As of 1 January 2026, several significant changes will come into force in French immigration law. These developments are part of a broader policy aimed at strengthening integration requirements, notably through new linguistic and civic conditions.

 

While they primarily affect certain categories of residence permits, they must be anticipated by employers, applicants, and immigration professionals.

 

Introduction of a mandatory civic examination

 

From 2026 onwards, a standardized civic examination will become mandatory for certain administrative procedures.

 

Content of the examination

 

The test will consist of 40 questions, covering in particular:

• French history,
• the values of the Republic,
• national culture,
• the functioning of French institutions.

A pass rate of 80% correct answers will be required to pass the examination.

 

Persons concerned

 

This civic examination will apply to:

• applicants for French nationality,
• applicants for the 10-year resident card,
• applicants for a multi-year residence permit, with the exception of Talent holders.

This new requirement will therefore be added to existing administrative procedures and will need to be factored into the overall timeline of applications.

 

Higher language requirements for certain permits

 

Alongside the civic examination, the reform introduces stricter language requirements, with higher proficiency levels for several immigration statuses.

 

Resident card: B1 level required

For the issuance of a 10-year resident card, the required language level will increase from A2 to B1.
This change aims to strengthen the linguistic autonomy of holders of long-term residence permits.

 

French nationality: B2 level required

Applicants for French nationality will now be required to demonstrate a B2 level, compared to B1 previously.
This represents a significant shift, requiring a more advanced command of the French language.

 

A2 level maintained for certain renewals

The A2 level will nevertheless remain sufficient for the renewal of a multi-year residence permit, thereby limiting the impact of the reform for certain profiles already settled in France.

 

What are the implications for professional immigration?

 

Although certain categories — notably Talent holders — remain partially exempt from these new requirements, these developments reflect a clear trend: integration pathways are becoming a structuring criterion for medium- and long-term residence rights.

 

For employers and international candidates, this means:

• anticipating earlier the conditions for access to long-term residence permits,
• incorporating linguistic and civic requirements into settlement pathways in France,
• and adapting international mobility strategies to a more demanding regulatory framework.

Key takeaways

• As of 1 January 2026, a mandatory civic examination will be introduced for several residence permits.
• Language requirements will be strengthened, particularly for the resident card and French nationality.
• These changes require increased anticipation of administrative immigration pathways in the context of professional immigration.

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