Greece Merit Citizenship

Full Greek citizenship via a presidential decree under Article 13, Law 3284/2004.

Legal Basis

Greece is a full EU member state, part of the Schengen Area, and has adopted the euro as its currency. Greece has emerged as a highly sought-after destination for international investors, driven by post-crisis economic stabilisation, its strategic geographic position and supportive government policies. A country of 11 million inhabitants, Greece hosts more than 17 million visitors a year and offers significant opportunities with exceptional value for foreign investors. The government has introduced reforms to boost growth in key sectors such as tourism, agriculture, services, manufacturing and construction. Initiatives include a fast-track system for strategic investments and the Enterprise Greece Investor Ombudsman to simplify licensing.

Applicants must demonstrate a specific Greek interest, beyond the applicant’s wealth or good character.

Who May Qualify

• Business owners and investors with relevant Greek interests or relationships
• Professionals, researchers and founders with expertise or institutional connections
• Individuals with cultural, sporting, humanitarian or public-service contributions
• Applicants considering support for an institution or initiative of public relevance

Advantages

• Full civil rights: a status equal to that of any Greek citizen, which can be passed on to future generations.
• An EU passport provides freedom of travel to 180+ countries, plus the right to live and work throughout the European Union.
• Secured investments in Greece.
• Accelerated processing: accelerated review in accordance with Article 13.
• No minimum length of stay: live wherever you want while retaining your citizenship.
• Family expansion: spouses, children and parents are included in the application.
• No language or cultural exams or tests.
• No military service required.

Requirements

• Investment must be committed for a minimum of 5 years
• One mandatory oath ceremony (within 6 months after approval)
• Primary applicant, spouse, children and parents
• Limited quota: only a few citizenships are granted every year
• No mandatory residence period
• Competent authorities: Minister of the Interior and President of the Republic

Key Facts

• Decided by: President of the Hellenic Republic, on proposal of the Minister of the Interior
• Processing time: 4 months
• Residence: No mandatory residence period
• Family: Primary applicant, spouse, children and parents

About Greece

Greece, the cradle of Western civilisation, sits at the crossroads of Europe, Asia and Africa, with thousands of islands across the Aegean and Ionian seas. It is a member of the EU, the Eurozone, Schengen and NATO.

Tourism, shipping, energy and real estate drive a recovering economy, and Greece offers an exceptional Mediterranean lifestyle.

• EU, Eurozone and Schengen member
• World-leading shipping nation
• Mediterranean lifestyle and heritage
• Highly ranked passport

Citizenship by merit is discretionary: there is no fixed price or investment threshold, and every case is decided individually. See all citizenship by merit countries.

Frequently Asked Questions

Source: Article 13, Law 3284/2004 (Greek Citizenship Code) – Ministry of the Interior.