How to keep US citizenship when applying for dual citizenship in Greece

Key Takeaways

• US and Greek laws allow dual citizenship; no renunciation of US citizenship required to become Greek.
• Greek citizenship by descent, residency, marriage, or investment possible; documentation and eligibility vary by pathway.
• Dual citizens must obey both countries’ laws, may owe taxes in both, and can pass citizenship to minor children.

Obtaining US citizenship is a source of pride and belonging for many, offering the right to live, work, and vote in the United States 🇺🇸. However, for people with ties to Greece 🇬🇷—through family, marriage, or long-term residence—the opportunity to become a dual citizen by gaining Greek citizenship while keeping your US citizenship can be both meaningful and practical. This long-standing arrangement allows individuals to enjoy the advantages of both nations: access to two cultures, ability to own property or work in both, and a broader set of rights and privileges for family members.

This article explains, in simple words, how you can maintain US citizenship while also becoming a dual citizen of Greece. It covers the legal basis for dual citizenship in both countries, eligibility rules, how to apply, what to expect during the process, and what your new responsibilities and rights will be.

Pathways to US Citizenship and Dual Citizenship with Greece

To start, it’s important to note that being a US citizen means you have the freedom to pursue another nationality, like that of Greece, without risking the loss of your US citizenship. The United States 🇺🇸 does not force citizens to choose only one citizenship. If you qualify for Greek citizenship through descent, marriage, permanent residency, or investment, you usually do not need to give up your US status.

Greece 🇬🇷, on the other hand, has clear laws that allow for dual citizenship. New Greek citizens are not asked to renounce (give up) any other citizenships they already have. This means that an American can apply for and receive Greek citizenship—no matter the path—while safely holding on to their US citizenship at the same time. There is no rule in either country that would automatically result in you losing your US citizenship by becoming Greek.

Eligibility Requirements for Greek Naturalization

Greece has several main paths to citizenship that may apply to US citizens:

• Descent: If you have at least one parent, grandparent, or—in some cases—even a great-grandparent who was Greek by birth, you can usually apply for citizenship by descent. This is the simplest path for many Americans with Greek roots. You must show official birth and marriage certificates for your ancestors that have been registered with the Greek authorities.

• Residency/Naturalization: If you live in Greece as a permanent resident, you can apply for citizenship after a set period of legal residency. The standard wait is usually at least seven years. In this case, you must prove that you know about Greek language and culture and that you follow the laws, including paying taxes and not having a serious criminal record.

• Golden Visa Investment: Greece offers a “Golden Visa” program, which is a way for people to get permanent residence by investing a certain amount of money, often in real estate. After living in Greece under this visa for seven years, you can apply for citizenship by naturalization.

• Marriage or Special Circumstances: Some people can get Greek citizenship through marriage to a Greek citizen or through other special reasons related to service, adoption, or refugee status.

Residency Requirements for Greece Citizenship

If you choose the path of naturalization through long-term residence—you are not related to a Greek citizen by birth—you must live in Greece legally for at least seven years before applying. During this time:

• You must keep your residency legal (such as a visa or permit).
• You should show you have made Greece your real home.
• You must provide documents showing that you pay your taxes in Greece and that you have a clean criminal record (no serious crimes).
• Residency requirements may differ for refugees, stateless persons, or if you are married to a Greek citizen—so check with the Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs for the latest details.

Language Proficiency and Civic Knowledge Requirements

Greece requires most applicants for citizenship by naturalization to prove they can read, write, and speak Greek at a certain level. There is usually a test to check language proficiency. This may include a basic conversation, reading and writing, and understanding everyday topics.

Applicants may also need to answer questions about Greek history, society, and culture. This civic knowledge test is designed to show that you have become familiar with the life of Greece and its people.

If you apply for citizenship by descent—because you have Greek ancestors—these tests often do not apply. But for those naturalizing through residency or marriage, language and knowledge tests are a common step.

Civic Knowledge Testing Procedures

Applicants will usually be invited to an interview with Greek officials, or they will take written tests. These are designed to check:

• Ability to speak and understand Greek in daily life.
• Basic knowledge of Greek history, government, and values.
• Understanding rights and duties you will have as a Greek citizen.

Most applicants study in advance using materials provided by the Greek authorities or attend classes offered by community organizations or schools.

Application Process, Required Forms, and Documents

The exact steps depend on your path (descent, residency, investment), but most people can expect to:

1. Check Eligibility: Make sure you qualify for Greek citizenship.
2. Collect Documents: Gather all records, including:
   • Your US passport and birth certificate.
   • Greek birth and marriage certificates for your ancestor (if applying by descent), officially translated if needed.
   • Proof of legal residence in Greece (for naturalization).
   • Tax statements, rental agreements, and other proof you live in Greece.
   • Police clearance certificates.
3. Register Life Events: If you, your parent, or ancestor was born or married outside Greece, you must register that event with the Greek consulate in the United States 🇺🇸 or another country. The consulate can help explain what’s needed and where to register.
4. Complete and Submit Application: File your application at the Greek consulate if you are living abroad, or at the local city hall (“Dimarchio”) or regional administration if living in Greece.
5. Pay Fees: Payment is required at the time the application is submitted.
6. Attend Interviews/Tests: Complete the language and civic knowledge interviews if required.
7. Wait for Processing: Greek authorities will review your documents and background.

A standard application for citizenship by descent may use the forms found on the Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs website. For the most accurate and complete information, visit the official Greek Citizenship Services page.

