Greek citizenship by marriage would possibly sound easy, however there’s extra to it than simply saying “I do.” Whereas marrying a Greek nationwide can open the door to citizenship, it doesn’t unlock it mechanically. From timelines to paperwork and authorized circumstances, there are just a few key steps {couples} want to know earlier than beginning the method.
On this weblog, we’ll reply the most typical questions on acquiring Greek citizenship by marriage, masking eligibility, the appliance journey, required paperwork, and potential hurdles. Whether or not you’re newly married or have lengthy been a part of a Greek household, this information will enable you navigate the trail to citizenship with readability and confidence.
1. Can I Get Greek Citizenship if I Marry a Greek Citizen?
You aren’t mechanically granted Greek citizenship when you get married to a Greek citizen. Whereas it is a vital issue, there are further necessities that should be met.
Right here’s what to remember:
- Marriage alone isn’t sufficient. You will have to use for citizenship by way of Greece’s naturalization course of.
- Bought married overseas? Your marriage is legitimate, but it surely should be formally registered with the Greek authorities.
- Residency Issues. Normally, you could dwell in Greece for a minimum of 3 years earlier than making use of, particularly you probably have kids collectively. If not, the usual residency interval of 7 years often applies.
Need to study extra? Go to our Greek Citizenship service web page to discover all of the obtainable pathways to citizenship in Greece and discover solutions to steadily requested questions.
2. How Lengthy Do We Must Be Married to Apply?
The size of your marriage issues, however different elements additionally play a task:
- For these dwelling in Greece: You possibly can apply for Greek citizenship after 3 years of marriage and cohabitation in Greece.
- For these dwelling overseas: There is no such thing as a direct path to citizenship simply by way of marriage. You could have to observe the usual naturalization course of, which generally requires 7 years of authorized residence in Greece.
- For individuals who have kids with a Greek citizen: The method could also be barely simpler you probably have kids along with your Greek partner and reside in Greece.
No matter the place you reside, your marriage should be legally registered with the Greek authorities earlier than making use of.
3. What Paperwork Do We Want?
To use for Greek citizenship by marriage, you’ll have to submit a full set of official paperwork. These should be translated into Greek and legalized (often with an apostille or consular certification). Beneath, we’ve got an inventory of the paperwork you’ll have to submit:
- Marriage Certificates: Should be formally registered in Greece.
- Greek Partner’s Citizenship Certificates or Passport: Proof of their nationality.
- Applicant’s Start Certificates: Formally translated and legalized.
- Proof of Cohabitation in Greece: Rental settlement, property deeds, utility payments, or tax information (if relevant).
- Prison Document Certificates: Out of your nation of origin and any nation you’ve lived in.
- Residency Allow in Greece (if relevant): Required when you dwell in Greece.
- Proof of Language Proficiency: Primary Greek language abilities could also be required for naturalization.
- Tax Data & Social Safety Contributions: If residing in Greece, to point out integration.
Translation & Legalization Guidelines
- All paperwork should be formally translated into Greek by an authorized translator, the Greek Consulate, or the Greek Ministry of International Affairs.
- Paperwork issued overseas both require apostille certification or consular legalization.
4. The place Do We Apply – In Greece or from Overseas?
The appliance course of for Greek citizenship by marriage depends upon whether or not you and your Greek partner dwell in Greece or overseas.
For Spouses Dwelling in Greece
- It’s essential to apply on the native Decentralized Administration workplace within the area the place you reside.
- In case you already maintain a residency allow, that is sometimes a prerequisite earlier than making use of for citizenship.
- It’s essential to submit paperwork, attend an interview, and display integration into Greek society.
For Spouses Dwelling Exterior Greece
- It’s essential to apply by way of the Greek Consulate in your nation of residence.
- The Consulate will deal with doc verification and ahead your utility to the Greek authorities.
- You could be required to supply further proof of connection to Greece, equivalent to common visits, monetary ties, or language abilities.
No matter the place you apply, the method contains doc verification, background checks, and an interview earlier than approval.
5. How Lengthy Does It Take to Get Greek Citizenship by Marriage?
The processing time for Greek citizenship by marriage varies relying on the place you apply and the way full your utility is.
On common, it takes 2 to 4 months for Greek authorities to course of and approve a citizenship utility by marriage. That is offered that you simply attain the entire aforementioned eligibility standards.
In case you apply from Greece, processing could also be quicker than making use of from overseas.
Most Widespread Causes for Delays
- Incomplete or incorrect paperwork: Lacking translations, apostilles, or outdated paperwork may end up in delays or rejection.
- Bureaucratic backlog: Greek authorities places of work usually have lengthy ready durations as a result of excessive demand.
- Residency & integration necessities: In case you dwell outdoors Greece, further checks could also be required to show your connection to the nation.
- Background checks: Authorities conduct safety and legal document checks, which may prolong processing instances.
Guaranteeing all paperwork are correctly ready, translated, and legalized earlier than they’re submitted is one of the best ways to scale back wait instances and pointless delays.
6. Do I Must Converse Greek?
The brief reply is sure. Data of the Greek language and the power to talk Greek is a vital requirement for acquiring Greek citizenship by marriage.
