Dual Citizenship with Greece in 2026: Is It Permitted and How to Keep Your First Passport

Is Dual Citizenship Permitted in Greece: A Short and Answer

Let's start with the main point you opened this article for. Greece permits dual citizenship. Moreover, it allows multiple citizenship, meaning you can simultaneously be a citizen of Russia, Greece, and, say, one more country. Greek citizenship law does not contain a requirement to renounce your previous passport when obtaining a Greek one. This rule applies to all legal pathways: naturalization through years of residence, citizenship by descent (Greek ancestry), marriage.

Why is it important to understand this from the very beginning? Because many countries operate on the exact opposite principle. For example, in naturalization in several countries, you will be formally required to renounce your previous citizenship. Greece is not one of such countries: upon obtaining a Greek passport, you retain your first passport in full – with all the rights, property, and obligations associated with it.

There is an important caveat, and we must state it : dual citizenship is permitted precisely by Greece. However, whether it will be permitted by your first country is a separate question regulated by its laws. Russia de facto permits dual (more precisely, second) citizenship but requires you to notify the authorities about it – detailed information below. However, for example, China, India, and several other countries do not recognize dual citizenship at all. Therefore, the formula is simple: we look at both the Greek side and the side of your current passport.

If you are just considering a Greek passport and do not know which path is yours, start with an overview material on how Greek citizenship is structured and its main pathways.

Dual and Second Citizenship Are Not the Same

In everyday use, the words "dual" and "second" citizenship are used as synonyms, but legally there is a difference between them, and for Russian citizens it is fundamental. Let us explain in simple terms.

• Dual Citizenship in the strict sense – is when there is a special international treaty between two countries by which they recognize a citizen as "theirs" with particular mutual consideration of rights and obligations. Russia has such a treaty with only a very limited number of countries, and Greece is not among them.
• Second Citizenship – is a situation when a person holds passports of two countries between which there is no special treaty. Each country considers him exclusively its own citizen and does not account for the second passport. This is precisely what happens in the case of Russia – Greece.

What does this mean in practice? For Russia, a person with a Greek passport remains a full-fledged Russian citizen, and the presence of a Greek passport does not affect this in any way. For Greece, the same person is a full-fledged Greek citizen. Each state "sees" only its connection with you. Therefore, when people say "dual citizenship Greece Russia," it is legally more correct to speak of second citizenship – but the term "dual" has taken root in common usage, and we will use both, understanding the essence.

This difference is not mere semantics. It is from this distinction that the key obligation for Russians derives: to notify the authorities of the existence of second citizenship or foreign residence permit.

The Pathways Through Which Greece Issues a Second Passport

Since you don't need to renounce your first passport, it makes sense to understand how exactly Greece issues a second passport. There are several pathways, and they differ significantly in timelines and requirements.

• By Descent (Greek Ancestry). If you had Greeks among your ancestors, this is often the fastest and most logical pathway – through proving descent and registration. Language requirements and lengthy residence are typically not required here.
• By Naturalization. The classic pathway for those who relocate to Greece: approximately 7 years of legal residence, an examination in the Greek language, a test on knowledge of the country's history and culture, and actual presence in the country.
• By Marriage to a Greek Citizen. A separate procedure with its own residence requirements and language requirements.

It is important to understand: there is no direct "purchase" of Greek citizenship through investments. The popular Golden Visa provides a residence permit for investments (primarily in real estate), and the status of resident already opens a pathway to permanent residence and subsequently to naturalization. In other words, investments serve as entry into the country and legal grounds for accumulating years of residence, not a shortcut to a passport.

We examine all routes and nuances in detail in the material on Greek citizenship through naturalization, and specific details for Russian citizens - in the guide on Greek citizenship for Russians.

How to retain your first citizenship when obtaining Greek citizenship

Good news: you don't need to do anything special to "retain" your first citizenship when obtaining Greek citizenship - it is retained automatically because Greece does not require you to renounce it. Greek authorities do not request any exit procedure or renunciation statements regarding your previous passport. You simply become a holder of two citizenships.

But "retaining" your first passport means not only not losing it on the Greek side. It also means not violating your first country's requirements. And this is where Russian citizens face a specific obligation.

• The mere fact of obtaining a Greek passport does not affect Russian citizenship. You will not be stripped of Russian citizenship for becoming Greek as well.
• But you are obligated to notify the Russian Ministry of Internal Affairs of acquiring second citizenship - or of obtaining a residence permit in Greece, if it concerns a residence permit (for example, under the Golden Visa program).
• You cannot ignore this. Failure to submit or late submission of notification entails liability, including fines.

