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What's changed.

Dated updates to visa, tax, residency, citizenship, housing, and labour policy across every country tracked. Every entry cites its primary source and the date we last verified it.

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Category All categoriesVisa & immigrationResidencyCitizenshipTaxationLabourHousingHealthcareOther
In force 1 Jan 2025
In force Citizenship

Naturalisation French-language requirement raised to B2

Applicants for French naturalisation by decree must now demonstrate B2 French proficiency (up from B1) from 1 January 2025. The civic-knowledge assessment was also strengthened. The change reduced the pool of eligible applicants materially in the first year.

Who it affects: Prospective French citizenship applicants, particularly those with functional but not advanced French.

Légifrance ↗ · Ministère de l'Intérieur ↗ · verified 2026-04-21

In force 26 Jan 2024
In force Citizenship

Carte de résident residency requirement raised from 5 to 7 years

The continuous legal residence required to obtain the long-term "carte de résident" (10-year renewable permit) rose from five to seven years under Law 2024-42. Applicants must also demonstrate B1-level French (up from A2), and sign the Republican Engagement Contract committing to respecting French Republican principles. Does not affect naturalisation timelines, which remain five years of residence.

Who it affects: Non-EU long-term residents seeking the carte de résident — now a longer wait.

Légifrance — French Official Legal Publication ↗ · Service-Public.fr — Official administrative portal ↗ · verified 2026-04-19