Language & Cultural Necessities
- It’s essential to display a minimum of a primary to intermediate stage of Greek (A2-B1 stage).
- Some candidates could also be required to take a language check or attend an interview the place they reply inquiries to show their data of Greek society, historical past, and tradition.
- In case you dwell in Greece, authorities might assess your integration based mostly on each day life, group involvement, and communication abilities.
It’s price noting that some instances could also be thought-about on a person foundation, however typically, demonstrating a connection to Greek tradition and language strengthens your utility.
7. What Are The Widespread Errors Spouses Make?
AApplying for Greek citizenship by marriage can really feel overwhelming, and it’s simple to run into setbacks. Many candidates expertise delays—and even rejections—due to avoidable errors.
Listed below are the highest 5 pitfalls to be careful for:
- Lacking or incorrect paperwork: Incomplete functions are one of many important causes of delays.
- Making use of too quickly: It’s essential to meet the minimal residency necessities earlier than making use of.
- Issues with proof of marriage: In case your marriage isn’t correctly registered with Greek authorities, your utility gained’t transfer ahead.
- Lack of Greek language abilities: Primary data of the Greek language is usually required in the course of the naturalization course of.
- Not making ready for the interview: The citizenship interview is vital. Failing to arrange can elevate crimson flags on your utility.
To remain on monitor, double-check all of your paperwork, make sure you’ve met the residency timeline, and put together prematurely for language or cultural assessments. In case you’re not sure about any step, the immigration group at Lexidy may help make clear the method and set you on the precise path. Contact us for a free session utilizing the shape beneath.
8. What if we Divorce After I Get Citizenship?
In case you acquire Greek citizenship by marriage, your standing as a Greek citizen is everlasting, and divorce doesn’t revoke your citizenship. Nevertheless, timing issues. Listed below are some key concerns:
1. Citizenship Is Irreversible
Upon getting been granted Greek nationality, it doesn’t rely upon whether or not or not you keep married. In different phrases, even when you divorce after acquiring citizenship, you stay a Greek citizen for all times.
2. Ongoing Functions Might Be Affected
In case you divorce earlier than your citizenship utility is accredited, it could affect your eligibility, particularly if residency in Greece was a requirement. Because of a divorce in the course of the utility course of, authorities might examine whether or not the wedding was real and never solely for immigration functions.
3. Impression on Residency Rights (If Not But a Citizen)
In case you are nonetheless within the residency course of (earlier than citizenship is granted), divorce might have an effect on your proper to remain in Greece except you qualify for a distinct visa or residence allow. In some cases, you could not be eligible for Greek residency when you get divorced.
Briefly, Divorce gained’t undo your Greek citizenship as soon as it’s granted, however it could possibly have an effect on your utility or residency standing if the method isn’t full but.
9. What are the Advantages of Greek Citizenship for Spouses?
Acquiring Greek citizenship by way of marriage gives quite a few benefits, each inside Greece and throughout the European Union. Right here’s what you acquire:
1. Freedom of Motion within the EU
One of many largest benefits of turning into a Greek citizen, you’ll be able to dwell, work, and journey freely in any EU nation while not having a visa or residence allow. This additionally applies to the Schengen Space, permitting hassle-free short-term journey. That is significantly useful for these from outdoors of the Schengen Space.
2. Full Work & Enterprise Rights
As a Greek citizen, you’ll be able to work legally in Greece and any EU nation with out restrictions. Entry to authorities jobs and enterprise alternatives is reserved for Greek and EU nationals, so in case your citizenship is accredited, you additionally grow to be eligible for these roles.
3. Entry to Greek Healthcare & Social Advantages
One other perk of citizenship in Greece is eligibility for Greek public healthcare. Additionally, you will acquire entry to Greek pensions, social safety, and different state advantages like Greek-born residents.
4. Property Possession & Inheritance Benefits
As a Greek citizen, you should purchase and personal property in Greece with out restrictions. You don’t must undergo the longer, extra advanced processes that non-citizens are required to finish. It’s additionally simpler entry to inheritance rights and tax advantages on Greek property.
5. Move Greek Citizenship to Your Youngsters
Your kids mechanically inherit Greek citizenship, giving them the identical EU privileges.
6. No Extra Renewals
When you grow to be a citizen of Greece, there is no such thing as a longer a have to renew residence permits or meet ongoing visa necessities. Citizenship is everlasting and supplies lifetime safety.
Greek citizenship opens the door to stability, mobility, and financial alternatives, making it a extremely worthwhile standing for spouses of Greek nationals.
Able to Apply for Greek Citizenship By Marriage?
Gaining Greek citizenship by marriage gives a streamlined path for {couples}, but it surely requires cautious consideration to eligibility guidelines, documentation, and authorized procedures. Whereas marriage to a Greek citizen supplies a pathway to citizenship, elements like residency, marriage length, and language necessities play a task within the course of.
The method will be advanced, however you don’t must undergo it alone. At Lexidy, our authorized specialists simplify the appliance course of, guaranteeing your paperwork are correctly ready, translated, and submitted with out errors.
Whether or not you’re prepared to maneuver ahead or simply exploring your choices, you’ll discover the whole lot you want on our Greek Citizenship service web page — or just fill out the shape beneath to talk with our group.
