France has made French language and civic exams mandatory for certain multi-year residence permits, long-term residence cards and citizenship applications from January 1, 2026, making it tougher for some foreigners to secure long-term stay or nationality.

The new requirements flow from France’s 2024 comprehensive immigration law, which aims to strengthen integration standards for long-term residents and citizenship applicants. The measures apply to new applications submitted on or after January 1, 2026.

Higher language standards for permits and citizenship
Under the revised rules, applicants for certain multi-year residence permits must now prove at least an A2 level of French. This applies to workers under the Integration Republican Contract, including salaried employees, private and family life permit holders, entrepreneurs and self-employed professionals, as well as those in regulated professions such as lawyers, doctors and architects. Earlier, applicants only needed to show that they were learning French.

For the 10-year residence card, the required language level has increased to B1 from A2. Applicants for French citizenship must now demonstrate B2-level proficiency, up from the earlier B1 requirement. Proof can be provided through approved language tests, recognised diplomas or evidence of sufficient French schooling.

Some categories, including multi-year talent permits, intra-corporate transferees, refugees and beneficiaries of certain international agreements, are exempt from these higher language thresholds.

Civic exam introduced for non-EU nationals
In addition to language tests, non-EU nationals applying for multi-year residence permits, 10-year residence cards or French citizenship must now pass a civic exam. The 45-minute multiple-choice test requires a minimum score of 80% and covers republican principles and the rights and duties of residents in France.

Exemptions apply to permit renewals, beneficiaries of international agreements, individuals aged 65 and above, and some applicants with disabilities or chronic health conditions.

Impact on applicants and employers
Applicants who fail to meet the new requirements will not qualify for the relevant permit or citizenship. Those unable to secure a multi-year permit due to language gaps may need to rely on temporary permits, which have limits on renewals, potentially shortening their stay.

The full implementation of the 2024 immigration law took effect on January 1, 2026, after several provisions were rolled out in stages.