Greek citizenship by marriage or civil union is a legally established pathway to naturalization for foreign nationals who have formed a genuine family relationship with a Greek citizen. The purpose of this process is to protect family unity while ensuring the meaningful integration of the applicant into Greek society.
Although this route to Greek citizenship is common, it is not automatic. Greek authorities carefully examine each application to confirm that all legal, residency, and integration requirements are fully met. In practice, many applications are delayed or rejected due to procedural errors, incomplete documentation, or misunderstandings of the law.
Greek citizenship through marriage allows the foreign spouse or partner of a Greek citizen to apply for naturalization after meeting specific statutory conditions. The same principles apply to registered civil unions recognized under Greek law.
Greek nationality law does not grant citizenship solely based on marriage. Instead, the application is assessed through a holistic legal and factual review, focusing on the applicant’s real connection to Greece, family life, and social integration.
To qualify for Greek citizenship by marriage or civil union, the applicant must generally demonstrate:
Failure to satisfy any of these conditions may result in rejection, even if the marriage itself is valid.
One of the most critical elements of Greek citizenship by marriage is the three-year continuous residence requirement. Greek authorities evaluate not only the length of stay but also its substance.
They examine whether:
After marriage, obtaining a residence permit is usually straightforward. However, issues often arise from incorrect registrations, missing civil records, name discrepancies, or unregistered foreign civil status changes, all of which must be resolved before submitting a citizenship application.
The procedure typically includes:
The quality, consistency, and legal accuracy of the application file play a decisive role in the outcome.
Applications are frequently rejected due to:
Proper legal preparation significantly reduces the risk of long delays or negative decisions.
Greek citizenship by marriage or civil union is a viable and rewarding pathway, but it requires careful legal handling and thorough documentation. The process is not merely administrative; it is a substantive evaluation of your relationship with Greece and your integration into Greek society.
When prepared correctly, this route can lead to full Greek citizenship, EU citizenship rights, and long-term security for you and your family.
No. Marriage to a Greek citizen does not automatically grant Greek citizenship. It allows the foreign spouse or partner to apply for Greek citizenship through naturalization, provided all legal, residency, and integration requirements are met.
You must demonstrate at least three (3) years of continuous and legal residence in Greece with a valid residence permit. Time spent in Greece on a tourist visa does not count.
Yes. A legally valid civil union, officially recognized and registered in Greece, is treated the same as marriage for the purposes of applying for Greek citizenship.
Yes. Your marriage or civil union must be registered with the Greek civil registry. Without official registration in Greece, a citizenship application cannot proceed.
Yes. Applicants must prove adequate knowledge of the Greek language, usually through an official language exam or recognized certification, along with basic knowledge of Greek society and institutions.
Greek authorities assess whether Greece has become your center of life. This includes factors such as employment, daily life activities, social ties, community involvement, and genuine cohabitation with your Greek spouse or partner.
No. Greek citizenship by marriage requires actual, lawful residence in Greece. Applications submitted by individuals living permanently outside Greece are typically rejected.
Any differences in names, surnames, dates of birth, or marital status must be corrected before filing your application. Unresolved discrepancies are a common cause of delays or rejection.