What are the requirements for a French residence card in 2026?

Since 1 January 2026, a first multi-year residence card requires French level A2 and a pass at the civic exam (40 questions, 32/40 to pass). A first 10-year resident card requires level B1 and the civic exam with the mention Carte de résident.

What are the requirements for French naturalisation in 2026?

Naturalisation requires French level B2 (in all four skills) and a pass at the civic exam with the mention Naturalisation, in addition to the residence and good-conduct conditions.

Is the French civic exam available in English?

No. The official civic exam is in French only. Candidates can prepare with bilingual practice tools, but the exam itself has no translated version.

Are people over 65 exempt from the French language and civic exam requirements?

For the residence cards, applicants over 65 are exempt from both the language requirement and the civic exam. For naturalisation, the B2 language requirement applies regardless of age; only medical exemptions exist.

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📋 2026 requirements

French Residence Card & Citizenship Requirements in 2026: The Complete Checklist

Since 1 January 2026, France applies two conditions to every first application for a multi-year residence card, a 10-year resident card or naturalisation: a French language certificate (A2, B1 or B2 depending on the application) and a pass at the new civic exam (examen civique). This page puts all the 2026 requirements in one table, with costs and exemptions.

All requirements at a glance

Application (first request)	Residence condition	French level	Civic exam
Multi-year residence card (carte de séjour pluriannuelle)	legal stay + CIR integration contract	A2	mention « CSP » — 40 questions
Resident card (carte de résident, 10 years)	usually 5 years of legal residence, or family ties to a French national	B1	mention « Carte de résident »
Naturalisation (decree or marriage)	usually 5 years of residence (reduced in some cases)	B2	mention « Naturalisation »

Renewals are not affected — both requirements apply to first-time applications only.

Requirement 1: the civic exam

Format: 40 multiple-choice questions in 45 minutes, on computer, in an approved exam centre. Pass mark: 32/40.
Language: the exam is in French only — no English or translated version exists.
Content: knowledge questions drawn from an official public list + situation questions on everyday life and Republican values.
Version matters: you register for a specific mention. The « Carte de résident » certificate is also valid for a CSP application — the reverse is not true.
Validity: the pass certificate has no expiry date.
Cost: around €70 per attempt, paid to the exam centre. If you fail, you register and pay again — one serious mock exam beforehand is the cheapest insurance.

Requirement 2: the French language certificate

A2 for the multi-year card, B1 for the resident card, B2 for naturalisation — proven with a TCF IRN / TEF IRN test or a DELF/DALF diploma. A diploma from the French education system exempts you from the language test (never from the civic exam). Full details, test format and traps: see our French language requirements guide.

Who is exempt?

Over 65: for the residence cards, applicants over 65 are exempt from both the language requirement and the civic exam. For naturalisation, the language requirement still applies regardless of age (only medical exemptions exist).
Medical grounds: a disability or chronic condition can justify adapted exam conditions or an exemption, with a medical certificate.
French diploma: exempts from the language test only.

⚠️ The most common mistake in 2026: treating the two requirements as one. The language certificate and the civic exam certificate are two separate documents — your file needs both. Passing the TCF does not test your civic knowledge, and the civic exam does not prove your French level.

Recommended order

1. Check your language level — it takes the longest to improve. Book a TCF IRN only when a mock test puts you safely at the required level.
2. Pass the civic exam — the question bank is public, so with structured practice most candidates reach 32/40 within weeks. The certificate never expires, so you can secure it early.
3. Assemble your file — with both certificates in hand, complete your application on ANEF (residence cards) or via the naturalisation portal.

Frequently asked questions

Is the civic exam available in English?
No. The official exam is in French only. You can, however, prepare with side-by-side English hints — that's exactly what our platform offers.

How much does the whole process cost?
Budget roughly €70 per civic exam attempt and €100–210 for a TCF/TEF IRN session, depending on the centre.

I already hold a resident card — do I need to do anything?
No. Renewals of existing cards are not subject to the 2026 requirements.

Which civic exam version should I choose if I hesitate between the two cards?
Take the « Carte de résident » version: it also covers the multi-year card application.

Official sources: service-public.gouv.fr (fiches F39530, F34501) · legifrance.gouv.fr · formation-civique.interieur.gouv.fr.

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