Obtaining and registration of Greek citizenship

The opportunity to become a permanent resident of Greece attracts many Russians who want to move to southern Europe. In most cases, Greek citizenship is assigned by analogy with other countries. The EU - through step by step discovery Residence permit and permanent residence. But there are other methods to settle in a benevolent state.

Greek Citizenship Law: Who Can Apply

The most important principle of Greek citizenship law is the "right of blood" (jus sanguinis)... According to him, the first contenders for the desired status are blood relatives of the Greeks. This:

• Parents;
• Grandparents;
• Great-grandmothers / great-grandfathers;
• Ethnic Greeks with valid Greek roots.

In addition, it is possible to obtain citizenship through ordinary naturalization. It is available to people who want to receive Permanent residence in the country after employment, marriage to a Greek, training and other events.

Important! A foreigner who has received a Greek passport is at the same time an EU citizen. All the rights and obligations of EU citizens are transferred to him.

Who cannot become a Greek citizen

The path to Greek citizenship is closed to individuals who:

• Have a criminal record;
• Violated the Greek visa regime and were deported;
• Have diseases that can be dangerous to others;
• Born overseas in Greece and not yet of age.

Methods for obtaining Greek citizenship

There are several ways to become the owner of Greek citizenship. However, some of them are relevant only for certain categories of applicants, while others are matched to the criteria of applicants.

Citizenship by birth and descent

This method is characterized by the following principles:

• A newborn born from the Greeks receives the citizenship of the country upon reaching the age of 18;
• A child born in Greece does not become a citizen of the country if the parents do not have this status;
• An illegitimate child is a citizen if his mother is Greek;
• If the child is born to a foreigner to a Greek, he / she becomes a Greek citizen upon application. This is possible with proof of paternity (for example, by testing). The child must be under 18 years of age on the date the application is sent.

Citizenship by marriage

The conclusion of a marriage with a Greek is not considered to be the basis for the automatic conferral of citizenship.

However, a simplified procedure for obtaining a passport becomes available for a newly-made spouse:

1. Obtaining a residence permit;
2. Transition to permanent residence after 3 years of marriage;
3. The opportunity to obtain citizenship after 5 years of life for permanent residence;
4. If a couple has children with permanent residence status, citizenship can be obtained after 3 years.

Naturalization

The method is relevant for any foreigner, but it requires certain rules to be followed. So, to obtain citizenship by naturalization can apply:

1. Ethnic Greeks. They must prove their lineage by providing a certificate of anointing the forefather in the Orthodox Church. If the applicant is married, the wedding paper is attached;
2. Ethnic Greeks entering the army in the country. This category is eligible for accelerated acquisition of citizenship;
3. Foreignerswho go to the temple of Athos as monks;
4. Ordinary foreigners. They receive citizenship on a general basis: first a residence permit, then permanent residence and citizenship of the country. Before receiving the status, they must have lived in Greece for 12 years;
5. Persons who distinguished themselves before the authorities by their merits. Citizenship of Greece can be obtained by athletes, creators of scientific research and people of creative professions. They must distinguish themselves with decent results in competitions or provide unique designs;
6. Refugees. A foreigner is obliged to provide documentary evidence that he is being harassed in his home country. Only in this case he receives the status of a citizen.

Buying a property

A foreigner can obtain citizenship on preferential terms if he buys real estate in Greece. It must have the following characteristics:

• Price from 250 thousand euros;
• Residential, household or commercial purpose;
• Location anywhere in the country - on the continent or in the island part.

This is the simplest method of obtaining citizenship, therefore, citizens of the Russian Federation actively use it.

Starting a business

It is very profitable to open a business in Greece, since the tax system is loyal to foreign entrepreneurs. Small and medium-sized businesses also receive loans on preferential terms.

Businessmen can obtain the status of Greek citizens on the following conditions:

• The business is highly profitable;
• The entrepreneur has been living in Greece with a residence permit (temporary and permanent) for at least 7 years;
• The applicant regularly pays taxes and does not violate the laws of the country.

Important! The business owner has the right to transport his family members to Greece. They also receive the status of citizens of the country. The same rule applies to buyers of Greek property.

Citizenship by Investment

Investing money in the local economy does not make the investor a Greek citizen. However, this factor is the basis for obtaining a residence permit.

The decision to assign a new status to the investor is made on the basis of:

• The uniqueness of the sphere in which the money is invested;
• Investment amounts;
• Long-term project;
• Availability of vacancies for native Greeks.

In case of a positive decision, the residence permit is issued for 5 years. Subsequently, it can be extended, after which one can apply for the status of a citizen.

