Greek Language Exam for Cyprus Citizenship & PR
For Cyprus citizenship you must prove your Greek on top of the culture exam. This is done through the Certificate of Attainment in Greek (Ελληνομάθεια) from the Centre for the Greek Language — a single exam offered at six levels (A1–C2) that in Cyprus is held once a year, usually in May. For naturalization on the general route the level required is B1; the Ministry of the Interior also accepts certificates at levels A2 and B1.
Accurate as of 10 June 2026. Migration-law requirements change — check official sources (Ministry of the Interior, moec.gov.cy) before you apply.
Which level you need
| Purpose | Greek level |
|---|---|
| Residence permit / long-term resident status (varies by category) | typically A2 |
| Citizenship (naturalization, general route) | B1 |
| Fast-track naturalization (highly skilled workers) | A2 (after 5 years) or B1 (after 4 years) of residence |
A2 and B1 are basic and threshold proficiency — being able to handle everyday situations. The exact level required depends on your applicant category, so confirm with the Ministry of the Interior.
How to register
- The exam is run by the Centre for the Greek Language (Ελληνομάθεια); in Cyprus it is administered by accredited centres, including the School of Modern Greek at the University of Cyprus.
- Registration opens well ahead — for the May 2026 sitting the window ran roughly 1 February to 20 March 2026 (some centres extended to late March).
- You pick a level (A1–C2), pay the fee, and on exam day sit the written and oral parts.
- The certificate does not expire and is recognised for migration purposes in Cyprus.
Dates and fees are published each year by the Centre for the Greek Language and the host centres — check them before registering.
How this relates to the culture exam
These are two different exams, and citizenship needs both:
- the Cyprus Culture Exam — knowledge about the country, in Greek, pass mark ≥ 60% for citizenship;
- the Greek language exam (Ελληνομάθεια) — your command of the language itself, B1 for the general route.
For PR (long-term resident) the culture exam (≥ 50%) is usually the main requirement, with a lower language level depending on category. More in PR vs citizenship.
How to prepare
Prepare for the language exam systematically — by level, with a focus on speaking practice and core A2–B1 grammar. Our Greek-learning app GreekBrain covers the vocabulary and grammar of these levels; Cyprus-specific exam vocabulary is easy to learn in the Hallouminati bot.
FAQ
Do I need the Greek exam for Cyprus PR?
For long-term resident status the main requirement is the culture exam (≥ 50%). The language requirement depends on the residence-permit category and is typically A2. Confirm with the Ministry of the Interior.
What level of Greek is required for citizenship?
B1 for the general naturalization route. The Ministry of the Interior accepts certificates at levels A2 and B1.
When is the Greek exam held in Cyprus?
Usually once a year, in May. Registration opens in winter (roughly February–March).
Is it the same exam as the Cyprus Culture Exam?
No. They are two different exams. Citizenship requires both: culture and Greek language.
Where do I register?
Through the Centre for the Greek Language (Ελληνομάθεια) and accredited centres in Cyprus, including the School of Modern Greek at the University of Cyprus.
See also: About the Cyprus Culture Exam · PR vs citizenship · How to prepare