That is, the formula "retain your first passport" for a Russian citizen in practice sounds like this: obtain Greek citizenship (or a residence permit) and notify Russian authorities within the prescribed timeframe. Then you remain in full legal compliance with both countries.

Notification to the Russian Ministry of Internal Affairs: deadlines, methods, fines (table)

This is the key practical section for Russian citizens. The law requires notifying the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the presence of second citizenship or a residence permit (other documents for permanent residence) in a foreign state. We will compile all parameters into a table - this is the most convenient format for such a checklist.

Several important clarifications. First, a notification is exactly that - a notification, not a request for permission: you are not asking whether you may have a second passport, but reporting the fact. Second, the obligation applies to residence permits as well - that is, if you obtained a Greek residence permit under the Golden Visa program, you must notify as well. Third, specific deadlines and penalties are periodically adjusted, so before submission, be sure to check the current version of Russian law and the notification form.

Do not neglect this step. Many people happily obtain a European passport and forget about the "domestic" formality - and then when crossing the border or completing documents, an unsubmitted notification and fine come to light.

Military service and conscription for men with a Greek passport

This is a nuance that is often overlooked, yet it matters for men and families with sons. Greece considers all male citizens as liable for military service - regardless of whether they have second citizenship and where they live.

What you need to know:

• Age. Military service obligation applies to male citizens approximately from age 19 to 45.
• Dual citizenship does not exempt you. Possessing, for example, a Russian passport does not in itself cancel Greek military service obligation - Greek authorities regard you primarily as a Greek citizen.
• Service term. Standard term is approximately 12 months; in border regions it is reduced. Greece underwent military service reform in 2026.
• Deferrals and exemptions exist. Citizens permanently residing abroad have the right to military service deferral, and upon reaching 45 years of age are permanently exempted from military obligation. Other grounds for deferrals also exist.

Practical conclusion: if you are obtaining Greek citizenship for yourself or your son, clarify your military status in advance—what deferrals apply when residing outside Greece and how to properly formalize them. This is not a reason to reject the passport, but a reason to understand the rules in advance to avoid surprises at the border during a trip to Greece. Greek consulates provide explanations for individual situations.

Dual citizenship Greece-Russia: what matters specifically for Russian citizens.

We will consolidate everything critical for Russian citizens considering a second Greek passport. The topic of dual citizenship Greece-Russia has its own specifics that cannot be ignored.

• Greece does not require renunciation of a Russian passport. You remain a Russian citizen in full capacity.
• Russia does not prohibit second citizenship but requires notification. 60 days—notification to the Interior Ministry. This is the main practical step.
• Enhanced compliance. After 2022, European countries, including Greece, more thoroughly verify the source of funds from Russian applicants. Money for investments (for example, under Golden Visa) must be transparent and lawful—without circumventing sanctions.
• Visa entry. Until you are a Greek citizen and resident, short-term trips require a Schengen visa, which has become harder to obtain. A Greek passport completely eliminates this problem.
• Taxes—based on residence. Obtaining a passport does not automatically make you a Greek tax resident; actual residence determines this.

For Russian citizens, the path to a Greek passport is real and absolutely legal, but requires care on both sides of the border. A detailed analysis of your specific scenario is in a special article on Greek citizenship for Russians..

Common mistakes and misconceptions about dual citizenship.

Over years of practice, we see the same mistakes people make when obtaining a second passport. We will address them so you do not fall into these traps.

• "Once I obtained a Greek passport, I must renounce my Russian one." Untrue. Greece does not require this, and Russia will not revoke your passport for it. You do not need to renounce.
• "There is no obligation to notify anyone." Mistake. For Russian citizens, Interior Ministry notification is a direct obligation, and violation carries a fine.
• "Greek passport = taxes in Greece." No. Tax residency is determined by residence, not citizenship. You can hold a passport and not be a Greek tax resident.
• "Military service does not affect me; I live in another country." Dangerous oversimplification. Military obligation remains; you need formal deferrals or age-based exemption.
• "Golden Visa is immediate citizenship." No. It is a residence permit for investment; citizenship requires proceeding through residence and naturalization.

Most of these mistakes are easily preventable if you establish a correct strategy from the start: which path to citizenship to choose, when to notify your home country, how to plan taxes and military status. This is exactly what we help you do.

