Syria citizenship test: requirements and civics quiz
Syria has no published official citizenship test question list. This page explains what naturalisation requires, links to the official source, and offers a free 19-question general civics quiz for learning. The quiz is not an official exam.
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Is there an official Syria citizenship test? We have not found a published official question list. Naturalisation requirements are summarised below with a link to the official source. The quiz on this page is a general civics quiz for learning and is not linked to any official process.
Does Syria have a citizenship test? How naturalisation works
Last reviewed: October 22, 2026 · Checked against the official source linked on this page.
Syria has no citizenship test. Nationality is governed by Legislative Decree 276 of 1969. It sets no civics or knowledge exam; instead the applicant must be of full legal age, have lived in Syria for five years continuously (absences of up to a year do not break the period), be free of contagious disease or any condition preventing work, be of good conduct with no criminal record, have a lawful livelihood or sufficient means, and be able to read and write Arabic. Applications go to the Ministry of Interior, and citizenship is granted by decree on the Minister’s recommendation. Applicants from Arab countries are treated more favourably.
Marriage and dual nationality
A foreign woman married to a Syrian man can apply after two years of valid marriage and two years of legal residence (Articles 8–9). There is no marriage route for foreign husbands of Syrian women, who must naturalise in the ordinary way. A Syrian who acquires another nationality remains Syrian unless a decree allows renunciation (Article 10), and inside Syria is treated only as a Syrian national. Fees and processing times are not published.
Changes since December 2024
After the fall of the Assad government on 8 December 2024, the transitional authorities announced in March 2025 that Assad-era grants of citizenship to foreign fighters would be reviewed. Decree No. 13 of 16 January 2026 granted Syrian citizenship to stateless Kurds affected by the 1962 census; applications opened on 6 April 2026 and more than 10,000 people had been covered by late May 2026. No new general nationality law had been published by October 2026, so the 1969 rules still apply, but they may change.
The quiz below is a general civics quiz about Syria’s geography, history and symbols for learning only. See also which countries have a citizenship test.
| Official citizenship test | No. Syria has no published citizenship knowledge test. Naturalisation requirements still apply; see below and the official source. |
|---|---|
| How naturalisation works | There is no citizenship test. Under Legislative Decree 276 of 1969, naturalisation requires full legal age, 5 years of continuous residence (absences of up to a year do not break it), good health, good conduct with no criminal record, a lawful livelihood and the ability to read and write Arabic. It is granted by decree on the recommendation of the Minister of Interior. |
| Language requirement | Ability to read and write Arabic; applicants from Arab countries are treated more favourably. |
| Who it applies to | Foreign nationals with 5 years of continuous residence; foreign wives of Syrian men after 2 years of marriage and 2 years of legal residence. There is no marriage route for foreign husbands. |
| Exemptions | No test exists. A Syrian who takes another nationality remains Syrian unless a decree permits renunciation, and inside Syria is treated only as Syrian. Decree No. 13 of 16 January 2026 granted citizenship to stateless Kurds affected by the 1962 census. |
Topics in the general civics quiz
- Constitution and governmentHead of state, parliament, courts and the constitution.2 questions
- History and national symbolsIndependence, key dates, flag, anthem and other national symbols.10 questions
- Geography and societyCapital, geography, languages, currency and public holidays.6 questions
- Naturalisation rulesWhat the law requires for citizenship: residence, language, tests, fees and dual nationality.1 questions
Sample questions
Answer: Damascus. Damascus is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world.
Answer: Palmyra. Palmyra was a major trading hub in the Roman era.
Answer: The Arab League. Syria was one of the founding members of the League of Arab States, established in Cairo in March 1945.
How to prepare
Keep proof of 5 years of continuous residence and of your livelihood; these are the core conditions.
Be ready to show you can read and write Arabic.
Check for new decrees: the transitional government may revise the 1969 rules.
Syria citizenship FAQ
Is there a citizenship test in Syria?
No. The law sets no civics test. It requires 5 years of continuous residence, good conduct, sufficient means, good health and the ability to read and write Arabic.
How do you become a Syrian citizen?
Apply to the Ministry of Interior; citizenship is granted by decree on the Minister's recommendation. A foreign wife of a Syrian can apply after 2 years of marriage and legal residence.
Does Syria allow dual citizenship?
In practice, yes: a Syrian who takes another nationality remains Syrian unless a decree allows renunciation, and inside Syria is treated only as Syrian.
Did Syrian citizenship law change after 2024?
No new general nationality law has been published. Decree No. 13 of January 2026 grants citizenship to stateless Kurds, and the authorities have said they will review Assad-era grants to foreign fighters.
Can a foreign husband get Syrian citizenship through marriage?
No. The marriage route covers only foreign wives; a foreign husband must use ordinary naturalisation.