Greece
Greece, the cradle of Western civilization, pairs sun-drenched islands and azure seas with a strategic gateway to the Middle East and North Africa.
Pathways to Greek Citizenship
By Descent
- Either Greek parent, for those born after 1984
- A Greek father, for those born before 1984
- A Greek grandparent
Special Cases
- Great-grandparent eligibility, if the parent or grandparent obtains citizenship first.
- Ethnic Greeks from Constantinople, Imbros, Tenedos, Egypt, or other historic communities.
- Former Greek citizens may reclaim citizenship by declaration.
Disqualifications
- A serious criminal record may disqualify an applicant.
- If your Greek ancestor renounced their citizenship before your birth.
Golden Visa
Greece's investment pathway leads to citizenship after 7 years of residency.
Investment Options
- Real estate: €250,000 minimum.
- Capital contribution: €400,000 in a Greek company.
- Government bonds: €400,000 minimum.
- A bank deposit of €400,000 minimum with a 12-month term.
Life as a Greek National
Healthcare combines strong public and private options, with a specialist consultation typically costing €50 to 100 without insurance.
A renovated two-bedroom apartment in a charming provincial city might run just €100,000, and international schools range €5,000 to 12,000 annually.
Retirees benefit from a special 7% flat tax rate.
The Mediterranean climate supports an outdoor lifestyle nearly year-round.
Benefits of Greek Citizenship
- A Greek passport ranks among the world's most powerful, with visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to over 180 countries.
- Access to the public healthcare system.
- Tuition-free public universities.
- Voting rights.
- Full property ownership rights, without the restrictions placed on non-EU citizens.
Benefits of EU Citizenship
- Freedom to live, work, study, and retire anywhere within the EU.
- Healthcare access across the EU through the EHIC system.
- Voting rights in European Parliament and municipal elections.
- Business operations across the EU single market.
- Consular protection from any EU member state.
- Local tuition rates at universities across the EU.
Next Steps
Take the Second Pass eligibility quiz for a personalized assessment.
Trace your Greek ancestry through Ancestry.com, FamilySearch.org, or community organizations.
Gather birth, marriage, death, and baptismal records.
Build a family tree with your Greek lineage details.