Beginning in 2026, France will require civic and language exams for residency permits.
Higher proficiency in French and a new civic exam are required for many applications for citizenship and residency permits in France as of January 1, 2026. The regulations are designed to improve long-term integration.
The regulations have recently become more explicit and stringent for those who intend to live in France permanently or apply for citizenship.
Many residency permits, long-term residence cards, and naturalization applications will formally be subject to increased language and civic exam requirements as of January 1, 2026. Only applications submitted on or after that date will be impacted by these modifications, which are derived from France's 2024 immigration law.
Let's simplify what it means.
New French Language Proficiency Requirements
Foreigners must now fulfill more stringent French language criteria in order to apply for some multi-year residency permits or citizenship.
Permits for Multiple Years of Residency
A2-level French is now required for applicants for several multi-year residency permits. Those that sign the Integration Republican Contract are now subject to this condition, including:
Locally employed salaried workers
Holders of private and family life permits
Entrepreneurs and independent contractors
Regulated occupations such as physicians, attorneys, and architects
In the past, candidates merely needed to demonstrate that they were studying French. That is insufficient now.
Who is not affected: This modification has no effect on intra-company transfers or multi-year talent permits.
Ten-Year Residency Permit
B1-level French, rather than A2, is now required when applying for a 10-year residency card.
Refugees and those protected by certain international accords, such as holders of Article 50 permits following Brexit, are exempt.
Citizenship in France
Applicants for citizenship now have to meet the strictest requirements. As opposed to the previous B1 standard, you now need to demonstrate B2-level French. This also holds true for citizenship acquired through reintegration or marriage.
How to Show Off Your French Proficiency
Candidates can demonstrate their linguistic proficiency by:
passing recognized exams such as the DELF or TCF
submitting a certificate or diploma that is accepted
Providing evidence of adequate French education Tests must be taken at authorized testing locations unless you already have a recognized diploma or certificate.
Many non-EU nationals now have to take the civic exam.
The new system includes more than just language proficiency.
Non-EU citizens submitting applications for:
A long-term residency permit
French citizens must now pass a civic exam in order to obtain a 10-year residence card.
How the Civic Exam Appears
Time: forty-five minutes
Format: Multiple-choice
Eighty percent is the passing score.
Republican principles and French citizens' rights and obligations are the main topics of the exam.
Who Is Not Required to Take It?
The following are exempt from the civic exam:
Renewals of resident cards or permits
Individuals protected by international accords and refugees
Candidates 65 years of age and older Some people have long-term medical issues or impairments
It is anticipated that authorities will elucidate further exemptions and their application.
What This Actually Means
The revised resident permit requirement implies that if
Candidates will not be eligible for the desired permission or citizenship if they fail the civic or language exams.
People may have to rely on short-term permits if they are unable to attain the A2 level for a multi-year permit. These have a stringent renewal cap, which may reduce the amount of time a person can remain in France lawfully.
Employers may experience difficulties if workers are unable to upgrade or renew their status, as well as a reduced talent pool.
Applications are currently being processed.
It is important to note that your application should not be subject to the new regulations if it was submitted prior to January 1, 2026. However, prefectures may implement the reforms differently, particularly with regard to pending cases.
The Reasons Behind France's Changes
The objective is straightforward. Long-term residents and prospective citizens are encouraged to become more fully integrated into daily life in France.
Although the 2024 immigration legislation was released in January of that year, not all of its provisions were implemented right away. Exams for civics and language were introduced gradually, and as of January 1, 2026, they were fully implemented.
Early planning is more important than ever for anyone considering a future in France.
