How to become a Greek citizen for a Russian in 2021

Greece attracts with its hospitality, mild climate, beautiful architecture, rich history and fertile lands. Indigenous people are always open and friendly. The country supplies leather and fur products, wine, honey, and olive oil to other countries. Many foreigners dream of moving to this state for permanent residence. There is a great chance for a Russian to obtain Greek citizenship, since its authorities in 2021 are more loyal to immigrants compared to the rest of Europe. After this, you can move freely throughout European countries and the Schengen area.

Benefits of Greek citizenship

No one argues that for Russians, Greek citizenship provides great advantages, as well as for persons from other countries:

1. There is no need for a visa to visit the European countries of the Schengen area.
2. Citizenship of any EU country can be obtained without much difficulty.
3. Expedited and simplified procedure for obtaining a visa to Canada and America.
4. The right to study at universities in Greece and other European countries is provided. In this case, the citizen can take advantage of preferential conditions for obtaining a student loan. The entrance exams are carried out according to a simplified program.
5. You can get loans and open accounts in European banks.
6. Opportunity to obtain an official place of work in Greece and European countries. According to the laws, employers are obliged to fill vacant positions primarily with citizens of their country and Europeans.
7. The right to buy real estate in Greece and Europe.
8. Voting right. A Greek subject can fully participate in the election campaign of local rulers of the region and the central government of the state.
9. Possibility of obtaining Greek citizenship without renouncing your previous citizenship. Greece is loyal to having two passports from different countries.

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Benefits of Greek citizenship

With a Greek passport, you will not need to apply for a visa when traveling to Schengen countries. Wide opportunities not only for traveling around Europe, but also in terms of civil rights and freedoms.

By acquiring Greek citizenship, a person receives:

• freedom of movement, residence, employment opportunities, other guarantees of the European Union states;
• the right to find employment in government agencies of the country and municipal institutions;
• free education in educational institutions;
• participation in elections as a voter or candidate.

A Greek passport guarantees visa-free entry to 174 countries.

Basic methods

Laws define several ways to obtain Greek citizenship. Russians use many of them:

1. By origin and birth.
2. Due to naturalization.
3. Upon repatriation.
4. Upon restoration of previous citizenship.
5. If you have refugee status.
6. Due to connection with family.
7. When concluding a marital relationship with a Greek citizen.
8. Under the terms of employment programs, investments, relocation to work in business.
9. For services to the state.

To make the right choice of how to obtain citizenship in Greece, you need to study their conditions in detail.

By birth and origin

Persons who meet the following conditions of birth and origin can qualify for Greek citizenship:

1. Children with a father or mother who is a Greek citizen.
2. If Russians apply for Greek citizenship, then their children automatically become subjects. This happens upon admission to school.
3. A child found in Greece if it is not possible to find his parents.
4. If children were born in the country, they will receive citizenship if they have lived in this state for more than 8 years. This condition applies if the parents are residents who decide to obtain citizenship.
5. According to the new legislation, a child of another country is given benefits if he has lived in Greece for 5 years. Similar privileges are given to high school students and school graduates if they have received a certificate.

If one of the conditions is met, parents must submit a petition to the Minister of Internal Affairs of the Hellenic Republic. After review, an interview will be scheduled. This method is faster than naturalization. The set of documents includes an application, residence permit, or confirmation of marital relations with a Greek, as well as other additional certificates if necessary.

With naturalization

If the applicant was born in another country and there are no relatives in Greece, then first you need to apply for a residence permit. The conditions for naturalization include the entire adult population who intends to find work in Greece, do business, and restore their relationship with their family. In addition, you need to carefully study state laws and master the local language. After 7 years of residence, you must prepare a set of documents to obtain citizenship.

