Cyprus citizenship: Greek at B1, and a civics exam that is also in Greek
Since the Civil Registry (Amendment) Law of 2023 came into force on 19 December 2023, an adult applying to naturalise in Cyprus needs two separate certificates: Greek at B1, and a pass of at least 60% in an exam on the basic elements of the contemporary political and social reality of Cyprus.
The second one catches people out. That civics exam is set in Greek, so the Greek you learn is tested twice. Everything below was read on 20 October 2026 on the Ministry of Interior's page for form M127 and the Ministry of Education's announcements of the civics exam on gov.cy. The statute's wording is in our citizenship requirements table.
The Greek certificate
The proof is a Certificate of Success in Greek at B1 on the Common European Framework. The Ministry of Interior names two sources: the Greek Language Certification Examinations of the Centre for the Greek Language, held in Cyprus through the Ministry of Education's Examination Service (the certificate in our Ellinomatheia guide), or a certificate from the School of Modern Greek of the University of Cyprus.
Exempt: holders of a school leaving certificate from a recognised secondary school taught mainly in Greek, and holders of a degree from a programme taught in Greek.
The civics exam: 60%, 20 euros, in Greek
The Examination Service of the Ministry of Education runs the Εξέταση Πιστοποίησης της Επαρκούς Γνώσης Βασικών Στοιχείων της Σύγχρονης Πολιτικής και Κοινωνικής Πραγματικότητας της Κύπρου. You need 60% or more. In 2026 a sitting was held on Saturday 4 July, with applications only online through JCC Smart, between 19 May and 2 June, at 20 euros. The same exam also serves applicants for long-term resident status.
The published syllabus covers current affairs, modern history from 1960, customs and traditional products, geography and districts, the political system, parties and the heads of state institutions, the economy, entry requirements, telecoms, weather, languages and religions, currency, working hours and holidays, health and safety, and transport. The ministry says it asks for basic information, not detail, and points to the Deputy Ministry of Tourism's website. Then it adds: the language of the exam is Greek.
Residence, and the faster route
The standard route needs 12 months' continuous legal residence immediately before applying, with absences up to 90 days in total allowed, plus at least seven years of legal residence in the ten years before those 12 months.
For highly skilled employees of companies designated by the Council of Ministers (decision 92.018 of 15 October 2021), the seven years become four with Greek at A2, or three with B1, after at least two years with such a company. Here the Greek level shortens the wait by a year. The civics exam is still required.
Fees
The application costs 500 euros, plus two stamps of 8.54 euros, and another 500 euros if it is approved, for the naturalisation certificate. Highly skilled employees can pay 5,000 euros for an examination of the application within eight months. You file form M127 at the District Administration Office and sign it in front of a registrar.
Mistakes worth avoiding
Studying for the civics exam in English from tourism websites.
Learning the syllabus topics in Greek.
The ministry's announcement says the exam is held in Greek.
Assuming a Greek certificate is enough.
Planning for both certificates: Greek B1 and 60% in the civics exam.
Form M127 lists them as two separate conditions, each with its own proof.
Waiting for the last month to apply for the civics exam.
Watching the Ministry of Education's announcements well ahead.
Applications open for about two weeks before each sitting, online only.
Questions
What level of Greek do you need for Cyprus citizenship?
B1 on the Common European Framework, proved by a Greek Language Certification Examinations certificate or one from the University of Cyprus School of Modern Greek. Highly skilled employees can qualify with A2 on a four-year route.
What is the pass mark for the Cyprus civics exam?
60%. The exam covers the basic elements of Cyprus's contemporary political and social reality and is held in Greek by the Ministry of Education's Examination Service.
How much does the Cyprus civics exam cost?
20 euros, paid when you apply online through JCC Smart. The 2026 sitting was on 4 July, with applications from 19 May to 2 June.
How long must you live in Cyprus before naturalising?
12 months' continuous residence before applying plus seven years in the previous ten. Highly skilled employees of designated companies need four years with A2 Greek or three with B1.
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