Greek Language Exam or Culture Exam: Which One You Need

A Cyprus citizenship file needs both exams. Which is which, what level of Greek is required, and where the full Greek-exam guide lives.

Updated:

Two exams, not one

A Cyprus citizenship file needs two different exams, and they get confused with each other constantly. This site covers the culture exam — the political and social realities of Cyprus. This page is about the other one: the Greek language exam. Passing either does nothing for the other.

For the language requirement, standard naturalisation asks for B1. Under the fast track for highly skilled applicants it is B1 at four years' residence and A2 at five. For permanent residence there is no single level — it depends on the category you apply under, which is why any page quoting one number for it is guessing.

Cyprus accepts either of two certificates, and for a file at A2 or B1 they are equivalent:

Ελληνομάθεια University of Cyprus
Awarded by Centre for the Greek Language School of Modern Greek
Sittings once a year, in May several a year
Levels A1–C2 A1–C2
Fee €90 (A1–B1), €100 (B2–C2) €90 or €100
Validity for life for life

Choosing between them is choosing a date, not a standard. Miss the May Ελληνομάθεια window and the next Cyprus sitting is twelve months out; the University of Cyprus usually has another a few months away, if you get a place.

Accurate as of 9 September 2026. Requirements change — check the Ministry of the Interior, moec.gov.cy and the School of Modern Greek before you apply.

The full detail is on GreekBrain

We keep the Greek language exam on our sister site, so that each subject has one page rather than two half-pages:

Staying here for the culture exam

Master the Cyprus Culture & Politics Exam

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