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

I obtained my Greek resident permit through the golden visa program two years ago. Recently I got engaged with my girlfriend who is a Greek citizen. When we get married, can I apply for naturalization immediately or do I still need to wait for another 5 years? Will I still be subject to the ban of working that applies to all golden visa holders or can I work as the legal spouse of a Greek citizen?

Answers

On December 21, 2018 Mary Tsiganou answered:

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.

On December 21, 2018 Vasiliki Papaloi answered:

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.

On December 27, 2018 Constantinos Zacharopoulos answered:

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.

Magazine Sign Up

Sign up to receive a free copy of our industry leading global immigration magazine

Become a Verified Member

Join our the global immigration community

join for free

Programs by Country

Europe
Caribbean
Asia
MENA
Australasia
North America