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A Russian visiting Greece for the first time must obtain a Schengen visa or a long-term national visa included in category D. It can be issued at the Greek embassy or consulate in Russia at one of the following addresses:

1. Embassy of Greece in the Russian Federation: Moscow, per. Leontyevsky, building 4, index 103009, telephones: 8-495-290-14-46, 8-495-290-22-74, 8-495-290-45-58, 8-495-290-10-34, 8-495-290-53-82.
2. Consulate General of Greece in St. Petersburg: index 191073, St. Petersburg, Mikhailovskaya street, building 1/7, telephones: 8-812-329-64-07, 8-812-329-64-09.
3. Consulate General in Novorossiysk: index 353915, Novorossiysk, Isaeva street, building 2, telephones: +7-86-17-23-95-01, +7-86-17-20-13-13, +7-86 -17-23-15-41, +7-86-17-23-13-58.

After obtaining a visa, you must obtain a residence permit before its expiration date. If a person is in an official marital relationship with a Greek citizen and has children, then one can hope to reduce the period for obtaining citizenship to 3 years. When purchasing a house or apartment worth more than 250,000 euros, the period may also be reduced.

The Naturalization Commission deals with issues of obtaining citizenship. To do this you need to prepare a set of documents:

1. Statement.
2. International passport.
3. Resident card.
4. Certificate of no criminal record.
5. Employment certificate or tax return.
6. Receipt for payment of state duty.
7. Medical certificate.

The application must be completed under the supervision of a consul or two citizens of the Hellenic Republic. If the result is positive, information about this is published in print media. Making a decision may take up to 3 months.

Upon repatriation

Foreigners of Greek origin can obtain citizenship through repatriation. They need to submit to the consulate in their country an application and certificates proving the presence of ancestors - native Greeks. Consular officers may additionally request supporting documents.

Consideration of an application for granting citizenship to a repatriate takes place within 2 years. After this, a special permit is inserted into the international passport, which gives the right to automatically receive the status of a citizen after entering the country. Registration of a passport after this becomes a regular formality.

Attention! The repatriation method does not imply the need to test knowledge of the indigenous language or require a certain period of residence.

In case of restoration of citizenship

If a person previously had Greek citizenship, it can be restored. In this case, the right to a simpler procedure for processing documents applies. To do this, you need to provide supporting evidence of a previously held Greek passport.

First of all, the simplified program applies to former Greeks who received citizenship of another country and are now repatriates. This condition does not apply to their descendants; children and grandchildren are required to undergo the procedure in a different order. To restore citizenship, you also do not need to prove knowledge of the language or provide certificates of residence.

Under the refugee protection program

Becoming a refugee in the Greek Republic is quite difficult, but it is possible. Middle Eastern refugees are trying to move to Europe to those places where the economy is developed. Therefore, Greece today is filled with a large number of internally displaced persons. Refugee status will be proven if you provide grounds for threat to life, persecution in your homeland for national, religious and political reasons.

Recently, many Ukrainians have received refugee status in the Greek Republic, having left their country due to the military conflict. Immigrants can apply for Greek citizenship after six years of residence in the country. Then you can legally take in your family, which in its entirety will have the right to citizenship. Refugees do not need to take language tests or pay fees when processing documents.

At family reunion

If you have close relatives in Greece who are full citizens, you can take advantage of the family reunification immigration program. These include children, father, mother, siblings, grandparents.

Relatives need to issue and provide an invitation, which will be the basis for allowing entry of relatives from another country. Subsequently, you can obtain a residence permit and permanent residence. In addition, the law requires a written assignment for invited relatives. This document obliges the provision of visiting relatives with a place to live and financial support if necessary.

In recent years, cases of fraud and forgery of documents on the existence of family ties have become frequent. Therefore, the authorities are more strictly checking data on kinship. Now you can become a subject due to family connection, having accurate information proving your family connection with Greek citizens.

When married to a Greek citizen

The most effective and fastest way to become a citizen of a country is to formalize marital relations. To do this, you will need to have been married continuously for more than 3 years. Spouses must have common property, do housework, and spend time together on family matters.

