Citizenship / Naturalization in Greece
One documented route of this kind in Greece, with its conditions, documents, official government fees and process.
Naturalization / Citizenship
Greek citizenship by naturalization, generally after 7 years lawful residence, requiring the Certificate of Knowledge Adequacy (PEG) exam.
- Processing time
- Lengthy; decision published in Government Gazette
- Language requirement
- PEG certificate testing Greek language at B1 plus Greek history, geography, political system and culture (min. 70%)
- Citizenship
- 7 years lawful residence (3 years for spouses of Greek citizens with a common child, recognized refugees, ethnic Greeks)
Requirements
- Generally 7 years lawful residence (reduced to 3 years for certain categories)
- Pass the Certificate of Knowledge Adequacy for Naturalization (PEG) at 70%+
- Proof of lawful residence period
- Identity/civil-status documents
- Tax/economic-integration evidence
Required Documents
- Completed application (Greek characters, recent color photo with seal) required
- Proof of lawful residence period required
- PEG certificate required
- Identity/civil-status documents required
- Tax/economic-integration evidence required
Official fees
- Naturalization fee (varies by route; standard at higher end) 700 EUR
Process Steps
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1
Obtain PEG certificate
Pass the PEG exam (70%+), held twice a year in person; required BEFORE the naturalization application.
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2
File application
File the naturalization application with the competent Citizenship Office (or consular authority for expatriates).
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3
Document checks
Document completeness, validation, and translation are checked; interview where applicable.
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4
Gazette publication
Decision published in the Government Gazette.
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5
Take oath
Acquire citizenship by taking the oath within 1 year of publication.