New Residency and Citizenship Exam Requirement in France: What You Need to Know 🇫🇷

Yes, you read that right! 🤯 The French government has officially announced that starting in 2026, anyone applying for a long-term residency card or French nationality will be required to take a nationwide “Citizenship Exam (Examen de citoyenneté).” This announcement comes directly from the Ministry of the Interior and was published in the official French journal (Journal Officiel on October 12, 2025). So, this is not just a rumor—it’s now a law!

New Immigration Standards in France ✨

The bar for acquiring long-term residency in France is about to rise significantly. Traditionally, the requirements for applying for a long-term residency card (Carte de résident) included just a few basic criteria:

• Legal residency for at least five years
• French language proficiency at A2 level
• Stable economic situation
• No criminal record

As long as you met these language and documentation requirements, you were relatively close to obtaining your “ten-year card.” However, come 2026, everything changes.

Introducing the Citizenship Exam 📜

The government has officially announced that from 2026 onward, the process of applying for a long-term residency, a multi-year residency, or even French citizenship will include passing a nationwide “Citizenship Exam.” This marks a shift in focus from merely having residency qualifications to truly integrating into French society. Here’s what you need to know about the exam:

• Format: 40 multiple-choice questions (QCM)
• Passing Score: 80% (Must answer at least 32 questions correctly)
• Duration: 45 minutes
• Language: French
• Mode: Electronic exam (computer or tablet)

Previously, applicants for long-term residency merely needed to provide proof of language proficiency, such as a French A2 or B1 level. Now, in addition to language requirements, candidates must also demonstrate “civic knowledge,” meaning they must not only speak French but also understand French culture and values.

Who Needs to Take the Exam? 📌

The following applicants will be required to take the Citizenship Exam along with their corresponding language requirements:

• Multi-Year Residency Card Applicants (Carte de séjour pluriannuelle):
  • Exam Requirement: Score at least 80%
  • Language Requirement: Proof of French A2 or higher
• Residency Card/Ten-Year Card Applicants (Carte de résident):
  • Exam Requirement: Score at least 80%
  • Language Requirement: Proof of French B1 or higher
• Citizenship Applicants (Naturalisation):
  • Exam Requirement: Score at least 80%
  • Language Requirement: Proof of French B2 or higher

This new regulation clearly signals a more rigorous approach to immigration in France, emphasizing the importance of integrating into French society as a fundamental requirement. 

Conclusion 📝

With these changes on the horizon, potential applicants will need to prepare thoroughly for both the language and civic knowledge assessments to ensure a smooth application process. For those considering a move to France, staying informed and preparing in advance is crucial for success in this new immigration landscape. Embrace the challenge, learn about the culture, and get ready to make France your new home! 🌍