Do you need Greek for residence or citizenship in Greece in 2026?

Many first titles for work, family, study, or investment focus on documents, income, and insurance rather than a CEFR certificate. EU citizens registering residence follow a different path again: EU residence certificate and Apply for a residence permit. Always read the checklist for your exact category on migration.gov.gr, because some long-stay or professional routes can ask for language proof.

Even when no certificate is listed, Greek still decides whether you can finish the file. AFM, TAXISnet, appointments, and landlord papers are easier with reading skills: Set up TAXISnet and English in Greece.

For naturalisation of non-ethnic foreigners, Greece uses the Certificate of Knowledge Adequacy for Naturalisation (PEGP / Π.Ε.Γ.Π.). Gov.gr states you must pass exams covering Greek language at a level equivalent to B1 in understanding and producing spoken and written discourse, plus knowledge sections on geography, history, culture, and political institutions.

Applications to sit PEGP run through the Interior exam platform with TAXISnet credentials. The Ministry publishes a question bank for the civics side. Passing PEGP is a precondition for filing naturalisation, not a casual language hobby certificate. Fees and exam dates change by session, so use the live portal rather than an old blog post.

The Centre for the Greek Language Certificate of Attainment (Ellinomatheia) proves Modern Greek skill for study or work pathways. It is not automatically the same document as PEGP. Study plan: Learn Greek in Greece. Job language is a separate decision: Greek for work.

Year one: alphabet, housing phrases, and admin reading. Year of naturalisation intent: B1 production plus PEGP civics bank. Do not wait until the residence clock is almost done to open a textbook.