How to obtain Greek citizenship after seven years of residence

How to obtain Greek citizenship after seven years of residence

A foreigner can apply for Greek citizenship after seven years of continuous legal residence in the country. However, holding a residence permit and passing an exam is only part of the process. The state conducts a thorough review, assessing actual residence, language proficiency, income levels, and the applicant’s degree of integration into Greek society.

Does the Golden Visa count?

The investor’s permanent residence permit falls under the categories of permits that allow for naturalization. Nevertheless, the key factor is actual residence in Greece. Owning property and making infrequent visits to the country under the Golden Visa program do not, by themselves, confirm a seven-year period of permanent stay.

When submitting an application, authorities check passports, tax returns, proof of residence, bank statements, and other documents proving that Greece has become the center of the applicant’s life interests.

Which exam must be passed?

To obtain citizenship, a candidate must generally obtain a PEGP certificate (Certificate of Attainment in Greek for Naturalization). The exam covers the following areas:

• Greek language;
• History and geography of Greece;
• Culture;
• Fundamentals of the state structure.

Exams are held twice a year. The application is submitted electronically using personal Taxisnet codes. The exam fee is 150 euros. It is important to note that some graduates of Greek schools and universities may be exempt from this test.

What else is checked?

In addition to passing the exam, the candidate must meet several criteria:

• Be of legal age;
• Have a valid passport and an appropriate type of residence permit;
• Not be under deportation proceedings;
• Have no criminal record that would prevent naturalization.

Special attention is paid to economic and social integration. For the standard seven-year period, it is necessary to confirm income and the fulfillment of tax and insurance obligations for at least five years. Factors considered include employment or business ownership, owning or renting a home, having a bank account, children’s education, language proficiency, and active participation in community life.

What documents are required?

The standard document package includes:

• Passport and valid residence permit;
• PEGP certificate;
• Birth certificate and marriage certificate (if applicable);
• Tax documents and AMKA;
• Proof of economic and social integration.

All foreign documents require legalization and official translation. The state fee for an initial application for third-country nationals is 550 euros.

AILIT Group helps investors start their journey with properly structured real estate and residence permits. Read more in our materials: Golden Visa in Greece and how to get a Golden Visa in 2026.

Conclusion

After seven years of real and continuous residence, a foreign citizen has the right to apply for citizenship, but it is not granted automatically. Success depends on passing the exam, confirming income, tax discipline, and evidence of deep integration into the Greek environment.