The Migration Commission should have no doubt about the falsification of the marriage. From time to time, a Greek immigration officer may visit the spouses at their place of residence. He is obliged to monitor compliance with the terms of the official relationship between husband and wife. If children are born in the family, then there will be no more questions about this.

Previously, fictitious marriage was often used by immigrants, including Russians, so the authorities decided to tighten control in this area. A fake marriage is difficult to prove; this is revealed only by a sincere confession, which is rare. If fraud is proven, the parties to the marriage will be charged with criminal charges.

A Greek citizen may end up in a colony for this, and a foreign person will be expelled from the country, followed by a lifelong ban on visiting. The European Union has created a common information base on migration issues. Therefore, it will be impossible for lawbreakers to cross the borders of Europe.

Under business immigration, investment and employment programs

Greece's immigration laws have changed significantly regarding the flow of foreign money - investment. The international crisis has hit the Greek economy. Today the state is slowly emerging from its difficult situation with the help of the support of the European Union. Immigration policies contribute greatly to this.

To quickly obtain citizenship, you need to buy real estate in the country for an amount of over 250,000 euros. This should not necessarily be an apartment, but also industrial buildings. The method is often used by residents of Russia.

For those individuals who create their own enterprise in Greece, the authorities provide preferential conditions. To open a company you will need no more than 7,000 euros, depending on the form of organization. Authorized capital must be invested only in Greek banks. If the business is not operating, taxes still need to be paid on time. A businessman enters into financial responsibility agreements with credit companies. Loan debts are collected quickly and legally. Owning your own business in the Greek Republic, provided it is profitable, leads to citizenship within 7 years.

Attention! Family members of businessmen enjoy similar rights in obtaining citizenship.

Having a permanent place of work in Greece is not a basis for quickly obtaining citizenship. But it is much easier for a working person to obtain resident status. To provide work, you need permission from the authorities and signing an agreement with the employer.

Today, the Hellenic Republic lacks qualified personnel. Many of them left for developed countries to work due to the economic crisis.

For special services to the country

The President of Greece can grant citizenship status. But for this it is necessary to make a big contribution to the economy and protect the interests of the country. These people include athletes who have won gold and silver medals at Olympic competitions. In each case, the issue is considered individually. Having merits to the state, you can get a passport without additional difficulties and requirements.

Who can become a Greek citizen?

There are several ways to obtain Greek citizenship. One of the most common and simplest is through naturalization. Foreigners who have lived as residents in the country for at least 7 years, after passing exams and paperwork, receive a Greek passport and the corresponding license. Spouses of Greek citizens can do this in a simplified manner after 5 years of residence in the country. If a child is born in marriage, the period is reduced to 3 years.

automatically granted to children born in marriage to citizens or permanent residents of the country, adopted by a Greek family or born out of wedlock, provided that one of the parents is a Greek citizen. Close relatives of Greek citizens can also count on receiving a passport In accordance with migration legislation, this category includes children, parents, siblings, and grandparents.

Monasticism on Mount Athos or service in the Greek Armed Forces also gives the right to apply for citizenship of the country. Image from freepik.com.

It is possible to obtain citizenship through refugee status after six years of residence in the country in this status. But this option is not suitable for Russians. In recent years, residents of regions of Ukraine where fighting continues have resorted to it more often. Among Russians, in addition to naturalization and marriage, popular options for obtaining citizenship are opening a profitable business or purchasing real estate , costing from 250,000 euros. Close relatives of a businessman or property owner are also eligible for Greek citizenship.

Greek law provides for the possibility of obtaining citizenship for special merits. But this is an option more likely for Tom Hanks, and not for an ordinary Russian. Image from freepik.com.

Please note that the republic does not provide citizenship on a fee basis. That is, you cannot buy a Greek passport, but you can count on it by investing in real estate or the country’s economy.

