How My Journey Toward Greek Citizenship Made Me Love Greece Even More

How My Journey Toward Greek Citizenship Made Me Love Greece Even More
Studying for Greek citizenship gave Lynn a deeper connection to Greece and its culture.|©iStock/neirfy

It was 7.30 a.m. on a Sunday morning in April when I filed into the courtyard of a public high school in the Thissio neighborhood of Athens. Dozens of other early risers were already ahead of me, lined up to register for the Spring 2025 Greek citizenship exam. The three-hour test marked the culmination of six months of preparation and was the next step in my journey to become a Greek citizen.

While both the preparation and the exam itself were grueling, I’m surprised to say that the silver lining of this process was how much it deepened my love for my adopted country.

Why Become a Greek Citizen?

If you’re a citizen of a non-EU country, legally living in Greece typically requires a residence permit. There are various types of permits, but in nearly all cases, the process is slow and laborious, filled with paperwork and ever-changing rules. While the system generally functions, it’s rarely smooth.

For those planning to live in Greece long term, citizenship offers a simpler, more stable path. Beyond easing bureaucracy, it comes with other important benefits:

1. EU Citizenship and Freedom of Movement

Becoming a Greek citizen makes you a citizen of the European Union. This grants you the right to live, work, study, and travel freely across all 27 EU countries without a visa.

2. Access to Public Healthcare and Education

Greek citizens can use the national healthcare system and public education, including universities, often at little or no cost, both within Greece and in many EU countries.

3. Right to Vote and Run for Office

Citizenship grants full political rights, including voting in national and local elections, running for public office, and participating in EU elections.

But perhaps most importantly, citizenship offers a deeper sense of identity, belonging, and connection to Greek heritage and community. It’s like going from dating to marriage—a formal and meaningful commitment to life in Greece.

Some of the Surprising (and Fascinating) Things I Learned

Study notes from Greek citizenship prep—history, language, and geography at a glance.
Study notes from Greek citizenship prep—history, language, and geography at a glance.|©Lynn Roulo

The exam is comprehensive, covering four main categories: culture, history, geography, and political institutions. Each subject is rich and fascinating in its own right. And to state what might not be obvious, the Greek citizenship exam is conducted entirely in Greek. You’ll need a solid command of the language, as questions range from identifying mountain ranges on a map to explaining how the government works, all in Greek.

Knowing I was likely in over my head, I enrolled in a prep course through the Hellenic Culture Centre. It helped immensely, and I made a few new friends along the way. I’ve found you meet the most interesting people in Greek classes.

Here are just a few highlights from the material we covered while preparing for the exam:

The Roots of Philoxenia

In the culture section, I discovered the origins of the Greek tradition of philoxenia—offering friendship to strangers. I already knew Greek hospitality was real (I’ve experienced it many times), but I hadn’t realized its roots go all the way back to mythology. In ancient Greece, Zeus (or Dias, in Greek) was the patron of travelers. The belief was that any traveler could be Zeus in disguise, so hosts treated strangers as friends.

Philoxenia also served a practical purpose. In a world without the internet or postal service, travelers were like live newspapers, bringing news from afar.

The Many Thermal Waters of Greece

In the geography section, we covered a wide range of topographical features—from lakes and islands to wheat-producing regions and livestock hubs. One of the most surprising discoveries was the abundance of natural thermal springs throughout the country, from Kamena Vourla to Aridaia. Greece is full of these therapeutic waters. Who knew?

Free Education

I found the political institutions section the most difficult, mostly due to vocabulary, but also one of the most fascinating. We learned about Greece’s democracy, its welfare system, and the most recent constitutional change in 2019, which included the legalization of gay marriage.

What really struck me was that education in Greece is completely free, even university. As an American, this was mind-blowing. Every parent I know is constantly thinking about how to afford college. Yet here, in a country with far fewer resources, higher education is seen as a public good. That left a big impression on me.

The Street Names Now Mean Something

The history section was equally absorbing. From ancient mythology to modern politics, the breadth of material was impressive. I was especially struck by how recent the country’s military dictatorship was—just 50 years ago.

Now, I walk through Athens and see it all with new eyes. Eleftherios Venizelos Airport is named after a major 20th-century statesman. Streets like Kapodistriou and Kolokotroni honor key figures in Greece’s political past. The layers of history feel alive.

The test was tough, but I came away an even bigger fan of Greece. If you want to truly immerse yourself here, I highly recommend studying for the citizenship exam.

Requirements for Greek Citizenship

To become a Greek citizen, the requirements depend on your background—whether you're of Greek descent, a long-term resident, or seeking citizenship through naturalization. Here’s a breakdown of the three main pathways and requirements:

By Naturalization (for Non-Greeks)

If you’re not of Greek descent but have lived in Greece for several years, you may apply through naturalization. Basic requirements include:

  • Residency: Typically, 7 years of legal and continuous residence in Greece (reduced to 3 years for those married to a Greek citizen or with Greek-born children).

  • You must pass the Greek citizenship exam.

  • Integration: Demonstrate integration into Greek society (e.g., employment, community involvement).

  • No serious criminal record.

By Marriage (to a Greek citizen)

Marriage to a Greek citizen does not automatically confer citizenship, but it can reduce the residency requirement:

  • You must typically live in Greece for 3 years after marriage.

  • Proof of a genuine and ongoing marital relationship.

  • You must pass the Greek citizenship exam

  • Integration: Demonstrate integration into Greek society (e.g., employment, community involvement).

  • No serious criminal record.

By Ancestry

If you have a Greek parent or grandparent, you may be eligible for citizenship through ancestry. Requirements include:

  • Documented proof of Greek ancestry (birth, marriage, or baptismal records).

  • Registration of your birth in a Greek municipality.

  • Ability to trace the family line through official Greek records.

You can learn more about the requirements for Greek citizenship here.

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