Many foreigners who come to Greece on a visa — whether for investment, retirement, remote work, or family reasons — eventually want to stay permanently or even become Greek citizens.
But how do you go from a temporary visa or permit to Greek permanent residency — or even a Greek passport?
This guide walks you through the process, timelines, and key differences between long-term residency and naturalization — and how Borderless Lawyers helps you through every step.
🏛️ What’s the Difference Between Residency and Citizenship?
| Type | What You Get |
|---|---|
| Permanent Residency | Right to stay in Greece indefinitely, renew every 5 years, no voting rights |
| Greek Citizenship | Full EU citizenship, Greek passport, right to vote, live/work across the EU |
Both start with temporary residence permits (Digital Nomad, Golden Visa, FIP, etc.), but the paths and requirements differ.
🧾 Step 1: Maintain Legal Residency for 5–7 Years
To qualify for long-term status, you must:
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Hold a valid residence permit continuously
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Renew on time
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Maintain legal presence in Greece (183+ days/year in most cases)
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Be tax compliant and have Greek AFM (tax number)
📌 Permits like the Golden Visa do not require physical presence, but they don’t count toward citizenship unless you live in Greece.
🧑⚖️ Step 2: Apply for Long-Term Residency
After 5 years of legal and physical stay, you may qualify for:
🔹 Long-Term EU Resident Permit (Άδεια Επί Μακρόν Διαμένοντος)
Requirements:
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5+ years of continuous residency in Greece
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Legal income and tax declarations
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Greek language skills (A2 minimum)
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Integration certificate or pass a Greek culture test
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No serious criminal record
✅ Valid for 5 years
✅ Renewable
✅ Includes family members
✅ Allows work and study rights
💼 We assist with language course enrollment, integration certification, and document filing.
🇬🇷 Step 3: Apply for Greek Citizenship (Naturalization)
You can apply for Greek citizenship through naturalization if you:
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Have lived legally in Greece for 7 years
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For spouses of Greek citizens with children: 3 years
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Hold valid residence permit throughout
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File Greek tax returns
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Speak Greek at B1 or higher level
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Pass the citizenship exam (history, civics, language)
✅ Once granted, you become a Greek citizen and EU passport holder
✅ You can live/work anywhere in the EU
✅ Children born in Greece may qualify earlier
📅 Timeline Overview
| Permit Type | Permanent Residency | Citizenship Eligibility |
|---|---|---|
| FIP / Digital Nomad | After 5 years of stay | After 7 years of stay |
| Golden Visa (no stay) | No PR unless physical stay | No citizenship unless residing 7+ years |
| Student Visa | May convert to work/residency first | 7+ years after conversion |
| Spouse of Greek citizen | 3 years of marriage and child | Eligible after 3 years |
📜 What Documents Do You Need?
For long-term residency:
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Valid passport and permits
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Tax filings (E1 + E9)
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Health insurance
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Proof of Greek language
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AFM, AMKA (social security), and residence proof
For citizenship:
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Language certificate (B1+)
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Integration certificate or exam results
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7 years of continuous stay evidence
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Clean criminal record
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Certificate of Greek tax residence
💸 Fees and Costs
| Application | Estimated Fees |
|---|---|
| Long-Term EU Permit | €150–€300 |
| Citizenship Application | €550 |
| Language courses/exams | Varies (€250–€600) |
| Legal support | Based on case complexity (flat-fee or full-service plans) |
We offer transparent pricing and full legal representation.
⚠️ Common Pitfalls to Avoid
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❌ Not meeting minimum stay requirement
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❌ Gaps between permits
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❌ Tax non-compliance
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❌ Submitting untranslated or uncertified documents
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❌ Failing the Greek language or citizenship exam
✅ Borderless Lawyers ensures you stay on track from year 1 to year 7.
👨👩👧👦 Can Family Members Apply Too?
Yes:
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Long-term residency extends to spouses and children
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Citizenship applications must be individual, but children born in Greece may qualify automatically
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Spouses of Greek citizens qualify faster (if married + have children)
🧠 Is It Worth Applying for Greek Citizenship?
If you plan to live in Greece long-term or want full EU mobility, then yes.
You’ll get:
✅ EU passport
✅ Right to vote
✅ Access to public services
✅ Lower university tuition
✅ No more permit renewals
But if you want flexibility without obligations, long-term PR might be enough.
💼 Why Work with Borderless Lawyers?
We support you through every stage:
✅ Residency renewals and document tracking
✅ Full citizenship eligibility assessment
✅ Application preparation + translations
✅ Legal representation at interviews and exam prep
✅ AFM, AMKA, tax filings, and POA services
We ensure you meet all legal criteria — with no surprises.
❓ FAQ – Permanent Residency & Citizenship in Greece
Q: Can Golden Visa holders get citizenship?
A: Only if they live physically in Greece at least 183 days/year for 7 years.
Q: What if I leave Greece during the 7-year period?
A: Short absences are allowed, but long gaps may reset the clock.
Q: Is dual citizenship allowed?
A: Yes — Greece allows dual nationality.
🏛️ Ready to Make Greece Your Forever Home?
Whether you want the security of permanent residency or the full rights of Greek citizenship, we’ll help you get there — step by step, year by year.
👉 Book a consultation with Borderless Lawyers today and let us guide your journey from visa to full EU rights.