Selected cases of obtaining citizenship

A faster procedure for obtaining Greek citizenship can be carried out in different situations:

1. After 4 years, you can become a citizen of the country if you serve in the Greek armed forces, subject to serving on the territory of the state. Only Orthodox and Catholics can be military in a given country, so future soldiers are required to provide proof of baptism in the church. Muslims from other countries are not accepted for contract service.
2. Special rules are introduced for Orthodox foreign citizens who want to be monks of the Athos Monastery, located in Greece. They can hope to obtain citizenship of the country after 3 years of being there.

Receiving a passport

It is possible to receive a passport only after taking the oath. To do this, you need to contact your local police station and apply for a passport. The document is produced at the main branch of the National Passport Center in Athens, and is issued by the same organization, but only at the applicant’s place of residence.

To obtain a Greek passport, the following documents are submitted:

• An identification card confirming the legal stay of a foreign resident in Greece.
• A duplicate of the receipt confirming payment.
• International passport.
• Photograph.

Standard photo

The period for obtaining a passport ranges from 3 to 9 days. After submitting the documents, the applicant is assigned a number by which he can track the readiness of the passport. Since 2006, all Greek citizens have been issued biometric passports.

The passport cover is burgundy with the image of the state coat of arms. Inside the document there is a chip on which all the basic information of the passport holder is entered: fingerprints, personal data, photo.

Cost and timing of citizenship assignment

The application and package of documents are reviewed by the Ministry of Internal Affairs for 2 - 3 months. After a positive decision regarding the issuance of citizenship, a foreign resident is required to pay 700 euros (state fee).

State duty is not paid:

• Refugees.
• Individuals who receive residency under the repatriation program.
• Persons under 18 years of age who acquire Greek citizenship with their parents. Minor children are not completely exempt from paying; parents pay a fee of 20 euros for them.

Refusal

Citizenship may be denied if the applicant is under 18 years of age. Also, the refusal may be provoked by the presence of a criminal record in the home country or EU countries.

If a foreign resident has previously been subject to deportation from the states of the European Union, then he will also receive a refusal from the government to obtain resident status.

The reason for refusal may also be the presence of serious diseases in a foreign resident, which can be dangerous for Greek citizens. Typically, citizenship is not accepted for people who suffer from HIV infection, tuberculosis, syphilis, Lyme disease, etc.

It is worth remembering that a refusal can always be refuted in court .

Is it possible to buy Greek citizenship?

It is impossible to buy Greek citizenship! If you come across similar offers on the Internet, you should remember that these are scammers. Greece offers to invest in economic development, but for this it only provides a residence permit in this country, and not citizenship.

What documents are required?

The list of papers for obtaining citizenship in many European countries is the same, with minor distinctive features. Let's take a closer look at the list of documents below.

For an adult

Subject to the conditions and time of residence in the country, you can submit an application with a set of the following papers:

1. Completed application form.
2. Citizen's passport.
3. Birth certificate.
4. Certificate of no criminal record for the last 10 years.
5. Copies of residence permit, certificate of registration from permanent place of residence.
6. Medical certificate.
7. Evidence of payment of tax debts.
8. Certificate of legal income of the applicant and his family. There must be enough finances for the family to live without the help of the authorities (salary certificate, business income, bank deposits, securities).
9. Photos – 4 pieces for a passport.
10. Application for refusal or abandonment of previous citizenship.

All certificates and documents are certified by a notary and translated into Greek.

For a child

Children will automatically receive the status of nationals of the country if at least their mother or father is Greek. If the parents are citizens of another state, the children will become Greek citizens when they start school.

List of required documents:

1. Completed application form.
2. Resident card.
3. A certificate confirming family ties with parents.

Additional documents

Persons confirming naturalization must provide documents on the establishment of a business.

If citizenship is obtained through employment:

1. Agreement with the employer.
2. Bank statements.

When purchasing an apartment or other real estate:

1. Contract of sale.
2. Certificate of registration of rights.

Refugees must provide evidence of reprisals.

