France Requires Civic and Language Tests for Residence Permits From 2026

If you plan to live in France long-term or apply for citizenship, the rules just became clearer and stricter.

As of January 1, 2026, new language and civic exam requirements will officially apply to many residence permits, long-term residence cards, and naturalisation applications. These changes come from France’s 2024 immigration law and only affect applications filed on or after that date.

Let’s break it down, what it means in simple terms.

New French Language Levels You Must Meet

Foreigners applying for certain multi-year residence permits or citizenship now need to meet tougher French language requirements.

Multi-Year Residence Permits

Applicants for certain multi-year residence permits now need A2-level French. This requirement now affects people who sign the Integration Republican Contract, including:

• Salaried employees hired locally
• Private and family life permit holders
• Entrepreneurs and self-employed professionals
• Regulated professions like doctors, lawyers, and architects

Earlier, applicants only had to show they were learning French. That is no longer enough.

Who is exempt: Multi-year talent permits and intra-company transfers are not affected by this change.

10-Year Residence Card

If you apply for the 10-year residence card, you now need B1-level French, instead of A2.

Who is exempt: Refugees and people covered by certain international agreements, including post-Brexit Article 50 permit holders.

French Citizenship

Citizenship applicants now face the highest requirement. You must prove B2-level French, up from the earlier B1 standard. This also applies to citizenship through marriage or reintegration.

How to Prove Your French Level

Applicants can show language ability by:

• Passing approved tests like TCF or DELF
• Submitting a recognised diploma or certificate
• Showing proof of sufficient schooling in French

Tests must be taken at approved exam centres unless you already hold an accepted diploma or certificate.

Civic Exam Now Mandatory For Many Non-EU Nationals

Language skills are only part of the new system.

Non-EU nationals applying for:

• A multi-year residence permit
• A 10-year residence card
• French citizenship

must now pass a civic exam.

What the Civic Exam Looks Like

• Duration: 45 minutes
• Format: Multiple choice
• Pass mark: 80 per cent

The test focuses on republican values and the rights and duties of living in France.

Who Does Not Need to Take It

The civic exam does not apply to:

• Permit or residence card renewals
• Refugees and people covered by international agreements
• Applicants aged 65 and above
• Some individuals with disabilities or long-term health conditions

Authorities are expected to clarify further exemptions and how they apply.

What This Means In Real Terms

The updated requirement for residence permits means that if

Applicants who fail the language or civic tests will not qualify for the permit or citizenship they seek.

Those unable to meet the A2 level for a multi-year permit may be forced to rely on short-term permits. These come with a strict renewal limit, which can shorten how long someone can legally stay in France.

For employers, this could mean a smaller talent pool and possible disruptions if employees cannot renew or upgrade their status.

Applications Already In Progress

It is worth mentioning here that if you have submitted your application before January 1, 2026, it should not fall under the new rules. Still, there may be differences in how prefectures apply the changes, especially for pending files.

Why France Make These Changes

The goal is simple. France wants long-term residents and future citizens to integrate more deeply into everyday life.

The 2024 immigration law was published in January 2024, but not all measures started immediately. Language and civic exams were rolled out in stages, with full implementation now complete as of January 1, 2026.

For anyone planning their future in France, early preparation now matters more than ever.