France Tightens Immigration Rules With New Language and Civic Exams for Residence and Nationality
France Tightens Immigration Rules With New Language and Civic Exams for Residence and Nationality
Paris — France is set to introduce stricter integration requirements for immigrants seeking long-term residence permits and French nationality, under reforms that will take effect primarily from 1 January 2026.
The measures stem from the immigration law adopted in January 2024 and subsequent implementing decrees issued in 2025. They introduce mandatory French language levels, a new civic knowledge examination, and tougher conditions for accessing multi-year residence permits, 10-year resident cards, and naturalisation.
The French government says the reforms aim to reinforce integration, promote social cohesion, and ensure that long-term residents understand the values and institutions of the Republic.
New Rules for Residence Permits
Multi-Year Residence Cards
Foreign nationals applying for a first multi-year residence permit will now be required to:
- Demonstrate French language proficiency at level A2 (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages – CEFR)
- Pass a civic examination testing knowledge of French society and institutions
Applicants must submit a recognised language certificate issued by an approved testing body.
10-Year Resident Card
The conditions are stricter for those applying for a 10-year resident card, which grants long-term legal residence in France.
Applicants must now meet the following requirements:
- French language level B1 (independent user level)
- Successful completion of the civic exam
These requirements apply to first-time applications only. Renewals of residence cards already granted under the new system will not require re-taking the exams.
Civic Exam: What Applicants Need to Know
The civic exam is a new compulsory test designed to assess an applicant’s understanding of life in France.
Exam Format
- Duration: approximately 45 minutes
- 40 multiple-choice questions
- A minimum 80 percent pass rate is required
Topics Covered
- Republican values, including liberty, equality, fraternity, and secularism
- Rights and obligations of residents
- French institutions and public services
- Key elements of French history and culture
- Practical situations from daily life in France
The exam is separate from integration courses and is intended to formally certify civic knowledge.
Who Is Required to Take the Civic Exam?
The civic exam is mandatory for:
- Applicants for multi-year residence permits
- Applicants for the 10-year resident card
- Applicants for French nationality
Exemptions
- Applicants aged 65 and over are exempt for residence permits
- Medical exemptions may apply in limited cases
- Certain beneficiaries of international protection may be exempt for residence cards
However, no age exemption applies to applications for French nationality.
Higher Language Standards for French Nationality
The reform significantly raises language standards for naturalisation.
Applicants for French nationality must now demonstrate:
- French language level B2
- Proficiency in both spoken and written French
The B2 level reflects an advanced ability to communicate in professional, academic, and social contexts. Certificates must be recent and issued by an officially recognised institution.
Changes for Refugees and Protection Beneficiaries
Refugees and individuals granted subsidiary protection continue to benefit from simplified residence procedures.
- Civic exam requirements are generally not applied to refugee residence cards
- Language requirements may be reduced or waived depending on individual circumstances
However, refugees applying for French nationality must still meet integration and language standards, although authorities may consider their specific situation.
Residence Card Durations Explained
France maintains several categories of residence permits:
- 1-year cards for temporary or initial residence
- Multi-year cards (up to four years)
- 10-year resident cards for long-term settlement
Under the new law, progression to longer-term residence is increasingly linked to language ability, civic knowledge, and demonstrated integration.
Impact on Talent Passport Holders
Holders of the Talent Passport are not directly affected when renewing their permit within the same category.
However:
- Applications for a 10-year resident card are subject to new language and civic requirements
- Applications for French nationality require compliance with the B2 language standard
Other Key Changes
- The Republican Integration Contract (CIR) remains in place but is no longer sufficient alone for long-term residence
- The civic exam is now a stand-alone mandatory requirement
- Authorities advise applicants to prepare early due to exam availability and certification timelines
France’s new immigration framework signals a clear shift toward a more demanding integration model, placing language proficiency and civic understanding at the centre of long-term residence and citizenship.
For foreign residents, employers, and legal advisers, the reforms underscore the importance of early preparation and compliance as France reshapes the conditions for permanent settlement.