Dual citizenship: is it possible

The local government is loyal to foreigners. They do not have to renounce the citizenship of their home country in order to become a Greek citizen. Of course, provided that the authorities of the native country are not against the second citizenship.

The procedure for obtaining Greek citizenship

If a citizen has been legally living within Greece for several years in the status of permanent residence or has preferential conditions for the acquisition of citizenship, he can apply for a passport of this country. To do this, you need to prepare a set of documents, pass a series of tests and send the results to the local department of the Ministry of Internal Affairs. But first things first.

Basic documents for obtaining citizenship

The applicant needs to prepare:

• Statement with personal information and contact details;
• Certificate of no criminal record for 10 years. It must cover the period while the applicant was living in Greece;
• Medical certificate confirming the absence of dangerous diseases;
• Copies of residence permit and permanent residence cards, proving legal residence in the country;
• Tax receipts for the entire period of residence in Greece.

Additional documents

Depending on the reason, on the basis of which the person receives citizenship, additional documents are added.

To obtain citizenship with the status of an ethnic Greek, you must attach:

• Proof of family ties with Greek citizens;
• Baptism certificate in the Orthodox Church;
• If the reason for obtaining the status is to enter the army, evidence of this is attached. Monks who intend to go to one of the temples of Athos for a long stay must be provided with a certificate of admission to the temple staff.

Ordinary foreigners to obtain citizenship by naturalization need to prepare:

• Labor contract, if the residence permit is open on a work visa;
• Documents on starting a business for entrepreneurs;
• Proof of financial security for wealthy foreigners.

Refugees and citizens who are of any interest to Greece must provide:

• Confirmation that a citizen is being persecuted in his home country;
• Proof of special achievements in the form of certificates, scientific papers, diplomas and more.

Language and Integration Tests

Every applicant for citizenship must pass a series of tests. This:

1. Testing for proficiency in the Greek language. Conducted verbally and in writing: the first checks the language proficiency at the conversational level, the second - the knowledge of syntax and grammar;
2. Exam on knowledge of local culture and historical facts;
3. Integration test into the national society - knowledge of the national anthem and the main symbols of the country is tested;
4. Interview with questions about local laws and names of dignitaries.

Certain categories are exempt from taking tests. This:

• Refugees with family members;
• Repatriates;
• Recipients of Merit Citizenship.

Algorithm for obtaining citizenship

After passing the tests, the applicant is issued certificates with the results. They must be attached to the prepared package of papers.

Next, you need to act according to the following algorithm:

1. An application for opening citizenship, along with a full package of papers, is submitted to the police department at the place of residence;
2. The application is considered, after which the Minister of the Interior makes his decision;
3. In case of a positive answer, the future citizen takes an oath of loyalty to the state and its people;
4. The applicant is solemnly presented with a new passport.

Cost and terms of registration

As a rule, the consideration of the application is delayed for 2-3 months... The applicant will have to pay a fee of 700 euros... The following are exempted from its payment:

• Refugees and their closest relatives;
• Repatriates;
• Children under 18 who acquire citizenship with their parents.

The latter are only partially exempted from the fee: a fee must be paid for the child in the amount of 20 euros.

Why they can refuse and what to do

The Ministry of Internal Affairs has the right to refuse to issue citizenship without giving reasons.

In this case, the applicant can choose one of three reactions:

1. Forget about your idea and no longer try to get the desired citizenship;
2. Try to petition again, having prepared more carefully;
3. Appeal the received verdict in court.

The appeal can be submitted both independently and with the help of a lawyer. However, in this case, it is imperative to find out the reason for the refusal. If it was not previously provided to the applicant in writing, you can find out the details at the Ministry of Internal Affairs.

Buying Greek Citizenship: Is It Legal

Not entirely honest sellers offer to buy a passport of Greek citizenship via the Internet. Such documents can cost as a quite acceptable amount (3-4 thousand euros), and completely unexpected (30-50 thousand euros).

Usually, the latter are more credible than cheap counterparts. The high cost, in the opinion of potential citizens of the country, is due to the mass of costs for the legal preparation of the document. However, both options are counterfeit papers that cannot be used. You can legally obtain the citizenship of the country only on your own.

Falsification will be revealed already when crossing the border. In this case, the entry to the Schengen zone and the countries of the European Union will be permanently closed to the violator.

Important! Citizenship cannot be bought in any European country. The government closely monitors compliance with laws and thoroughly studies all the reasons for issuing passports to new citizens.

It is much easier to obtain Greek citizenship than to become a citizen of any other EU country. The authorities are loyal to migrants, especially to those who are able to bring some benefit to the country. However, the process of obtaining citizenship is very long: if you apply for it on a general basis, the whole process can take 10-12 years.