Documents required for obtaining citizenship

If the necessary terms and conditions for legal residence in Greece are met, then you can begin collecting documents to obtain citizenship and a second passport. For this you will need:

• Questionnaire
• International passport + copy.
• Color photographs size 35*45 mm.
• A copy of the Greek residence permit.
• Medical insurance.
• Extract from the tax service for the last year.
• Certificate of income from work.

Greece allows dual citizenship for its citizens. Therefore, to obtain a Greek passport, you do not need to write a renunciation of your first citizenship.

• Every foreigner must prove his knowledge of the Greek language to obtain citizenship. For those who studied in Greece at school or university, there is no need to take this exam.
• You also need to pass an exam on your knowledge of laws and life in Greece. The test consists of 30 questions, 20 of which must be answered correctly.
• Documents that can help in obtaining citizenship - documentary evidence of kinship, marriage with a Greek citizen, availability of real estate, business, investments made, etc.

Review of documents for obtaining Greek citizenship can take about a year.
The cost of obtaining Greek citizenship is quite expensive - you should expect at least 700 euros. In case of refusal and resubmission of the application, you will only need to pay 200 euros.

Language and integration tests

To obtain the status of a Greek citizen, a foreigner must undergo a series of tests. The first test is knowledge of the Greek language. Testing is carried out in written and oral form. The second necessary test is for knowledge of the culture of Greece and its history.

It is important to learn all the important historical events of this country, presidents, stages of the formation of the republic, as well as the dates of its accession to the EU.

It is imperative to know the constitution, symbols and anthem of the country.

The final test is carried out in the form of an interview. The foreign resident is asked questions about local current legislation, and will also need to provide the names of all members of the government.

Not all foreign residents are tested. Foreigners with refugee status and repatriates are not required to receive certificates.

How to get a residence permit in Greece?

A residence permit can be obtained by contacting the foreigners department of the police. To do this, you must fill out the appropriate application form.

Grounds for obtaining a residence permit:

1. Connecting with family.
2. Apparatus employed.
3. Education.
4. Availability of business in the country.
5. Real estate purchase and investment.
6. Pensioners and financially secure individuals.
7. Long stay in the country.
8. Refugee status.

Required package of documents:

1. International passport.
2. Photographs – 2 pieces 3x4 cm.
3. Bank account statement.
4. Business plan.
5. Real estate certificate.
6. Work contract.

Applying for Greek citizenship: requirements in 2021

Applicants for Greek citizenship are carefully screened. Before submitting papers to obtain a Greek passport, you should know the following:

• it is impossible to obtain citizenship if there are problems with the law;
• there should be no diseases that pose a danger to others;
• the income level must be appropriate;
• Almost all applicants, with some exceptions, are required to speak Greek.

If a person meets these requirements, he can begin to draw up documents.

Who cannot become a Greek citizen?

According to the laws of the country, you cannot obtain a passport in the following cases:

• when the applicant has a criminal record;
• violations of visa rules were recorded, as well as facts of deportation to their homeland;
• when the applicant is infected with an epidemically dangerous disease;
• if the citizen has not reached the age of majority.

Denial of citizenship

The Ministry of Internal Affairs may prepare a refusal to grant citizenship without explaining the reasons. After this, the applicant can proceed in different ways to obtain a passport. It is permissible to simply renounce the citizenship of a given country, or try to resubmit the documents. In addition, there is the possibility of appealing to the judicial authorities to appeal the refusal. You can prepare the appeal yourself, or hire a qualified lawyer. His services are expensive, but bring more benefits.

Obtaining the status of a Greek citizen for a resident of Russia is a good start to entering the European Union and the society of Europeans. The procedure for obtaining documents is simple, which is why many Russians use this opportunity. Subsequently, Greek citizenship can easily be changed to citizenship of another European state. In this regard, many migrants use Greece as a transit point for moving to a developed country.

Is dual citizenship possible?

It is possible to obtain dual citizenship between the countries of Russia and Greece.

