Income criteria, delays stall naturalization process

The naturalization process for long-term foreign residents in Greece remains a drawn-out and challenging ordeal, despite the introduction of nationwide exams in 2021.

Income criteria and extensive delays continue to impede applicants, with case reviews ranging from months to years.

Recent exam results revealed that nearly half of participants fail the knowledge test required for citizenship. Among those who pass, 30% are later disqualified due to income thresholds, leaving many who have lived in Greece for decades in limbo.

Second-generation immigrant children also face delays, often waiting years for citizenship to pursue education or careers. Some applications filed before the new system remain unresolved from 2019 or earlier. Critics highlight the difficulty of exam questions and are calling for reforms to accessibility for disabled applicants, and recognition of migrants’ lived experiences. Advocacy group G2RED stresses that reliance on income criteria disproportionately affects workers in informal sectors. Experts urge streamlining the system and decoupling citizenship from financial requirements. 

Kathimerini