a Greek passport later, you will need to transition from holding residency to living in Greece more consistently and meeting naturalisation requirements. Rights You Receive With the Golden Visa As a Golden Visa holder, you can: Live in Greece as long as your permit remains valid Travel within the Schengen Area without extra visas Own residential property in Greece Enrol children in local or private schools Access basic services as a legal resident These rights make the program useful for relocation and long-term settlement planning. What the Golden Visa Does Not Provide It is also important to understand what the program does not include. The Golden Visa does not: Grant a Greek passport Grant EU citizenship Provide political rights Replace the naturalisation timeline Permit employment without separate authorisation If your end goal is citizenship, the Golden Visa is a practical first step, not a citizenship product. What Are the Investment Options for the Greece Golden Visa? Direct answer: To qualify for the Greece Golden Visa, you must make a qualifying investment in Greece. The most common option is real estate. There are also routes through financial instruments, term deposits, and company shares. Details: Real estate is the most popular choice because it gives you a physical asset and allows you to live in the property if you choose. The government updated the investment thresholds, and today the minimum amount depends on where the property is located. Financial instruments are an alternative for applicants who do not want to purchase real estate. Real Estate Investment Options Real estate investments fall into three main categories based on location and property type: €800,000 Zone: Properties in the Administrative Region of Attica (including most of Athens and Piraeus), Thessaloniki, Mykonos, Santorini, and islands with more than 3,100 residents require a minimum investment of €800,000. The purchase must be for a single property with a minimum area of 120 sqm. €400,000 Zone: Properties in all other regions of Greece require a minimum investment of €400,000. This applies to a single property. €250,000 Restoration Category: A €250,000 minimum applies to properties that are listed buildings or commercial buildings converted to residential use. These investments are subject to approval conditions and usage rules. Property Usage Rules Greece has specific rules for how Golden Visa properties can be used. Properties purchased under the Golden Visa cannot be used for short-term tourist rentals such as Airbnb. There are also restrictions for properties converted from commercial to residential use, as they cannot serve as company headquarters. These rules are important if you are considering rental income or business use. Financial Instrument Options If you do not want to purchase real estate, you may qualify through financial routes. These include: Shares or bonds of Greek companies Term deposits in Greek banks Greek government bonds Units in investment funds or real estate investment companies Minimum amounts for these routes vary from €350,000 to €800,000 depending on the type of instrument. Real estate remains the route most applicants choose because it is straightforward and tangible. Fees and Additional Costs In addition to the investment, there are government fees and taxes. These typically include: Transfer tax on real estate purchases Application fees for the main applicant and family members Legal and administrative expenses Costs will vary based on the type and location of the investment. A realistic budget should include legal due diligence, translation of documents, and notary fees. Who Can Apply with the Main Investor? Direct answer: The Greece Golden Visa allows you to include several family members in your application. This makes the program suitable for couples and multi-generational households. Details: Family eligibility is one of the reasons the Golden Visa appeals to long-term planners. Children can study in Greece and spouses can live in the country under the same permit. Parents can also join under certain conditions. Eligible Family Members The following family members can be included under one main investment: Spouse or legally registered partner Children under 18 Children aged 18 to 24 if they are unmarried and studying Parents of the main applicant Parents of the spouse or registered partner This structure allows three generations to relocate through a single application. Rights for Family Members Approved family members receive residence permits that give them similar rights to the main investor. They can: Live in Greece as long as the permit is valid Travel in the Schengen Area without extra visas Access local education and private healthcare Family permits are tied to the main investment and must be renewed at the same time. What Happens When Children Become Adults Children who turn 18 during the residency period can stay covered as long as they meet the conditions set for dependents. Once they are no longer dependents, they may apply for their own residence permit if they want to remain in Greece. How Long Does It Take to Get Greek Citizenship Through Residency? Direct answer: Most applicants become eligible for Greek citizenship after seven years of legal residence. The Golden Visa can support this timeline, but it does not shorten it. You also need to meet additional