How Long Does Greek Citizenship Take?
- Greece Media
- Nov 20, 2025
- 2 min read
Updated: Dec 4, 2025
The timeline for obtaining Greek citizenship depends on multiple factors, including eligibility type, documentation readiness, consular or municipal workload, and whether professional assistance is used. While some applicants may complete the process in less than a year, others may face delays that stretch for several years.
For a complete step-by-step overview of the process, see How to Get Greek Citizenship by Descent.
How long does Greek citizenship take? Factors That Affect Processing Time
1. Document Preparation
Applications require certified birth and marriage certificates, apostilles, translations, and verification of ancestral records. Missing or incorrectly prepared documents are the most common source of delays. For guidance, see Greek citizenship documents checklist.
2. Eligibility Complexity
Applicants claiming citizenship through parents, grandparents, or great-grandparents may need additional verification. Complex ancestry chains often require municipal confirmation, which can take extra time. See Greek citizenship for grandchildren for details on multi-generational documentation.
3. Consular vs Direct Filing
Filing at a Greek consulate abroad often involves appointment waits, varying rules, and processing times that differ between locations. Major consulates in the United States, Canada, and Australia may have delays of several months. Filing directly in Greece may reduce waiting time but requires correct jurisdiction and document verification.
Common Causes of Delays
Missing or inconsistent documents
Incorrect translations or absent apostilles
Name mismatches across generations
Unregistered ancestors or incomplete municipal records
Misunderstanding eligibility requirements
Professional handling significantly reduces these delays.
How GetGreece Helps
GetGreece provides end-to-end assistance to ensure that all documents are correct, submissions are filed properly, and applications are monitored throughout the process. You can sit back and let professionals handle the case for you.
GetGreece typically completes cases within 6 to 24 when claiming via a parent, while claiming via a grand-parent can take longer. Your account manager will keep you up to date throughout the entire process.
Their specialists:
Review eligibility and confirm documentation
Retrieve, authenticate, and translate all required records
File applications directly with Greek authorities
Represent applicants to resolve issues and follow up
Complete the process so you can become a registered citizen and obtain your EU passport
Final Thoughts
While timelines vary, understanding the factors that affect Greek citizenship processing can help you plan realistically. Missing documents, complex ancestry chains, and bureaucratic delays are the main reasons applications take longer than expected.
Need help navigating the process?
GetGreece’s Greek Citizenship Service provides full end-to-end handling for applicants worldwide, including the United States, Canada, Australia, Europe, and beyond.
You can reach GetGreece by phone at 1-833-694-7332 or email at info@getgreece.com for personalized guidance and to start your application.
About the Author
This article was prepared by an immigration specialist at GetGreece with experience in lineage verification, municipal registry procedures, and document compliance for Greek citizenship, inheritance, and tax-related matters. Their work focuses on helping applicants understand Greek government processes clearly and accurately.
Last updated: Nov 2025
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