Exam Requirements: Permanent Residence vs Citizenship
The Cyprus Culture Exam is the same exam for both, but the pass mark depends on your goal: for long-term resident status (PR) you need ≥ 50%, and for citizenship (naturalization) you need ≥ 60%. The other difference is language: for citizenship, on top of the culture exam, you need a separate Greek language certificate (usually level B1).
Accurate as of 10 June 2026. Migration rules change — check official sources (Ministry of the Interior / Civil Registry and Migration Department, moec.gov.cy) before you apply.
PR vs citizenship at a glance
| Item | Long-term resident (PR) | Citizenship (naturalization) |
|---|---|---|
| Culture exam pass mark | ≥ 50% | ≥ 60% |
| Greek language exam | typically A2 (varies by category) | B1 (general route) |
| Residence period | depends on permit category | usually 7 years (4–5 for highly skilled) |
| Where to submit | Civil Registry and Migration Department | Civil Registry and Migration Department |
Exact requirements depend on your category and may differ — this is a guide, not legal advice.
What each path needs
PR (long-term resident status). On the exam side, the key is to pass the culture exam at ≥ 50%. Your length of legal residence and, depending on category, a basic level of Greek are also taken into account.
Citizenship (naturalization). You need both exams: the culture exam at ≥ 60% and a Greek language certificate (general route: B1). The general rule is about 7 years of legal residence; since 2023 there is a fast track for highly skilled workers — 4 years (with B1) or 5 years (with A2). More on the language part in Greek language exam.
What happens after passing
The certificate for passing the culture exam is valid indefinitely. You attach it to your file and submit it to the Civil Registry and Migration Department — together with your PR or citizenship application and the other required documents. For how and when results arrive, see Exam results.
FAQ
Is it one exam for both PR and citizenship?
Yes, the culture exam is the same. Only the pass mark differs: ≥ 50% for PR and ≥ 60% for citizenship.
What does the "60% exam" mean?
It is the culture-exam pass mark for citizenship: you need at least 60% correct answers. For PR, 50% is enough.
Do I need Greek for PR?
For long-term resident status the main requirement is the culture exam. The language requirement depends on the permit category (typically A2). For citizenship you need a separate B1-level certificate.
How many years must I live in Cyprus for citizenship?
On the general naturalization route, usually about 7 years of legal residence. A fast track (4–5 years) exists for highly skilled workers. Confirm the exact conditions with the Ministry of the Interior.
How long is the exam certificate valid?
The certificate is valid indefinitely.
💬 Still have questions? Ask them in our Telegram community — Cyprus Culture Exam — where other candidates share their experience and help each other out.
See also: About the Cyprus Culture Exam · Greek language exam · Results