France Immigration — 2026 Changes: What Employers and Talent Need to Know

The year 2026 begins with a major shift in French immigration: the introduction of a national, mandatory civic exam for many foreign nationals as of 1 January 2026. This reform is not a surprise it stems from the 2024 immigration and integration law (“to control immigration, improve integration”) and from an ordinance signed by Bruno Retailleau, published in the Journal Officiel on 12 October 2025.

While some points still remain unclear, here is what we already know about this new exam, which is now part of the Contrat d’Intégration Républicain (CIR).

What is this new civic exam?

Its purpose is to strengthen integration by ensuring that foreign nationals understand:

• • • • the French language,
      • the values of the Republic,
      • and the institutions and functioning of French society.

 When?

Applies to all applications submitted from 1 January 2026 (not applicable to files submitted before this date).

Mandatory?

Yes — the exam must be passed before submitting the application. The success certificate must be included in the immigration file.

Who must take the exam?

The exam will be compulsory for:

✔ First-time multi-year residence permit (CSP) applications

✔ First-time 10-year resident card applications

✔ All naturalisation applications

Stronger language requirements (from 2026):

• • • • B1 for the 10-year resident card (currently A2)
      • B2 for French nationality (currently B1)
      • A2 for renewal of a multi-year residence permit

Who is exempt?

• • • • Applicants aged 65+ (depending on the permit)
      • Beneficiaries of international protection
      • Persons with disabilities (possible accommodations)
      • Holders of certain French diplomas
      • Renewals of existing multi-year permits (e.g., a Talent Passport holder does not need to
      • take the exam when renewing)

How does the exam work?

The exam is taken in an approved centre, and in some cases at French consulates abroad (official list to be released soon).

There are three versions depending on the type of application (CSP, resident card, naturalisation), with different difficulty levels.

Format

• • • • Digital multiple-choice test
      • 40 questions (one correct answer per question)
      • 45 minutes
      • Must score 80% or more to pass
      • Language: French only
      • Unlimited attempts — except in cases of fraud, which results in immediate exclusion and a two-year ban from retaking the exam.

What topics are covered?

The exam includes public factual questions (published by the authorities) and scenario-based questions (kept confidential).

1. 1. 1. 1. Principles & values of the Republic (11 questions) – Symbols, motto, secularism, freedoms

1. 1. 1. 1. Political & institutional system (6 questions) – State organisation, democracy, EU
         2. Rights & responsibilities (11 questions) – Fundamental rights, obligations
         3. History, geography, culture (8 questions) – Key periods, heritage, territory
         4. Living in French society (4 questions) – Health, work, education, daily life

How to prepare?

The Ministry of the Interior has launched a free official platform: https://formation-civique.interieur.gouv.fr

It includes:

• • • • thematic study sheets
      • official question bank
      • full syllabus
      • list of approved exam centres
      • practical guidelines & preparation tips

As with naturalisation applications, we strongly recommend preparing thoroughly — some questions may even challenge native French citizens…

Unresolved questions

As with any new implementation, uncertainties remain:

• • • • Will the exam systematically apply to renewals in borderline cases?
      • As it is part of the CIR, what about applicants exempt from the CIR?
      • Will approved centres have enough capacity to issue results within renewal deadlines?
      • What will be the price of the exam? No national fee has been set yet, and costs may vary by city or testing centre.

We expect several months before the practical application becomes fully clear. Oui Immigration will continue to monitor and share updates.

What are the impacts?

For employees

• • • • Determine whether their status requires the exam
      • Anticipate registration and preparation early

• • • • Include exam preparation time in renewal timelines
        • Expect to begin renewals 6–8 months before expiry to avoid delays

For employers

• • • • Strengthen tracking of employees’ residence permit expiry dates
      • Support employees in preparing and registering for the exam
      • Potentially offer French language training
      • Anticipate combined delays from exam centres + prefectures

At Oui Immigration, we remain available to discuss these changes and support both companies and talent in navigating this new requirement.

Updates will follow as soon as new information becomes available.

Contact us: oui@oui-immigration.com