France Updates Residency Rules with Language and Civic Hurdles

France has officially tightened the requirements for non-EU nationals seeking long-term residency. Under legislation that reached full enforcement on January 1, 2026, applicants must now prove specific levels of French language proficiency and pass a digital civic exam to secure multi-year permits, 10-year resident cards, or naturalization.

The shift moves France from a "best efforts" integration model to a results-based system. To qualify for a multi-year permit, you now need an A2 level of French. Those eyeing a 10-year card must reach B1, while naturalization requires a B2 level. These must be verified through official exams like the TCF IRN or DELF; simply attending classes is no longer enough.

Who is affected

These rules primarily impact non-EU expats and digital nomads on standard long-term permits, such as the Profession Libérale. If you are transitioning from an initial one-year visa to a multi-year extension, these requirements apply to you.

Certain groups remain exempt from the new testing mandates, including:

• High-skilled workers on the Talent Passport (Passeport Talent)
• Refugees and protected persons
• Retirees or disabled applicants
• Short-term visitors and tourists staying under 90 days

The civic exam and application process

Beyond language, applicants must pass a 45-minute digital exam consisting of 40 questions. You will need to score at least 80% (32 correct answers) on topics covering French history, culture, and republican values. This exam follows a mandatory 24-hour civic training session spread over four days.

If you are planning a move or an extension, start your test preparation early. You must sign a Republican Integration Contract (CIR) with the OFII upon arrival and complete your exams before submitting your permit application at the prefecture. While test costs vary, expect to pay around €200 for permit validation fees.

Stay informed on the latest nomad news to track how these changes impact processing times.

Read our full France guide for the complete picture.