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France Introduces Mandatory Civic and Language Exams for Residence Permit From 2026

January 6, 2026 6:53 am

France Introduce Mandatory Civic and Language Exams for Residence Permit From 2026

France Introduces Mandatory Civic and Language Exams for Residence Permit From 2026

Starting January 1, 2026, France will enforce stricter French language and civic exam requirements for various residence permits and citizenship applications. These changes aim to enhance long-term integration into French society.

If you aim to reside in France permanently or seek citizenship, these new regulations will impact you directly. The updated rules will apply to applications submitted on or after January 1, 2026. Let’s simplify what these changes entail.

New French Language Requirements

Individuals applying for specific multi-year residence permits or citizenship must now meet elevated French language standards.

Multi-Year Residence Permits

For certain multi-year residence permits, applicants are now required to demonstrate at least A2-level French. This applies to:

Salaried employees working locally
Holders of private and family life permits
Entrepreneurs and self-employed individuals
Professionals in regulated fields, such as doctors, lawyers, and architects

Exemptions: Talent permits and intra-company transfers remain unaffected.

10-Year Residence Card

Candidates applying for a 10-year residence card must now provide proof of B1-level French, a step up from the previous A2 requirement.

Exemptions: This new requirement does not apply to refugees and individuals under certain international agreements, including post-Brexit Article 50 permit holders.

French Citizenship

Applications for citizenship will now require proof of B2-level French, increased from the prior B1 requirement. This change applies to all citizenship routes, including via marriage or reintegration.

How to Validate Your French Proficiency

Candidates can demonstrate their language skills in several ways:
Passing approved tests, such as TCF or DELF
Presenting a recognized diploma or certificate
Providing evidence of adequate education in French
Tests must be conducted at accredited centers, unless the applicant holds an accepted diploma or certificate.

Civic Exam Requirement for Non-EU Nationals

Alongside language proficiency, non-EU nationals seeking:

Multi-year residence permits
10-year residence cards
French citizenship
Must now pass a civic exam.

Overview of the Civic Exam

Duration: 45 minutes
Format: Multiple-choice questions
Pass Mark: 80%

The exam addresses French republican values and knowledge of rights and responsibilities.

Exemptions to the Civic Exam

The civic exam requirement does not apply to:

Individuals renewing their permits or residence cards
Refugees and those under international agreements
Applicants aged 65 and older
Certain individuals with disabilities or long-term health issues
Authorities may provide further exemption clarifications in the future.

Implications of the New Regulations

These updated requirements indicate that applicants who do not pass the language proficiency or civic tests will be ineligible for the permits or citizenship they seek. Individuals unable to meet the A2-level French requirement for a multi-year permit may need to rely on less advantageous short-term permits. Such permits often come with strict renewal conditions, significantly limiting the duration for which someone can legally remain in France.

For employers, this could reduce the talent pool and lead to complications if current employees cannot renew their residency status.

Ongoing Applications

If you have already submitted your application before January 1, 2026, the new rules should not affect your case. However, the implementation of these changes by local prefectures may vary, particularly for pending applications.

Rationale Behind the Changes

The primary goal of these updates is straightforward: France seeks to ensure that long-term residents and future citizens integrate more fully into daily life. The 2024 immigration law, established in January 2024, introduced these measures progressively, with full implementation set to begin in 2026.

For those considering their future in France, taking early and proactive steps to comply with these regulations is essential.