There are a number of advantages to obtaining a Greek passport; the chief among them is the ability to work and own property in Greece. Additionally, as Greece is a member state of the European Union, this Greek proof of citizenship allows holders of Greek passports to live and work freely in any of the EU member states. A Greek passport also allows qualified applicants to obtain employment in any of the federal EU agencies.
Similar to all European Union passports, the 32-paged Greek passport is the standardized burgundy red cover with gold lettering. The front is emblazoned with the word "Ι'''Τ---ΡΙΟ (or "passport") below the Greek coat of arms, which is a cross surrounded by laurel leaves. Above the coat of arms are two Greek words: ΕΥΡΩΠ'ΪΚ--- ΕΝΩΣ--- (or "European Union") and ΕΛΛ---ΝΙΚ--- "---ΜΟΚΡ'ΤΙ' (or "Hellenic Republic") underneath. Diplomatic passports, on the other hand, are issued with black covers and "ΙΠΛΩΜ'ΤΙΚΟ "Ι'''Τ---ΡΙΟ (or "diplomatic passport") inscribed underneath the national coat of arms.
Only two classes of potential residents can apply for Greek citizenship. The first class involves any person or persons who can provide verifiable proof that a grandparent or parent was or is a documented Greek citizen. This documentation can only be by mean of official Greek magisterial offices or Greek Orthodox marriage or birth certificates. The second class of applicant is one without Greek heritage. This class of applicant must reside legally in Greece for 10 years of the last 12 years, must speak Greek, must have a no criminal record and pass a citizenship test to qualify.
All Greek passports are issued by authority of the National Passport Center in Athens. All applicants must appear, in person, at either the NPC headquarters or a local police department with a completed request form, a passport photo and 82 Euros. The police liaison will then submit the approved paperwork to the NPC. The verification process and passport issuance can take anywhere from three to nine business days to complete. The applicant is given a traceable receipt and must submit said receipt to obtain the new passport. New passports must be picked up at the police station the application was submitted to.
Although a Greek passport will allow a citizen to enter, work and reside in any European Union country, holders of Greek passports must obtain a visa before traveling to the United States. The inverse is not the case, however, as citizens of the United States are allowed visa-free entry into Greece (or any other EU country). The United States, under the auspices of the Visa Waiver Program, allows specific countries a 90-day visa free entry into the country for the purposes of business or travel. Among these specific countries are Spain, France, Germany, the United Kingdom and Italy.
