Greece is a beautiful country with a rich history, warm weather, and friendly people. Many people from around the world dream of becoming Greek citizens. Some are drawn by the country’s culture, while others want to live in the European Union. Greek citizenship opens many doors. You can live, work, and study anywhere in the EU. You can also enjoy Greece’s public services, such as healthcare and education.
But before you can enjoy these benefits, you need to understand the process and the cost. Getting Greek citizenship is not free. How much does it cost to get Greek citizenship? It involves several steps, documents, and fees. In this article, we will explain how much Greek citizenship costs, and what you should expect during the process. We will use simple language, so that everyone can follow along.
What Are the Main Ways to Get Greek Citizenship?
There are several ways to become a Greek citizen. Each path has its own cost. Some people get citizenship through their Greek parents or grandparents. Others apply after living in Greece for many years. Some people invest money in Greece and apply through an investment program. The cost depends on which path you choose.
Let’s look at the most common ways to get Greek citizenship:
Citizenship by descent (Greek heritage)
Citizenship by naturalization (long-term residence)
Citizenship by investment (Golden Visa + later naturalization)
Each method has a different process, time frame, and cost. We will explain them in detail below.
How Much Does Citizenship by Descent Cost?
If you have Greek parents, grandparents, or even great-grandparents, you may be able to get Greek citizenship through descent. This is often the cheapest way to become a Greek citizen.
You will need to prove your family connection to Greece. This means collecting birth, marriage, and death certificates from your family. Some of these documents may need to be translated into Greek and certified.
Here is what you may need to pay for:
Document collection fees in your home country
Translation and legal certification of documents
Application submission fee (usually around €150)
Lawyer fees (optional but helpful)
In most cases, the total cost can range from €300 to €1,000. If you need help from a lawyer or translator, the cost will be higher. But overall, this path is not very expensive. The biggest challenge is collecting the right documents and proving your connection to Greece.
How Much Does Citizenship by Naturalization Cost?
If you have lived in Greece for many years, you may be able to apply for citizenship through naturalization. This path is for foreigners who have made Greece their home. To qualify, you usually need to live in Greece legally for at least 7 years. If you are married to a Greek citizen or have Greek children, the time may be shorter.
Here are the main steps and costs:
Residency Requirement
You need to prove that you have lived in Greece for the required number of years. This means having a valid residence permit and showing tax records, utility bills, and other documents.
Language and Integration Test
You must pass a Greek language and culture test. This test checks if you can speak Greek and understand the country’s history and laws. You may need to take language classes before the test. These classes can cost from €500 to €1,500, depending on where you study.
The exam fee itself is about €250.
Application Fee
Once you are ready, you submit your application for citizenship. The application fee is usually €550.
Lawyer and Translation Fees
Many people hire a lawyer to help with the paperwork. This is not required, but it can make the process easier. A lawyer may charge anywhere from €1,000 to €3,000 or more.
You will also need to translate and legalize your foreign documents. This can cost an extra €100 to €300.
Total Cost
In total, the cost of naturalization can range from €1,500 to €5,000. It depends on how much help you need and how well you speak Greek. The process can take several months or even years.
How Much Does Citizenship by Investment Cost?
Greece has a program called the Golden Visa. This is for people who invest money in Greece, usually in real estate. While the Golden Visa itself does not give you citizenship right away, it is a path that can lead to naturalization later.
Investment Requirement
To get a Golden Visa, you must invest at least €250,000 in Greek property. In some popular areas, the minimum was raised to €500,000 in 2023. You can also invest in other ways, such as through shares or bank deposits.
Golden Visa Costs
The Golden Visa comes with extra fees:
Government application fee: around €2,000
Lawyer and notary fees: around €3,000 to €6,000
Property tax and transfer fees: around 3–5% of the property value
So if you buy a home for €250,000, the total cost could be around €270,000 to €280,000 after taxes and fees.
Citizenship After Several Years
Once you have lived in Greece with the Golden Visa for at least 7 years, you may be able to apply for citizenship by naturalization. Then, you must follow the same steps mentioned earlier, including passing the Greek language test and paying the €550 application fee.
So in total, the path through investment can cost well over €280,000. But for many people, this option is worth it because they get a home in Greece and enjoy residency before applying for citizenship.
Are There Any Other Hidden Costs?
Yes, there are a few other things you should keep in mind. While the main fees are listed above, you may face extra costs depending on your situation.
Document Translations
If your documents are not in Greek, you must translate them. Translations must be certified by a legal translator or lawyer. This can cost €20 to €50 per page.
Travel Costs
If you live outside of Greece, you may need to travel to submit your application or attend an interview. You may also need to visit Greece to collect documents or meet with lawyers. These trips can add to your total cost.
Time and Lost Income
It’s also important to think about the time you will spend during the process. Gathering papers, studying for the exam, or attending interviews can take days or weeks. If you take time off work, that’s another cost to consider.
Is Greek Citizenship Worth the Cost?
This depends on your personal goals. Greek citizenship comes with many benefits:
You can live and work anywhere in the EU.
You can travel easily to many countries.
You get access to Greece’s healthcare and education systems.
Your children and future generations can also become Greek citizens.
For many people, these benefits are worth the cost and effort. Greek citizenship is especially attractive for people who want to live in Europe or travel freely.
Can I Do It Without a Lawyer?
Yes, it is possible to apply without a lawyer, especially if you are applying through descent. The process is more complex for naturalization and investment routes, but many people still apply without legal help.
However, having a lawyer can save time and avoid mistakes. If your case is complicated or if you are unsure about the steps, it might be a good idea to hire a lawyer. Just be sure to choose someone with experience in Greek immigration law.
What If My Application Is Denied?
Sometimes, applications are denied. This can happen if your documents are not complete or if you fail the language test. If this happens, you may appeal the decision or apply again. This may cost more money and time.
To avoid problems, prepare carefully. Make sure your documents are correct, and take your time to study for the language test. If needed, get help from a lawyer or adviser.
Conclusion
Greek citizenship can be a life-changing opportunity. Whether you apply through family, naturalization, or investment, you should be ready to pay certain fees and spend time preparing. The cheapest option is through Greek ancestry. If you do not have Greek roots, the path through long-term residence or investment is still possible, though it costs more.
Always plan ahead. Research each step. Collect your documents early. Be ready to study for the Greek exam if needed. And most importantly, be patient. The process can be slow, but the reward—a Greek passport and European freedom—is worth the wait.
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