France’s new civics test for citizenship and certain residency permits is “an added stress” applicants do not need, French civil rights groups have warned.

From January 1st 2026, new applicants for certain types of French residency permits, or French nationality, are required to take a written 40-question civics test.

But language association Le français pour toutes et tous has warned that the new requirement is just “an added stress” for applicants.

The spokesperson told France Info that “When you’re faced with questions asking you to define the rule of law, it stresses a lot of people out, even French people would find it stressful.”

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Three versions of the new test exist, each adapted to the status the person is requesting: the carte de séjour pluriannuelle (multi-year card), the 10-year carte de résident, and naturalisation (applying for French citizenship).

Tests, taken at an examination centre using a computer or tablet, are 45 minutes long and involve multiple-choice questions (questionnaire à choix multiples, QCM). Applicants must score at least 80 percent to pass. 

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There are two types of question: 28 ‘knowledge’ questions and 12 in which applicants are given a scenario and must pick the correct response.

It aims in particular to assess applicants’ knowledge of the principles and values of the Republic, as well as the rights and duties of people residing in France.

Le français pour toutes et tous has warned that applicants were panicking they would miss out on becoming French because they got a simple question wrong.

“A person of Polish origin took a test directly at the prefecture and was asked which dessert was popular in France;” the spokesperson said. “

“She said ‘pain au chocolat’. She came to us an hour later in a panic saying ‘I said pain au chocolat, but it’s not a dessert!’

“She was afraid of being judged incorrectly and being denied citizenship because of a question like that,” the spokesperson said.

The language association also raised concerns that some applicants who are unfamiliar with computers would struggle.

Have you taken the new civics test? Please share your experience with readers in the comments section below or emails us at news@thelocal.fr