Greece and the Russian Federation have concluded an agreement on the possibility of obtaining dual citizenship. Residents of Russia have the right to retain a Russian identity document and obtain a Greek passport.

This possibility makes the procedure simpler, since there is no need to provide paper confirming the renunciation of existing citizenship.

Investing and purchasing real estate in Greece

If you decide to invest money in the economy of the Greek state (for example, open a company here) or are going to buy real estate, then special conditions are provided for you to obtain a Greek residence permit. The investment amount is at least 250 thousand euros. Investments mean the purchase or long-term lease (for 10 years or more) of real estate or land.

Documents for obtaining a residence permit:

• international passport;
• real estate documents (the transaction must be completed);
• photos;
• a certificate from the bank confirming the regular receipt of funds (for financially independent persons);
• a one-year employment contract with a Greek company (if a residence permit with the right to work is issued);
• constituent documents for the company, business plan (if the applicant plans to open a business).

To obtain a residence permit, relatives are provided with a “green road”. The advantage of buying Greek real estate is the possibility of obtaining a five-year residence permit for all family members (wife/husband, children, parents). After five years, you have the right to apply for citizenship. To do this, you will need to prove the legality of your stay in the country during this entire period and the investment in the country.

A residence permit or status that grants citizenship of the Greek state does not oblige a person to permanently reside in the purchased villa or apartment. If you wish, you can simply be an investor and not apply for visa documents.

When purchasing a Greek business for an amount of 250 thousand euros, you will need the approval of the Ministry of Development and Competitiveness of Greece.

Photo for visa to Greece

This information is not true. Today it is simply impossible to visit Greece without a visa. For the Russian population, the embassy and visa centers operate according to a simplified scheme. Documents are processed much faster. However, the photography requirements remain the same.

• The photograph is taken with high definition. To do this, when working, the master should not use any unnecessary accessories, except those recommended in the certificate issued by the hospital. These may include glasses, a blindfold covering the eyes, etc.;
• It is not forbidden for people of religious beliefs to be photographed wearing a beautiful headdress;
• The gaze must be directed strictly at the camera;
• You can't close your eyes.

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How does naturalization occur?

If you were not born in Greece and do not have relatives there, then first you need to obtain a residence permit (residence permit) in Greece. After seven years (in some cases 3-5 years), you can apply for a civil passport.

Documents for obtaining a residence permit will depend on the category of the Greek residence permit; they are submitted to the Russian consulate, and for renewal - in Greece itself. The seven-year period for a future citizen can be reduced if your spouse is a Greek citizen and the marriage has a child together. In this case, you can become a citizen of the country within three years. Having purchased real estate for an amount of 250 thousand euros, you become entitled to a special procedure, as a result of which you can obtain citizenship in just five years.

Issues of obtaining citizenship of the country are considered by the Naturalization Commission, where a personal meeting is held with the candidate.

Documents for naturalization:

• statement;
• copy of international passport;
• resident card;
• certificate of no problems with the law;
• tax return or certificate of employment in a Greek company;
• paid state fee;
• medical statement.

The application or declaration is submitted to the mayor's office in the area where you live. The application is made in the presence of two Greeks or a consul (for ethnic Greeks). Foreigners who have lived in the territory of the state for a specified period of time and have not violated the laws have the right to citizenship.

If a decision on Greek citizenship is made in favor of the applicant, information about this is published in the newspaper. Within a year you need to take the oath of the country, as a result you will become a citizen of Greece.

Typically, naturalization takes 2-3 months, but a more expedited procedure for processing documents is possible.

Stages of obtaining Greek citizenship in 2021

Acquiring Greek citizenship occurs in stages. The registration procedure begins with the issuance of the appropriate permit. It is possible to obtain an admission to choose from 2 types: Schengen or long-term. A Schengen permit allows you to stay for up to 90 days, while a long-term permit allows you to stay in Greece for up to a year.

