Greek Citizenship Test: All You Need To Know

The Greek citizenship test, officially called the Certificate of Knowledge Adequacy for Naturalization (PEGP), is a standardized exam used to assess how well applicants are integrated into Greek society. It is a required step for most foreign nationals applying for Greek citizenship through naturalization. The exam is held twice a year, usually in May and November, and includes two main sections: a Greek language assessment and a general knowledge test.

The Greek citizenship exam (PEGP) is required for foreign nationals who are looking to get citizenship through naturalization.

You are required to take the citizenship exam if you fall into the following categories: 

• Standard naturalization: Residents who have lived in Greece legally for 7 consecutive years.
• Greece Golden Visa holders: Investors who have maintained residency for 7 years and wish to upgrade to citizenship.
• Refugees and stateless persons: Recognized refugees or stateless individuals who have resided in Greece for at least 3 years.
• EU nationals: Citizens of other EU member states who have lived in Greece for at least 3 years.
• Spouses of Greek citizens: If you are married to a Greek citizen and have a child together, you can apply after 3 years of residence, but must still prove language and cultural knowledge via the exam.

The Greek citizenship test, or PEGP, is divided into five core subjects. The examination is designed to make sure that you have a functional command of the language and a solid grasp of how Greek society operates. The exam uses a 100-point scale. To pass, you have to earn a total score of at least 70, while meeting these specific minimums:

• Language: 40 out of 60 points (66.6%).
• General knowledge: 20 out of 40 points (50%). 

The subjects and their question distribution are broken down as follows:

01/ Greek language

This is the most weighted section of the citizenship test, focusing on B1-level proficiency. You are tested on four specific skills: 

• Reading comprehension: Answering questions based on written texts. 
• Writing: Producing a short essay or formal letter.
• Listening: Understanding spoken Greek through audio clips. 
• Speaking: An oral interview where you discuss personal topics or societal issues. 

02/ History

This section focuses on important events and figures in Greek history, including:

• The Greek War of Independence (1821)
• Major 20th-century events such as WWII and the return to democracy
• Famous historical figures and landmarks

03/ Political institutions (Civics)

This section evaluates your understanding of how the country is governed. The topics include: 

• The Greek Constitution and the rights/duties of citizens. 
• The structure of the Parliament (Vouli) and the roles of the President and Prime Minister. 
• Greece’s membership in the European Union.

04/ Geography

You are expected to know the physical and administrative landscape of Greece, such as:

• Major mountain ranges, rivers, and island groups.
• The 13 Regions of Greece and their capital cities.
• Bordering countries and surrounding seas.

05/ Culture

This section looks at modern Greek culture and everyday life, including:

• Greek traditions and holidays such as Orthodox Easter and Ohi Day
• Famous Greek writers, musicians, and artists
• General knowledge about Greek society and lifestyle

The cost of the Greek Citizenship Exam (PEGP) is €150. This fee needs to be paid through the electronic administrative fee system (e-Paravolo) using code 2158 at least two days before you submit your application to take the test..

Passing the Greek citizenship exam (PEGP) is a major milestone toward Greek citizenship, but it is not the final step. After you receive your certificate, you still need to go through the administrative and approval process, which can take between 2 and 4 years before you officially become a citizen.

3–12 months post-exam

The naturalization interview

Once you have passed the exam, you will be invited for a personal interview with the Naturalization Committee. This is to verify your genuine integration into Greek society and the economy. This varies significantly by region. In bigger cities like Athens or Thessaloniki, the backlog can lead to waits of up to a year.

1–2 years post-interview

Administrative review and decree

If the committee gives a positive recommendation, your file moves to the Ministry of Interior. The Minister signs a naturalization decree, which is then published in the Government Gazette (Efimeris tis Kyverniseos). This step confirms that the Greek state has officially accepted your application.

2–6 months post-decree

The Oath of Allegiance

After the decree is published, you have one year to take the Oath of Allegiance at the Decentralized Administration office in your region. You are legally a Greek citizen the moment you sign the oath protocol.

1–3 months post-oath

Municipal registration

Finally, you have to be registered in the Municipal Registry (Demotologio). This registration allows you to apply for a Greek Identity Card (ID) and, subsequently, a Greek passport.

To apply for the Greek citizenship exam (PEGP), you need to use the official electronic platform managed by the General Secretariat of Citizenship of the Ministry of Interior. 

The process is fully digital and follows these steps:

1. Access the application platform: Applications are submitted via the official PEGP Platform. You will need to create an account: Register using a valid email address to receive your login credentials. Once logged in, you accept the terms and conditions to proceed to the digital form. 
2. Complete the digital form: The system will ask you to categorize yourself, for example, as a third-country national, refugee, or Golden Visa holder. The next step is to enter the remaining details exactly as they appear on your passport or residence permit. Lastly, you will choose your preferred examination center from the available list across Greece. 
3. Pay the examination fee: As mentioned, the fee is €150 and is managed through the e-Paravolo system. 
4. Submission and confirmation: After confirming that all information is correct and the fee is linked, submit the application. Registration windows usually open a few months before the exam dates. After the deadline passes and your application is reviewed, you will be assigned a unique candidate code, which you must print and bring to the exam center.