Beginning 1st January 2026, France will introduce new language and civics test requirements for foreigners applying for certain long-term residency permits.
The tests do not apply for those seeking an initial visa to enter and live in France.
These changes stem from the 2024 Immigration Law (Loi immigration 2024), part of a wider government initiative to strengthen integration standards and ensure that long-term residents have a basic understanding of the French language, values, and institutions.
Under the new framework, applicants for both multi-year residence cards (cartes de séjour pluriannuelles) and the 10-year permanent residence card (carte de résident) will need to demonstrate proficiency in French and pass a new civics test.
However, there are several important exemptions, most notably for people aged 65 and over, as confirmed by a recent government decree.
Until now, foreign nationals applying for residence cards in France have signed a Contrat d'Intégration Républicaine (CIR) through the Office français de l’immigration et de l’intégration (OFII). This contract already included free civics training and an evaluation of language skills, but it did not require formal testing or a minimum certified level.
From 2026, the system will become stricter:
Applicants for multi-year residence cards will need to prove at least A2 level in French (upper beginner, as defined by the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages, CEFR).
Applicants for the 10-year carte de résident must show B1 level (lower intermediate).
Applicants for French citizenship will face an even higher bar — B2 level (upper intermediate) — and must also pass a separate civics test.
According to Interior Ministry statements, these tests aim to ensure that residents “actively integrate into the French Republic.” The reforms reflect a belief that “living legally in France for several years should come with a genuine effort to learn the language and understand the Republic’s values.”
For both the civics and language tests the OFII will organise training.
The Interior Ministry insists the goal is not punishment but “to make integration meaningful” and “ensure that those living long-term in France can participate fully in civic life.”
Civics Test
The written civics test (épreuve de connaissances civiques) will become a formal part of the application process for long-term residence. It replaces the informal civics courses previously offered under the CIR, though the training modules will continue for newcomers.
The test will have a duration of 45 mins with 40 multiple-choice questions. The level of the test will depend on the residency card being demanded. Candidates will need to obtain a score of at least 80% correct answers. The test is taken at an authorised testing centre. There will also be a charge - around €100.
Most importantly, in the event of a fail, the test can be taken again, and the existing visa can be renewed, subject to meeting the standard test of resources and having health insurance, either privately or through the state system.
According to the official ordinance (arrêté du 10 octobre 2025), the civics test covers five main areas:
Principles and values of the Republic – freedom, equality, fraternity, secularism (laïcité), and national symbols such as Marianne, the flag, and the motto.
Institutional and political system – structure of government, voting rights, and the European Union.
Rights and duties – civic responsibilities, the rule of law, and everyday examples of living in French society.
History, geography, and culture – major historical events, cultural heritage, and famous figures.
Rules and laws of life in France – topics like healthcare access, education, work, and family rights.
An association in France have created a website where it is possible to take practice lessons. It is in French and a small fee is payable. You can find it at Gocitoyen.
Language Proficiency
In parallel with the civics test, foreigners will need to prove a minimum level of French using certified diplomas or tests such as the DELF, TCF, or TEF.
A2 level (multi-year card): the ability to handle simple, everyday conversations.
B1 level (10-year card): the ability to express opinions, describe experiences, and manage common social interactions.
B2 level (citizenship): the ability to understand complex ideas and communicate fluently on most topics.
Who Must Take the Tests?
The new requirements apply only to first-time applicants for a multi-year card or 10-year carte de résident submitted on or after 1st January 2026.
Renewals of existing cards are not subject to testing.
The language and civics tests apply to foreigners switching from short-term or one-year permits to longer statuses, including:
Salarié (employee) and entrepreneur / profession libérale (self-employed);
Vie privée et familiale (family or private life) status holders;
Parents of French children;
Foreign spouses or PACS partners of French nationals.
These tests will not affect short-term cards or temporary visas that are renewed annually (such as “visitor” or “temporary worker” cards), unless the holder later applies for a long-term card or citizenship.
Over 65s and Health Exemptions
In July this year, the government formally confirmed that foreign residents aged 65 and over are exempt from both the tests, when applying for and multi-year residence card or 10-year carte de résident.
This exemption does not apply to citizenship applications.
Applicants with physical or cognitive disabilities may receive adaptations or full exemptions from the tests, but they must provide medical certification proving their inability to complete them.
Certain groups are entirely outside the scope of the new testing system, including:
Holders of visitor visas (visiteur), often retirees with independent income.
Holders of temporary worker cards, work training, and au pairs.
Holders of talent passports and their families.
Post-Brexit Article 50 (TUE) cardholders — British nationals covered by the Withdrawal Agreement.
These individuals may continue renewing their cards annually without facing language or civics tests.
Likewise, the tests do not apply to EU nationals, who have no need to obtain a residency card to live and work in France. It is possible for an EU national to apply for and obtain a card, but they are exempt from the tests.
Citizenship Applications
While residency card applicants benefit from age and health exemptions, citizenship seekers do not.
Anyone applying for French nationality by residency or marriage must show a B2 level of French. There is no automatic age exemption.
The citizenship civics test will apply only to people applying by decree (residency route), not to those applying by declaration (marriage or family ties). Regardless, all applicants must attend an in-person interview at the prefecture.
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