First multi-year and resident cards gain language and civic-exam tests
In force
Residency
From 1 January 2026, most applicants for a first multi-year residence card must demonstrate A2 French and pass the civic examination. A first resident card generally requires B1 French and the civic examination. These are separate tests with statutory category and personal exemptions, so they should not be described as applying uniformly to every permit or renewal.
Who it affects
Most first-time applicants for a multi-year residence card or resident card from 1 January 2026; statutory exemptions remain.
Sources
Primary: Ministry of the Interior — residence of foreign nationals in France ↗
Corroborating: Ministry of the Interior — civic examination implementation ↗
Verified 2026-08-02 · methodology