requirements such as language skills and integration. Details: The seven-year period is set by Greek naturalisation law. During these years, applicants are expected to maintain valid residency and build ties to Greece. Golden Visa holders who want to apply for citizenship later need to transition from residency to more permanent living arrangements and fulfil integration criteria. The Residency Timeline (Golden Visa Stage) The Golden Visa is obtained first. The typical residency process involves: Making a qualifying investment Submitting the application Receiving the residence permit Renewing the permit as required A realistic expectation for receiving the first residence permit is six to twelve months depending on documentation, investment type, and appointment availability. The Naturalisation Timeline (Citizenship Stage) After holding legal residency for seven years, eligible applicants may request naturalisation. At this stage, authorities assess: Length and continuity of residence Knowledge of the Greek language Basic understanding of Greek society Conduct and financial stability There is no fast-track or automatic approval. The process includes an interview and a naturalisation exam. Physical Presence and Integration Expectations While the Golden Visa does not require you to live in Greece full time to keep your permit, naturalisation does require evidence of a real connection to the country. Applicants who spend meaningful time in Greece and participate in local life are better positioned for approval. This is an important difference between holding a residence permit and becoming a citizen. Do You Need to Renounce Your First Citizenship? Direct answer: Greece allows dual citizenship, so most applicants do not need to renounce their original nationality. However, whether you can hold more than one passport also depends on the laws of your home country. Details: Greek citizenship gives you the rights of a European Union citizen. Many applicants choose to keep their original nationality because it protects business, family, or travel interests. Greece imposes no restrictions on dual or multiple citizenships for naturalised individuals. Dual Citizenship in Greece Greek nationality law recognises dual citizenship without special conditions. Once you become a Greek citizen, you are treated the same as a citizen by birth. You can hold a Greek passport together with another passport and enjoy the full rights of both, subject to the other country’s rules. Home Country Restrictions Not all countries permit dual citizenship. Some restrict or prohibit holding a second passport. If your home country does not allow dual citizenship, you may need to make a choice during or after the naturalisation process. Before entering a citizenship timeline, it is helpful to confirm: Whether your home country recognises dual citizenship Whether renunciation is required at any point Whether there are tax or legal consequences This can affect long-term planning for families and investors. What Are the Benefits of Greek Residency and Citizenship? Direct answer: Greek residency and citizenship offer very different benefits. Residency gives you the right to live in Greece and access the Schengen Area. Citizenship gives you full rights as a European Union national, including the freedom to live and work in any EU state. Details: Many applicants start with residency through the Golden Visa, then consider citizenship later once they understand the lifestyle, mobility, and long-term advantages Greece offers. Below you will find the practical differences so you can understand how each status fits into your plans. Benefits of Greek Residency (Golden Visa) Greek residency through the Golden Visa gives you: The right to live in Greece Visa-free access to the Schengen Area Property ownership rights Access to local schools and private healthcare Residence permits for qualifying family members These benefits are helpful if you want a base in Europe without giving up your current citizenship. They also support relocation planning, especially for families. Benefits of Greek Citizenship (EU Passport) Greek citizenship gives you the rights of a European Union national, including: The right to live and work in any EU member state Full political rights in Greece Access to public healthcare and education The ability to pass citizenship to future children Visa-free travel to a large number of countries Citizenship turns your status from temporary or renewable residency into permanent membership in the European Union. Why Some Investors Start with Residency and Consider Citizenship Later Starting with residency allows you to settle in Greece and explore life in the country without making irreversible decisions. If you decide that Greece fits your long-term plans, you can later work toward naturalisation and a passport. This approach is common among investors who want flexibility, mobility, and a structured path that does not require immediate commitment. How Does Tax Residency Work in Greece? Direct answer: Tax residency in Greece depends on where you spend most of the year and where your financial interests are located. Holding the Golden Visa does not automatically make you a tax resident. You become a tax resident only if you meet specific physical presence or economic criteria. Details: Many Golden Visa applicants choose to keep