How to apply for a Greek Passport? (All you need to know)

When applying for a Greek passport, it is not just a travel document, you are obtaining an opportunity in the European Union to live, work, and travel across 27 countries. It is a dream relating to family heritage for many people or an investment into the future alternatively a fresh start. But understanding the process of applying for a Greek passport along with the requirements and paperwork makes it an overall big task.

At iLand, we help streamline and clarify the process of obtaining Greek residency and citizenship. Our team provides full legal, investment, and property services especially in Greece’s most luxurious southern Athens neighborhoods alongside tailored immigration support, including Golden Visa and Financially Independent Person (FIP) residency options.

Greek Passport Requirements

To obtain a Greek passport, you will need to meet certain legal and administrative requirements, and that may be different if you're only applying based on descent, naturalization, or something else (the 1 question I get is "What do I need to get a Greek passport" or "what are the requirements to get a Greek passport?"), But the most basic requirements to get a Greek passport will typically include:

1. Greek citizenship

A Greek passport may only be issued to Greek citizens. If you are not a Greek citizen, you will have to become a Greek citizen before getting a Greek passport, and you can do so by:

• Proving you have Greek descent (parents or grandparents of Greek descent).

• Becoming a Greek citizen through naturalization (typically after being a legal resident in Greece for a minimum of 7 years).

• Marrying a Greek citizen.

• Special situations (EU citizens; investment programs).

2. Identity & Citizenship Documentation

You will be required to submit official documentation as follows:

• Greek ID card (for citizens)

• Birth certificate

• Family registration document (Ληξιαρχική Πράξη Γέννησης)

• Previous passports, if applicable.

3. Clean Criminal Record

Candidates must provide a clean criminal background certificate in connection with the naturalization process, whereby the Greek government takes security and public order into consideration when assessing eligibility.

4. Residence and Integration (for naturalization applicants)

If applying through naturalization:

• You must prove legal residence in Greece for a continuous period (usually 7 years).

• Knowledge of the Greek language, culture, and civic life is required.

• You'll need to pass an official citizenship interview or test.

5. Passport Photos and Application Form

Standard biometric passport photos must be submitted along with the completed passport application form.

What are the benefits of dual citizenship? If you want to know more, click on the link and read our other article.

How to Get a Greek Passport: Step-by-Step Guide

Acquiring a Greek passport involves a multi-step process, especially for those applying through ancestry or naturalization. While the legal framework is well-defined, paperwork, deadlines, and bureaucracy can be a challenge, and that's exactly where iLand steps in to simplify the journey for you.

Note: If you are not yet a Greek citizen, your journey typically starts by obtaining legal residency. At iLand, we specialize in residency solutions like the Greek Golden Visa (via real estate investment) and the Financially Independent Persons Visa Greece. These are important pathways that can eventually lead to Greek citizenship and a passport.

Below are the key stages you need to complete:

1. Confirm Your Eligibility
   Before you begin the process, it's essential to determine your eligibility.
   Common pathways include:
   Descent from a Greek parent or grandparent
   Long-term legal residence in Greece
   Marriage to a Greek citizen
   Birth in Greece under certain conditions

2. Gather Required Documentation
   Once eligibility is confirmed, the next step is collecting all necessary documents. These may include:
   Birth and marriage certificates (yours and your ancestors')
   Proof of Greek nationality in your family (if applying by descent)
   Residence permits, tax, and insurance documents (for residents)
   Clean criminal record
   Certified translations and official stamps (Apostille)

3. Apply for Greek Citizenship (if needed)
   If you are not already a Greek citizen, you must apply for citizenship before getting a passport.
   The process includes:
   Submitting your file to the Ministry of Interior
   Passing a language and civic knowledge test (if required)
   Attending a citizenship interview

4. Submit Passport Application
   After receiving Greek citizenship, you can apply for a Greek passport through:
   Your local passport office (if living in Greece)
   A Greek consulate (if living abroad)
   You will need:
   Greek ID
   Passport photos
   Completed application form
   Application fee (we'll cover this in the next section)

5. Receive Your Greek Passport
   Once your application is approved, your biometric passport will be issued usually within a few weeks. Congratulations! You are now an EU citizen with access to one of the world's most powerful passports.

How Much Does It Cost to Get a Greek Passport?

Section 2: Residency Permit (Golden Visa & FIP)

Section 3: Optional Services & Add-ons

Summary Table: Total Estimated Costs by Pathway

Also, If you want to know more about what is the difference between residency and citizenship, read our other article.

Conclusion

Getting a Greek passport is not just a legal process. It's a life-changing opportunity. Whether you're reconnecting with your roots, planning to live in Europe, or seeking the benefits of EU citizenship, it's crucial to do it right.

At iLand, we don’t just handle paperwork. We provide complete end-to-end support in residency, citizenship, property investment, and business establishment in Greece. Whether you’re applying for a Greek passport, looking to invest in high-end real estate in southern Athens, or exploring long-term residency via the Golden Visa or FIP program, our team is here to help you every step of the way.