When can a golden visa holder who gets married with a Greek citizen become eligible for naturalization?

Answers

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  Mary Tsiganou

  Synergia Technical and Consulting SA

  December 21, 2018

  For citizens of non-EU countries, the application for citizenship could be submitted after three years of permanent and legal residency in Greece, provided that they are married with a Greek citizen and have a child with him/her. According to the recent decision of the minister of interior no. 130181/6353/27.3.2018, published in the Government Gazette 1208/Β/2.4.2018, the resident permits of real estate owners and permanent resident permit for investors have been added to the categories of resident permits that are eligible for the submission of an application for the acquisition of Greek citizenship. So in your case, as holder of a Golden Visa, you could apply for the acquisition of Greek citizenship by naturalization after one year more and if you are married to a Greek citizen and have a child with her.

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  Vasiliki Papaloi

  Papalois & Associates Legal

  December 21, 2018

  You can apply freely after your wedding for a resident permit as a person married to a Greek citizen, and you will have the right to work.

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  Constantinos Zacharopoulos

  CoZac Law Offices

  December 27, 2018

  Yes, you can apply for naturalization when you get married under some requirements. Firstly, according to Article 8, paragraph 30, Law 4332/2015, you must apply for the long-term resident status, provided that you fulfill the conditions of Articles 89 and 90, Law 4251/2014. One of the conditions is to stay in Greece legally for five years (with your Golden Visa). Then, having been granted the long-term residency status you can work here legally. When you complete the seven years of legal stay, which is a prerequisite, you can apply for Greek citizenship by naturalization, provided all other requirements are fulfilled.