Although the Greece Golden Visa program does not grant direct citizenship rights, it offers a legal pathway to citizenship indirectly. Essentially, the primary reason investors apply to this program is that it facilitates the process of obtaining Greek citizenship and establishes the legal groundwork. In our article, we will share the process leading to citizenship with you. We wish you a pleasant read.
Article Summary
The Greece Golden Visa is not a citizenship program; you acquire the right to a residence permit. However, if you live in Greece for 7 years, you can apply for citizenship.
Does the Greece Golden Visa Grant Citizenship Rights?
No, direct citizenship rights are not granted, but it forms the beginning of the path to citizenship when the necessary conditions are met. While the path to citizenship under the Greece Golden Visa program was traditionally regulated under Law 4251/2014 (Migration and Social Integration Code), these provisions were modernized and codified with Law 5038/2023 (New Migration Law), which entered into force as of January 1, 2024. The permanent residence permit granted to investors does not directly confer citizenship; however, it initiates the “legal residence” period required for the holder on the path to applying for citizenship in Greece. Residence permit holders must comply with the provisions of the Greek Nationality Code (Law 3284/2004) in order to transition from residency status to citizenship. The main requirements can be summarized as follows:
- Residing continuously in the country for 7 years,
- Being physically present in the country for at least 183 days a year,
- Proving knowledge of Greek at the B1 level,
- Being a taxpayer is among the fundamental requirements for the application.
Citizenship Conditions for Family Members (Naturalization)
If one of the parents acquires citizenship, their unmarried children under the age of 18 automatically acquire the right to citizenship.
Children who were not born in Greece but go to school here can apply for citizenship by completing educational requirements such as graduation from 9 years of primary/secondary education or 6 years of secondary education. Young people who graduate from a high school in Greece and subsequently obtain a diploma from a Greek higher education institution are also eligible for citizenship. Young people graduating from Greek schools or universities are exempt from the mandatory written general culture and history exam required for citizenship; however, they may be subject to an interview to confirm their level of integration.
If the child was born in Greece and one parent has legally lived in the country for at least 5 years (in some cases 10 years) prior to the birth, citizenship can be applied for when the child starts elementary school.If the child acquires citizenship, this does not automatically grant rights to the mother and father. They must complete the legal process required for citizens
The Legal Framework Leading to European Citizenship
The Greece Golden Visa program establishes the legal groundwork for citizenship. After living in Greece for 7 years, the right to apply for citizenship can be obtained, opening the doors to a second life. To get detailed information about the program, you can visit the Greece Golden Visa page or contact us.
Legislative Resources:
Law 4251/2014 (Greek Migration and Social Integration Code), https://yperaasias.gov.gr/en/labour-relations/individual-employment-relations/work-for-third-country-nationals-in-greece/
Law 5038/2023 (New Migration Law), https://migration.gov.gr/en/enarxi-ischyos-kai-efarmogis-toy-neoy-kodika-metanasteysis-n-5038-2023/
Law 3284/2004 (Greek Nationality Code)
