Overview
The Certificate of Adequate Knowledge for Naturalisation (PEGP) is the exam foreign nationals living in Greece must pass before they submit a naturalisation application. It is run by the General Secretariat for Citizenship of the Ministry of the Interior and tests Greek language and knowledge of Greek society.
Who can apply
Foreign nationals residing in Greece who intend to apply for Greek citizenship by naturalisation. You need a valid residence permit (or proof of a renewal application) and a valid passport or equivalent travel document.
Exam pattern
The language component needs at least B1 level Greek and carries 60 percent of the total mark; the knowledge component carries 40 percent. This breakdown comes from a secondary source.
| Component | Weight | Content | Minimum |
|---|---|---|---|
| Greek language | 60% | Reading (18 questions), writing (1 task), listening (10 questions), speaking (3 parts) | 40% |
| Knowledge | 40% | History (4 questions), geography (4), culture (6), civics and the Constitution (6) | 20% |
Candidates with a physical disability of 68 percent or more, certified learning difficulties, or aged over 62 may be eligible for the oral exam.
Important dates
The exam is held twice a year, usually in November and March. Application windows and dates are announced on the Ministry's exam site (exetaseis-ithageneia.ypes.gr).
Fees
The fee is EUR 150, paid through the e-paravolo system (code 2158) by post office, bank counter, card or web banking. It is waived for people who filed a naturalisation application before 31 March 2021 and are sitting the exam for the first time.
How to apply
Applications are made digitally on gov.gr with TaxisNet credentials.
Declare any pending citizenship application.
Enter the payment code, paid at least 2 days earlier.
Choose up to 2 exam cities from 14 locations.
Add your travel document and residence permit details, and contact details.
Accept the declaration and submit.
Centres run only where at least 70 applicants choose them.
Preparation tips
Prepare for both the B1 Greek language skills and the history, geography, culture and civics topics.
Preparation courses exist; one provider describes 100 teaching hours over about 4.5 months.
FAQs
Do I need the certificate before applying for citizenship?
Yes. The official procedure says you must pass the PEGP before submitting a naturalisation application.