Expert view: how not to turn a second passport into a problem.

Dual citizenship is a tool for freedom, but only with proper handling. Several practical guidelines I give clients at the start help avoid typical problems before they arise.

• Plan the formalities of your first country immediately. For Russians, this is Interior Ministry notification within the deadline. Set a reminder for 60 days before obtaining the Greek document.
• Do not confuse residence permit with citizenship. Golden Visa is the start, not the finish. Notification is required for residence permit as well.
• Calculate taxes before relocation, not after. Days of residence, center of interests, preferential regimes—all this is better calculated in advance.
• For men—clarify military service. Deferrals are formalized, but not automatically.

Then the second passport will become exactly what it is obtained for—an expansion of opportunities, not a source of border surprises.

Dual citizenship and different countries: where it is permitted and where it is not

Since the dual citizenship issue is decided from two sides - the Greek side and your first country's side - it is useful to keep the overall picture in mind. Greece always permits it. But your current country may view a second passport differently. Below is an approximate table for a number of countries whose citizens most often inquire about Greek citizenship. This is a general guideline, not a legal opinion: laws change, so always check your country's position separately.

The conclusion from the table is straightforward: Greece presents no barriers whatsoever, and real restrictions may only come from your current citizenship. For Russian citizens, this is not a prohibition but an obligation to notify - which is entirely feasible.

What a second Greek passport provides in practice

Why do you need second Greek citizenship if your first passport remains? Because a Greek passport is a European Union passport, and it opens an entirely different level of freedom and opportunity without taking anything away from your current status.

• Freedom to live, work, and study in any EU country. A Greek citizen can relocate to Germany, France, the Netherlands without visas and permits - as a local resident.
• Visa-free travel. Greece is part of both the EU and the Schengen Zone, so its passport is one of the strongest in terms of freedom of movement.
• Citizenship transfer to children. Greek citizenship is hereditary; your children will become EU citizens.
• Access to European healthcare, education, and banking. With an EU passport, many doors closed to holders of other passports open automatically.

Your first passport continues to work where it is more convenient or necessary. This is the main value of dual citizenship: you do not choose "either - or," you get "both - and." For more details on document strength and visa-free entry countries, see the material on visa-free opportunities of a Greek passport.

Taxes with dual citizenship: residence determines liability, not passport

The most common fear of someone with two passports: "now I will be taxed twice" or "a Greek passport will automatically make me a Greek tax resident." Both concerns are myths. Remember the key principle: tax residency is determined not by citizenship but by where you actually live.

How this works in Greece:

• The 183-day rule. You become a Greek tax resident if you spend more than 183 days in the country during a 12-month period. Greece then taxes your worldwide income.
• Center of vital interests. Consideration is also given to where your family, primary property, and business are located - the totality of your connections to the country.
• The passport alone changes nothing. You can be a Greek citizen but live and pay taxes in another country - then you are a non-resident for Greece and pay taxes there only on Greek-source income (for example, from rental of Greek property).

We should separately note: for those who relocate their tax base to Greece, preferential regimes exist - non-dom with a fixed tax on worldwide income and a special 7% regime for foreign retirees. But this is a voluntary choice, not a consequence of obtaining the passport itself. And finally, importantly: agreements exist between countries to prevent double taxation, so one and the same income is not taxed twice. Tax configuration upon relocation should always be calculated individually.

Conclusion: dual citizenship with Greece is real and legal.

Let us summarize. Greece permits dual and multiple citizenship—you do not need to renounce your first passport either upon naturalization or upon obtaining citizenship through roots or marriage. This makes a Greek passport particularly attractive: you obtain full EU citizenship while losing nothing from your previous status.

For Russian citizens, the picture looks as follows: Greece has no objection, Russia does not prohibit, but requires Interior Ministry notification of second citizenship or residence permit within the established deadline. Taxes are determined by residence, not passport; for men, military obligation applies with the possibility of deferrals. All these issues are solvable—you simply need to account for them in advance.

The optimal strategy for most is to choose an appropriate path to citizenship (ancestry, naturalization through residence permit/Golden Visa, or marriage), properly complete your home country's formalities, and plan your tax and military status. Current forms, laws, and official procedures should always be checked on the Greek government portal gov.gr, and specifics for your case—with a lawyer. A convenient way to begin learning the topic is with an overview of Greek citizenship and analysis. Pathways to naturalization.