Greek Citizenship
Greek Citizenship Test: The Full Guide
The Greek citizenship test, also known as the naturalization test, is the final step for anyone wishing to become a Greek citizen. Designed to assess a candidate’s level of integration and commitment to becoming a Greek citizen, to pass the test one must answer written multiple choice questions and pass an oral interview.
It is crucial to be prepared to successfully pass the test, and fortunately there are several resources on the Internet, including various courses, that can help you.
Contact us if you are interested in obtaining Greek citizenship.
Athens
+30 210 7008720
Thessaloniki
+30 2310 284408
Berlin
+49 30 88702382
Why the Test is Crucial to Obtaining Greek Citizenship
When you pass the Greek citizenship test, you’re essentially demonstrating that you have a broad knowledge of the country, as it allows you to assess your understanding of Greek society and your ability to integrate:
- Know the history of Greece
- Understand its political system
- Speak the language
These are three key points that everyone who wants to pass this test must know.
The test has a dual purpose:
- it helps the government to assess whether the candidate fulfills the necessary criteria to become a citizen;
- it helps the candidate to better understand the country.
Greek Citizenship Test: Application Criteria and Costs
In order to be able to take the test, you must meet certain criteria:
- be of legal age
- have a clean criminal record
- not have been expelled from Greece
- have been resident in Greece for at least seven years (reduced to three years for refugees or persons of Greek origin);
Before you can take the citizenship test, you must prove that you have successfully passed a Greek language test of at least B1 level.
The total cost of the Greek citizenship test and the subsequent interview is €800:
- €250 for the test itself;
- €550 for the interview with the government representatives in the event of passing the test.
5 Ways to Obtain Greek Citizenship
These are the 5 most common ways to obtain Greek citizenship.
By descent
To obtain Greek nationality by descent, you must fulfil one of the following conditions:
- Having at least one parent who is a Greek citizen.
- Being born in Greece and having a parent who has resided there legally for at least five years.
- Having been adopted by Greek citizens.
- Having a grandparent born in Greece or naturalised.
Through studies
Children who have attended Greek schools for a minimum of six years or whose parents are foreign nationals but have been resident in Greece for at least seven years may apply for nationality.
Marriage
Those who married before 1984 may obtain Greek nationality through marriage. All marriages after this year entitle the holder to permanent residency, but no longer to nationality.
Military service
Foreign nationals serving in the Greek armed forces or attending a military academy in this country may apply for nationality.
Investment (‘Golden Visa’)
Since 2012, holders of a Golden Visa in Greece, also known as residence permit, which is granted on the basis of an investment of at least 250,000 euros (often a real estate investment is required), can also apply for citizenship through naturalisation.
After seven years of holding this visa, it is possible to apply for citizenship.
What to Expect on the Day of the Greek Citizenship Exam
The citizenship test consists of 20 written questions covering several subjects like:
- Greek culture
- Greek politics
- Greek geography
- Greek history
In addition, the test includes ten oral questions on three topics chosen at the examiner’s discretion, and an essay.
The minimum score required to pass the exam is 80%.
After passing the exam, candidates receive an invitation to an interview conducted by the Citizenship Department of the Greek Ministry of the Interior, whose purpose is to assess the candidate’s ability to integrate into Greek society.
There is a waiting period of several months between passing the test and receiving the invitation to the interview.
Can the test be repeated? If you fail the test, there is a minimum waiting period before you can retake it, which varies depending on many factors.
* The information on this site is provided for the sole purpose of illustrating the subject matter. It in no way constitutes legal advice nor a substitute for individual legal advice provided by counsel. Each case is unique, presents unique circumstances, and should be evaluated in detail by an attorney who will verify its specific circumstances.
Contact Leptokaridou Law Firm
How We Can Help You With Your Greek Citizenship Test
Our service assists you in obtaining Greek citizenship by helping you locate ancestral documents, registering the paperwork with the relevant municipality and offering you the convenience of managing the process through a Power of Attorney, thus eliminating the need to travel to Greece.
If you do not have ancestors of Greek descent, we will also explore alternative avenues such as the Golden Visa program, guide you through the application process and advise you on how to apply for a Greek passport, all while simplifying the process.
Contact us to talk about obtaining Greek citizenship.
Athens
+30 210 7008720
Thessaloniki
+30 2310 284408
Berlin
+49 30 88702382
Our Law Firm Will Help You Get Greek Citizenship Stress Free
Contact us if you want to apply for Greek citizenship. We can take care of the process through a limited power of attorney without you having to travel to Greece.
Athens, Greece
+30 210 7008720
[email protected]
Thessaloniki, Greece
+30 2310 284408
[email protected]
Berlin, Germany
+49 30 88702382
[email protected]
You can also send your general inquiries to our central coordination at [email protected].