their tax residency elsewhere, especially during the early years. Others relocate fully and take advantage of Greece’s tax regimes for new residents. Understanding this distinction helps you plan properly if your long-term goal is citizenship. When You Become a Tax Resident You are typically considered a Greek tax resident if: You spend more than 183 days in Greece in a calendar year or Greece becomes the center of your financial or personal interests Becoming a tax resident means that global income may become subject to Greek tax rules unless you qualify for a special regime. Tax Residency for Golden Visa Holders Golden Visa holders are not required to become tax residents. You can hold the permit, own property, and renew it without living in Greece full time. This flexibility is one reason the program is attractive to global investors and frequent travellers. However, if you plan to apply for citizenship, you should eventually be prepared to live in Greece for longer periods, which may trigger tax residency. Special Tax Regimes for New Residents Greece offers special tax regimes that can make relocation more appealing. One of the most relevant is the non-dom regime, which allows certain individuals to pay a fixed annual tax on foreign-sourced income instead of standard rates. This scheme applies under specific conditions and must be approved by the authorities. There are also other regimes for retirees and high-skilled individuals. These can reduce tax burdens or provide exemptions on specific types of income. Why Taxes Matter for Citizenship Planning If you are planning for a Greek passport, your long-term presence in the country becomes more important. This increases the relevance of tax residency rules and special regimes. Many families choose to get advice before relocating fully to understand how their income and assets will be treated. Speak to a Government-Authorised Advisor The path to a Greek passport is not fast, and it requires planning. If you are considering Greece for long-term residency or future citizenship, it helps to understand your options clearly before you invest. The Greece Golden Visa program is one of the recognised routes to establish residency, which is a key part of the naturalisation process. To get professional guidance on whether the Golden Visa fits your goals and how to plan your residency, you can reach out to our team. We help you understand eligibility, compare options, and prepare the right documents so you avoid unnecessary delays. FAQs About Greek Passports and the Golden Visa Can You Get a Greek Passport by Investment? No. Greece does not offer citizenship by investment. You can become a citizen only through naturalisation or other legal grounds such as descent or marriage. Investment gives you residency, not direct citizenship. How Long Does It Take to Get a Greek Passport? The standard timeline is seven years of legal residence followed by the naturalisation process. Processing times for naturalisation vary and depend on exams, interviews, and administrative checks. Does the Golden Visa Count Toward Citizenship? Yes, but only if you use it to establish real residence in Greece. Holding the Golden Visa alone is not enough. You must live in Greece, integrate, and meet naturalisation requirements. Do You Need to Live in Greece Full Time to Keep the Golden Visa? No. The Golden Visa has no strict physical stay requirement for renewal. However, if you want to apply for citizenship later, you will need to live in Greece more consistently. Does Greece Allow Dual Citizenship? Yes. Greece recognises dual citizenship. Whether you can keep your first citizenship depends on the laws of your home country. Can Family Members Join the Golden Visa Application? Yes. You can include your spouse or registered partner, children under 18, dependent children aged 18 to 24, and parents of both spouses. What Is the Cheapest Way to Qualify for the Golden Visa? The lowest real estate threshold is €250,000 for certain restoration properties. Most applicants invest at the €400,000 or €800,000 levels depending on location. Financial instruments start at higher levels. Can You Work in Greece with the Golden Visa? Not automatically. The Golden Visa permits residence but not employment. If you want to work for a Greek employer, you need separate authorisation. Self-employment and remote work may follow different rules. Can Children Who Turn 18 Keep Their Residency? Yes, but they need to meet dependency rules. Once they are no longer dependents, they may need to apply for their own permit if they want to stay in Greece. References Greece Golden Visa official program overview. Referred from: https://migration.gov.gr/en/golden-visa/ Greek citizenship and naturalisation general information. Referred from: https://www.mfa.gr/usa/en/services/services-for-greeks/greek-citizenship.html Naturalisation eligibility and seven-year residence requirement (Greece). Referred from: https://www.ypes.gr/UserFiles/f0ff9297-f516-40ff-a70e-eca84e2ec9b9/HowCanIBecomeAGreekCitizen.pdf Details on residence permit categories and family inclusion for non-EU nationals. Referred from: https://migration.gov.gr/en/gas/aitoyntes-kai-dikaioychoi/adeies-diamonis/ Citizenship eligibility and naturalisation pathway after long-term residency. Referred from: https://www.lexidy.com/blog/greece-citizenship-by-investment/