If you plan to live long-term in France or apply for French nationality, the rules have become significantly stricter. From 1 January 2026, France will formally enforce new language and civic test requirements for several residence permits, long-term residence cards, and citizenship applications. These changes stem from France’s 2024 immigration law and apply only to applications filed on or after that date.
The objective is to ensure deeper integration of foreign residents into French society. Below is a clear breakdown of what has changed, who is affected, and what this means in practical terms.
New French Language Levels to Be Met
Applicants for certain residence permits and nationality must now meet higher French-language standards than before.
Multi-Year Residence Permits
Applicants for specific multi-year residence permits must now demonstrate A2-level French. This requirement applies to individuals who sign the Republican Integration Contract, including:
- Waged workers employed locally
- Holders of private and family life permits
- Entrepreneurs and self-employed professionals
- Regulated professions such as doctors, lawyers, and architects
Previously, applicants only needed to declare that they were learning French. This is no longer sufficient.
Excluded: Multi-year talent permits and intra-company transfer permits are not affected by this rule.
10-Year Residence Card
Applicants for the 10-year residence card must now demonstrate B1-level French, instead of the former A2 requirement.
Excluded: Refugees and individuals protected under specific international agreements, including post-Brexit Article 50 permit holders.
French Nationality
Citizenship applicants face the highest requirement. You must now demonstrate B2-level French, increased from the former B1 level.
This applies to:
- Naturalisation applications
- Citizenship through marriage
- Reintegration into French nationality
How to Prove Your French Language Level
Applicants may prove language proficiency by:
- Passing approved exams such as TCF or DELF
- Presenting a recognised diploma or qualification
- Providing evidence of sufficient education completed in French
Language tests must be taken at authorised test centres unless the applicant already holds an accepted diploma or credential.
Civic Test Now Mandatory for Non-EU Citizens
Language proficiency is only part of the new framework. A civic test is now compulsory for non-EU citizens applying for:
- A multi-year residence permit
- A 10-year residence card
- French nationality
What the Civic Test Involves
- Duration: 45 minutes
- Format: Multiple-choice questions
- Pass mark: 80%
The test focuses on republican values, civil rights, obligations, and everyday civic life in France.
Who Is Exempt From the Civic Test
The civic test is not required for:
- Permit or residence card renewals
- Refugees and protected persons
- Applicants aged 65 and above
- Most individuals with disabilities or long-term health conditions
Authorities are expected to clarify additional exemptions and their application.
What This Means in Practice
Under the new rules:
- Applicants who fail the required language or civic tests will not qualify for the permit or citizenship requested
- Those unable to meet A2 French for a multi-year permit may be limited to short-term permits
- Short-term permits have strict renewal limits, reducing long-term legal stability
For employers, these changes may reduce the available talent pool and cause disruptions if employees are unable to extend or upgrade their residence status.
What About Applications Already Submitted?
If your application was filed before 1 January 2026, the new requirements do not apply. However, implementation may vary between prefectures, particularly for pending cases.
Why France Introduced These Changes
The goal is clear: France wants long-term residents and future citizens to be more deeply integrated into daily French life.
The 2024 immigration law was published in January 2024, but language and civic requirements were rolled out gradually. Full enforcement now begins in 2026. For anyone planning to live permanently in France, early preparation is essential.
Conclusion
France’s new language and civic test requirements mark a decisive shift toward stricter integration standards. While they raise the bar for applicants, they also provide clearer expectations.
Anyone planning residence or citizenship in France should begin language preparation early and familiarise themselves with the civic test well before applying.