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Citizenship by merit

Greece Citizenship by Merit

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

Basis
Exceptional merit
Visa waiver destinations
185
Processing
4 months
Visit / stay
No mandatory residence period

Buy online · 2026

Greece Citizenship by Merit

Greece has a special citizenship by merit program for skilled people – highly talented professionals and business entrepreneurs – whose contribution is in the special interest of the state.

  1. ReserveUS$500 online
  2. Pre-eligibilityDue diligence screening
  3. Build the caseEndorsements & evidence
  4. Passport4 months

Who qualifies · Frequently asked questions

Overview

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.

Key benefits

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

Why Greece

  • Sunshine country with a favourable climate
  • Affordable Mediterranean lifestyle, nature and scenery
  • Lower cost of living than other EU countries
  • High standard of healthcare and education
  • Gateway to the EU single market, connecting Europe, Asia and Africa
  • Large English-speaking expat community
  • Affordable property prices
  • Tourism and business opportunities
  • Residence visas for investors and entrepreneurs

Who qualifies

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

Procedure

  1. Agreement with an accredited law firm (exclusive state partner) and signing of a commitment to invest and create jobs in Greece.
  2. Deposit to reserve your application:
    1. An advance payment for due diligence.
    2. The remaining fee is paid at the same time as the investment deposit.
  3. Preparation of a power of attorney for submitting the naturalisation application.
  4. Registration of a Greek tax identification number and transfer of the investment funds to an escrow account.
  5. Application for Greek citizenship.
  6. Completion of the investment within seven days after the naturalisation application is approved.
  7. Trip to Greece to take the citizenship oath (within 6 months after the decision).
  8. Registration of citizenship in a Greek municipality.
  9. Issuance of a Greek passport and national identity card.

Family & requirements

Who can be included
Primary applicant, spouse, children and parents
Visit or residence
No mandatory residence period
Processing time
4 months
  • 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

Greece passport: travel access

185destinations without a visa in advance

Visa waiver, visa on arrival or electronic travel authorisation (eTA), per the Henley Passport Index. eVisas are not counted.

  • Schengen Area – no visa in advance
  • United Kingdom – no visa in advance
  • Ireland – no visa in advance
  • Canada – no visa in advance
  • United States – no visa in advance
  • Singapore – no visa in advance
  • Japan – no visa in advance
  • South Korea – no visa in advance
  • Brazil – no visa in advance
  • Russia – visa required
  • China – no visa in advance
  • United Arab Emirates – no visa in advance
  • Switzerland – no visa in advance
  • Australia – no visa in advance
  • New Zealand – visa required
Show visa waiver countries

Albania · Andorra · Angola · Antigua and Barbuda · Argentina · Armenia · Australia · Austria · Bahamas · Bahrain · Bangladesh · Barbados · Belarus · Belgium · Belize · Bolivia · Bosnia and Herzegovina · Botswana · Brazil · Brunei · Bulgaria · Burundi · Cambodia · Canada · Cape Verde · Chile · China · Colombia · Comoros · Costa Rica · Croatia · Cyprus · Czech Republic · Denmark · Djibouti · Dominica · Dominican Republic · Ecuador · Egypt · El Salvador · Estonia · Eswatini · Ethiopia · Fiji · Finland · France · Gambia · Georgia · Germany · Grenada · Guatemala · Guinea-Bissau · Guyana · Haiti · Honduras · Hungary · Iceland · Indonesia · Ireland · Israel · Italy · Jamaica · Japan · Jordan · Kazakhstan · Kenya · Kiribati · South Korea · Kuwait · Kyrgyzstan · Laos · Latvia · Lebanon · Lesotho · Liechtenstein · Lithuania · Luxembourg · Madagascar · Malawi · Malaysia · Maldives · Malta · Marshall Islands · Mauritius · Mexico · Micronesia · Moldova · Monaco · Mongolia · Montenegro · Morocco · Mozambique · Namibia · Nepal · Netherlands · Nicaragua · North Macedonia · Norway · Oman · Palau · Panama · Paraguay · Peru · Philippines · Poland · Portugal · Qatar · Romania · Rwanda · Saint Kitts and Nevis · Saint Lucia · Saint Vincent and the Grenadines · Samoa · San Marino · São Tomé and Príncipe · Saudi Arabia · Senegal · Serbia · Seychelles · Sierra Leone · Singapore · Slovakia · Slovenia · Solomon Islands · South Africa · Spain · Sri Lanka · Suriname · Sweden · Switzerland · Syria · Tajikistan · Tanzania · Thailand · Timor-Leste · Tonga · Trinidad and Tobago · Tunisia · Turkey · Tuvalu · Ukraine · United Arab Emirates · United Kingdom · United States · Uruguay · Uzbekistan · Vanuatu · Vatican City · Venezuela · Zambia · Zimbabwe

Count: Henley Passport Index, updated 7 Nov 2026 (227 destinations incl. territories). Country list: Wikipedia – Visa requirements for Greek citizens (sovereign countries only). Always confirm entry rules with the destination before travel.

How Citizenship Shop helps

Add the program to your cart or click Buy now to reserve it for US$500. Create your client account and complete the pre-eligibility questions at checkout. A senior advisor then reviews your profile within one business day, confirms the best investment route and the exact government fees for your family, and prepares your application with a licensed local agent.

Greece Citizenship by Merit: FAQ

Is there a fixed price for the Greece Citizenship by Merit?

No. Citizenship by merit is granted at the government’s discretion, case by case, and there is no published price or investment threshold. Your advisor assesses your profile and achievements before any application is prepared.

How long does the Greece Citizenship by Merit take?

Processing typically takes 4 months from submission of a complete application. Your advisor gives you a personal timeline after the pre-eligibility review.

Can I include my family in the application?

Family members who can be included: Primary applicant, spouse, children and parents. Your advisor checks each dependant’s eligibility before you apply.

Do I need to visit or live in Greece?

No mandatory residence period. Rules change from time to time, so your advisor confirms the current requirement in writing.

How many countries can I visit with a visa waiver on a Greece passport?

A Greece passport gives visa waiver, visa-on-arrival or eTA access to 185 destinations. See the travel access section above for the full list and key destinations.

Official source

Prices and rules on this page were verified on 28 September 2026 against: Article 13, Law 3284/2004 (Greek Citizenship Code) – Ministry of the Interior.

Governments revise fees and thresholds without notice. Your advisor confirms the exact figures in writing before any investment is made.

Compare similar programs

See how Greece Citizenship by Merit compares with every other program in our Top Citizenship By Investment Programs 2026 guide.

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