Greek Citizenship Test - All You Need to Know

Greek citizenship test – Full Guide

Starting from August 2021, the Greek government has implemented a language and culture assessment, a prerequisite for Greek residents aspiring to apply for citizenship. This page aims to offer a comprehensive overview of the application procedures and requirements, serving as a guide to help you embark on the path towards complete legalization in this remarkable country.

What are the Application Requirements?

Whether you are applying for financial independence or investing in Greece’s real estate sector, obtaining a permanent residence permit is a prerequisite for pursuing full citizenship. The most efficient and straightforward path is to purchase private property in Greece.

Simply invest a minimum of €250,000 in local property and open an account with a Greek bank. Within a few months, you will be granted permanent residence, granting you virtually all the rights and privileges of a citizen. Moreover, your family members will also be eligible for permanent residence.

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Once you have obtained the permanent residence permit, you will need to reside in Greece for at least seven years before becoming eligible to apply for the Greek citizenship test. Notably, one advantage of acquiring permanent residence through investment is that you are not bound by restrictions on the number of days spent in the country. In most cases, spending just one week per year will suffice for most purposes.

Application in Three Years

Additionally, you can become eligible for Greek citizenship in just three years if you fall into one of the following categories:

• Holders of European Union passports
• Stateless persons and political refugees
• Married to a Greek national, except if the citizenship was obtained through studying in the country
• Parents of Greek minors or those with custody over them.

What are the Eligibility Requirements?

To be eligible for Greek citizenship, aside from holding a permanent residence permit, you must fulfill the following requirements:

1. You must be at least 18 years old.
2. You should possess a clean police record and have no prior deportation history from Greece.
3. Depending on your circumstances, you must have resided in the country continuously for either seven or three years.
4. You must demonstrate a minimum B1 level of proficiency in the Greek language and prove your integration into Greek society. The government administers a language and culture test for this purpose.

The idea of integrating with the community may seem complex, but generally, the interviewing authorities seek applicants with a solid understanding of Greek culture and history, which the test evaluates. Additionally, they expect individuals to participate in social, educational, or occupational activities and fulfill their tax obligations.

Application Procedure

To apply for the Greek citizenship test, you can directly visit the official government websites, which can be obtained from your legal representative or the nearest Greek Consulate. The test is formally known as the Proficiency Certification for Naturalization.

The application fee is €250, and if you pass the test, there will be an additional €550 fee for the interview with government officials. Therefore, it is recommended to prepare €800 for this purpose.

The same government websites also provide a list of possible questions and answers to help you prepare for the exam. It’s important to note that all the questions are in Greek, so it is necessary to have a good understanding of the language before familiarizing yourself with the test content.

There are a couple of challenges with these websites, such as the use of cumbersome electronic formats (e.g., separate PDF files for each question) and the absence of answers to some questions. However, even with these limitations, browsing through the pages can still provide valuable information.

Remember, having some information is better than nothing, and by exploring these resources, you can greatly benefit in your preparation for the test.

Examination Procedure

The consists of the following components:

• Twenty written questions covering various aspects of Greek language, culture, politics, geography, and history.
• Ten oral questions on three topics chosen at the examiner’s discretion.
• One essay.

To pass the test, you need to achieve a minimum score of 80%. Approximately half of all applicants successfully pass the topic section, while two-thirds pass the language test.

Once you successfully pass the test, which we sincerely hope you will, you will receive an invitation to attend an interview conducted by members of the Citizenship Department of the Greek Ministry of Home Affairs. During this interview, they will assess your level of integration into Greek society. Please note that it typically takes several months to receive the invitation after passing the test.

In the unfortunate event that you do not pass the test, you will need to wait for a certain period of time before you can reapply. The waiting time varies and is subject to different factors. Therefore, it is advisable to contact the Greek authorities closer to the time or seek assistance from your legal representative.

We wish you the best of luck in your journey towards Greek citizenship!

Applying for Citizenship

Once you pass the Home Affairs interview, you’re ready to collect the necessary documents and apply for citizenship. The required documents and fees will vary depending on factors such as your citizenship and other considerations.

For non-EU residents, the application fee is typically €700. Prior to applying, make sure you have the following documents in order:

• Passport or ID
• Greek permanent residence permit
• Greek bank account statement
• Police clearance from both your local area and, in some cases, your country of origin
• Greek tax number
• Marriage and birth certificates of your Greek ancestors or proof of relation to Greek nationals, if applicable

For EU citizens and residents, the additional requirement is providing proof of EU legal status, and the application fee is reduced to €100. Regardless of EU residency, the official processing time is one year, although it often takes around four years in practice.

Furthermore, there are simplified application conditions, shorter processing times, and reduced or waived fees for ethnic Greeks from certain countries and foreign nationals who have completed their education in Greece.

Are There Any Exemptions from the Examination?

Applicants who are 67 years old or older, as well as those with permanent or temporary physical disabilities that hinder or prevent writing, have the option to take all exams orally. Additionally, certain categories of applicants are exempt from taking the Greek citizenship test altogether:

1. For citizenship interviews scheduled before March 31, 2021, no examination is required.
2. For citizenship interviews scheduled between April 1 and August 1 of the same year, applicants must take the exam, but there will be no application fee for the first attempt.
3. Foreign nationals who have completed their secondary, undergraduate, or postgraduate education in Greece may submit their certificates, diplomas, or degrees in lieu of taking the exam, although they are still required to attend the interview.

Final Thoughts

We have compiled the most pertinent information regarding the Greek language and culture test, a vital prerequisite for acquiring citizenship in this country. For more precise and current details, please consult your legal representative, the nearest Greek Consulate, or the official websites of the Greek Department of Home Affairs.