French Language Test and Civic Exam

Required French Language Proficiency and Civic Exam for Applying for a Resident Card or Multi-Year Residence Permit

The new French language requirements reflect the government’s push to encourage integration into French society. These tests are designed to ensure that long-term residents have the language skills to communicate effectively in daily life and in the workplace.

As of January 1, 2026:

• Foreign nationals applying for a multi-year residence permit must have reached level A2 in French and have passed a civic exam.

• Foreign nationals applying for a resident card must have reached level B1 in French and have passed a civic exam.

• Foreigners applying for French citizenship must have reached language level B2 and have passed a civic exam.

Current Exemptions:

• If you hold a Brexit Withdrawal Agreement residency card, you are not required to take the new language tests.

• Over 65s: People aged 65 or older applying for a carte de résident are exempt from the language tests.

• Health Conditions: Applicants with disabilities or health conditions that prevent them from taking the standard test may be offered an adapted version or be fully exempt.

Do you need to prepare for the civic exam and reach level A2, B1, or B2 in French?

I offer total immersion in French to optimize your preparation for the civics exam, with targeted revision of the required topics:

- Principles and values of the republic, political institutions

- Institutional and political system

- Rights and duties

- History, geography, and culture

- Living in French society

Specific preparation to improve your French language skills to the level required for your application:

- Application for a multi-year residence permit

- Application for a residence card

- Application for French citizenship

Whether in the Auvergne region or in the south-west of France, your French immersion will be fully customized to meet your exam preparation goals.

As an experienced trainer, I will support you in your progress in French through stimulating and always fun activities.

If you choose to organize your immersion in southwestern France, Nicole and Fiona can share their own experiences of applying for residency permits and acquiring French citizenship, as they have gone through the process themselves. They will therefore be able to provide you with personalized support and share their tips and advice.

Be accompanied by foreigners who have followed the same path

Any questions or need for further information before getting started?

Don't hesitate to contact us!