Requirements for applicants

As evidence of the requirements presented to candidates, the following information must be provided:

• availability of purchased or rented housing;
• a certificate of good conduct in your home country;
• medical certificate confirming the absence of serious diseases;
• bank account statement confirming monthly income of 2,000 euros.

Obtaining a residence permit

It is impossible for Russians to obtain Greek citizenship without going through the first stage of acquiring resident status. To begin with, you must submit an application for a residence permit in the form of a completed application to the local municipality. The migrant receives a response within 4 months.

During this time, you can live and move freely throughout Greece. However, visiting the European Union is prohibited, since it will not be possible to obtain Schengen clearance.

Obtaining citizenship

As a rule, a residence permit is issued for 5 years with the right of subsequent extension, after which it is already possible to obtain citizenship.

Permanent residence is an identity document confirming the right to reside in the country on a permanent basis and get a job throughout Europe. Otherwise, passport holders have the same rights as residents with temporary status.

Collection and submission of documents for adults and children

Greek citizenship is possible for Russians only if certain conditions are met. If you want to connect yourself with this country as closely as possible, you must first prove that you have no criminal record. It is confirmed by a corresponding certificate issued at the place of residence.

An apostille and notarized translation will also be required. This certificate has a validity period of six months, and at the time of submission must not be older than three months.

It is also necessary to confirm financial security and provide information about the origin of funds.

This is done using a tax return, bank account statement, personal income tax certificate and other similar documents. All these financial documents will be required even for the basic opening of a bank account.

Among the documents that will be needed to obtain a residence permit or citizenship, there will definitely be a birth certificate. Moreover, the apostille must be made specifically at the place of birth, which can be problematic for citizens born in the USSR.

In addition to the above documents, the package also includes:

• valid international passport;
• questionnaire;
• 2 color photographs 35*45 mm;
• receipt of payment of state duty;
• medical insurance;
• other documents, for example, marriage certificate, certificate of employment, evidence of ethnic ties.

Test of knowledge of Greek language and history

Regardless of the basis on which citizenship will be obtained, the applicant will have to pass an exam in the Greek language. It will also touch upon the history, geography and culture of the state. Knowing the language will significantly increase your chances of getting a passport.

This exam is held twice a year in several cities in Greece. It consists of grammatical, written and oral parts. Upon successful completion, a corresponding certificate is issued.

Receiving a passport

According to general requirements, you can obtain a civil passport only after 7 years of living in Greece. The only exception is the so-called “Golden visa” residence permit, for whose holders this period is reduced to 5 years. However, in practice, the waiting time to become a full citizen of the country is much longer.

How is citizenship established by birth?

All children born on the territory of the Greek state, whose parents are its citizens, also automatically receive citizenship of this country. If the parents of a child born here are not residents of Greece, there can be no question of a Greek passport. In this case, it is important to comply with both conditions: birth in Greece and the civil status of the parents. Also, a child found on Greek soil in a situation where the authorities do not have the opportunity to identify his parents will become a Greek citizen.

Design methods

To obtain a Greek passport, it is necessary that the applicant’s identity meets the requirements of the law and there are sufficient grounds to obtain the status of a resident of the country. A passport is issued in the following cases:

Important: several years ago, the Greek Government passed a law allowing one to obtain a document of EU citizenship when purchasing real estate in the country. The cost of the apartment must be at least 250,000 euros. Such measures contributed to the improvement of the economic situation in the country.

Russian athlete died after a 30-kilometer swim in Greece

An athlete from Yekaterinburg, Igor Makeev, who swam 30 kilometers in the open sea last Saturday at a competition in Greece, died after a morning jog, his friend Andrei Mitkov said.

“A loss for our entire voyage. Igor Makeev died today. I went for a morning jog and fell. Probably the heart. A wonderful person, kind. He did a lot of useful and good things for the boys and girls. May you rest in peace, friend. Condolences to the wife and children. Hold on,” RIA Novosti reports Mitkov’s words.