Typical Processing Times and Expedited Options

Processing times vary widely. If you apply based on descent with well-prepared documents, the process might take less than a year, but it can also last much longer, especially if there are missing records or questions about eligibility. Naturalization through residency or investment usually takes longer—sometimes several years—depending on government backlogs, background checks, and test schedules. There are very few ways to speed up the process unless your situation is urgent (such as for refugees or unique service). Tracking your application regularly and responding to requests for further information helps avoid delays.

Fees for Greek Citizenship Application

Application fees differ by the pathway:

• For adults applying by descent, a typical fee is required to open and process the citizenship application.
• Fees for those applying by naturalization (long-term residency or Golden Visa) may be higher.
• There might be small extra fees for document translation or legal certifications.

Always confirm the fee schedule at the time you apply, as it can change.

Citizenship Interview and Oath Ceremony

Once your application is approved, you may be called for an interview (if it was not already completed), especially for naturalization. This is your chance to confirm your intent to become Greek, discuss your life and community ties, and—if needed—take the oath of allegiance to Greece 🇬🇷 and its laws. Some applicants take this oath in a small ceremony at a local government office.

Rights and Responsibilities of Dual Citizenship (US and Greece)

As a dual citizen of the United States 🇺🇸 and Greece 🇬🇷, you have the legal right to both passports. This gives you:

• The freedom to live, work, and travel in either country.
• Access to healthcare, education, and social programs in both places.
• Ability to vote and, in some cases, run for office in both nations.

However, you also take on responsibilities:

• You must follow the laws of both countries.
• You may be required to pay taxes to both (the United States 🇺🇸 requires its citizens to report worldwide income, so check with a tax advisor).
• If you are a US citizen, always use your US passport to enter or leave the United States 🇺🇸. You may use your Greek passport to enter or leave Greece 🇬🇷.

Dual Citizenship Policies of the United States and Greece

Both countries have long accepted dual citizenship. The United States 🇺🇸 does not require citizens to give up citizenship if they apply for Greek citizenship. You do not need to notify US authorities if you gain another nationality, unless you acquire it with the clear intent to relinquish your US citizenship (i.e., to give it up). Greece 🇬🇷 also welcomes dual nationals, allowing them to enjoy the rights and obligations of both states.

Citizenship for Children and Dependents

Your minor children can usually gain Greek citizenship along with you. If your application is successful, your children under 18 may also be eligible for fast-track citizenship—especially when you apply as a parent by descent. If your family was not registered in Greece, you may need to go through this process separately for each dependent.

Special Provisions: Military Service and Other Requirements

Greek law requires male citizens to perform military service, though there are many exceptions and deferments—especially for people who spent most of their lives abroad. If you hold dual citizenship but do not live in Greece, you may not need to serve. If you have questions or concerns about military responsibilities, speak to the Greek consulate for advice.

Common Reasons for Denial and Appeal Process

Applications may be denied for several reasons, such as:

• Failure to prove genuine Greek ancestry.
• Missing or improperly certified documents.
• Failure to pass the language or civic exams (for naturalization).
• A criminal record or past immigration law violations.
• Not meeting residency requirements.

If your application is denied, you have the right to appeal. Most appeals go through Greek administrative courts or are reviewed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. It is essential to keep careful records, respond to any questions, and—if needed—ask for assistance from professionals with experience in Greek and US citizenship applications.

Case Study Example

Imagine Maria, born in the United States 🇺🇸, whose grandmother was born in Greece 🇬🇷. Maria collects all necessary birth and marriage records from her family, has them certified, and files an application with the Greek consulate in New York. She needs to wait several months for documents to be reviewed, but she never has to give up her US citizenship to finish the process. After her Greek citizenship is approved, she applies for a Greek passport, and now she can travel freely, work, or even retire in the European Union. She keeps her US passport and must always use it when going in or out of the United States 🇺🇸.

Resources for Citizenship Preparation and Assistance

For more help:

• Visit the official Greek Citizenship Services page for up-to-date instructions and forms.
• Ask the Greek consulate nearest you for personalized instructions.
• For help with US tax responsibilities as a dual citizen, consult a cross-border tax specialist.

Analysis from VisaVerge.com suggests that dual citizenship can be very rewarding, but you must keep track of legal duties in both countries and carefully prepare supporting documents for your application.

In summary, you can safely keep your US citizenship and become a dual citizen of Greece as long as you follow each country’s rules for gaining and using your dual nationality. With good preparation and advice from official sources, this goal is very possible and can benefit you and your whole family for many years to come.

Learn Today

Dual Citizenship → Holding legal citizenship in two countries simultaneously, allowing full rights and responsibilities in both nations.
Naturalization → The legal process through which a foreign resident becomes a citizen of a country other than their birth.
Golden Visa → An immigration program granting residency to individuals who invest a specific amount in a country’s economy.
Civic Knowledge Test → An examination assessing an applicant’s understanding of a nation’s language, history, culture, and laws for citizenship.
Consulate → A government office in a foreign city that assists nationals abroad and processes visa and citizenship matters.

This Article in a Nutshell

Dual US-Greek citizenship offers vast advantages, including travel freedom and rights in both nations. Americans can apply via descent, long-term residency, or investment, without losing US citizenship. Each path has distinct requirements. Qualified applicants enjoy both Greek and US benefits, provided they meet legal duties in both countries.
— By VisaVerge.com

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