Standard route: 8 years
12 months of continuous legal residence immediately before applying, with absences of up to 90 days, plus at least 7 years of legal residence in the preceding 10. Greek at B1 and a civics test passed with 60% or more.
How it works
Two routes with different clocks
Your employer can cut the wait in half.
Highly qualified employees: 4 or 5 years
Directors, specialists, key personnel, or employees on €2,500 a month or more with a degree or 2 years’ experience, employed for 2 years or more by a company under the 2021 strategy: 12 months plus 3 years with Greek B1, or plus 4 years with A2.
An accelerated examination costs €5,000 and takes about 8 months. The standard application fee is €500 plus two €8.54 stamps, and €500 more for the certificate if approved.
Who this is not for
- Investors expecting citizenship for an investment: that programme is closed
- Residents without Greek at A2 or higher
- Employees of companies outside the 2021 strategy wanting the short route
How we handle it
We check which route applies, count the days of residence and absences, and prepare form M127 for the District Administration Office.