France has tightened the requirements for foreigners seeking long-term residence permits. Among the new measures are a mandatory civics exam and proof of French language proficiency for various types of residence permits. Learn more about the new residency rules in France starting in 2026

France has updated its residency rules for foreigners planning to stay in the country long-term. The changes concern the process for obtaining residence permits, language proficiency requirements, and the civic exam.

Who exactly is subject to the new requirements, what language proficiency levels are needed for different types of documents, and for whom exceptions apply—we explain all this in the article below.

Are you planning to move or are you already in another country and preparing to change your immigration status?

The immigration guide from the Visit World portal will help you navigate the new legalization requirements, prepare for the civic exam, and gather the necessary documents.

Civic exam and French language proficiency: what is now mandatory?

One of the key changes is the introduction of a mandatory civic exam (examen civique) for foreigners applying for long-term documents or changing their immigration status. In addition to the exam, applicants must demonstrate a sufficient level of French proficiency. Requirements vary by document type:

1. Multi-year residence permit (CSP, 2–4 years) — civic exam + A2 language level.
2. Resident card (CR, 10 years) — civic exam + B1 language level.
3. Naturalization (acquisition of citizenship) — civic exam + B2 language level.

Thus, the longer the document’s validity period, the higher the language level that must be demonstrated.

By the way, France is raising tuition fees for non-EU students in 2026.

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Restrictions on renewing the annual residence permit (CST)

The changes also affect holders of the standard annual residence permit (CST). It is now permitted to renew it with the same status no more than three times in a row. Starting from the fifth year of residence in France, the prefecture will require the applicant to switch to a multi-year permit (CSP). This means they must pass a civics exam and demonstrate a French language proficiency of at least A2.

In effect, for all foreigners residing in France long-term, passing the exam and language training have become an inevitable step in the legalization process.

We previously reported that France set a new tourism record.

Who is exempt from France’s new rules?

The new requirements have a clear list of exceptions. The following are exempt from the citizenship exam and language requirements:

• individuals under temporary protection (provided they do not change their status to another type of residence permit);
• those renewing an existing long-term CSP card or CR residence card;
• applicants for the first annual residence card (CST, 1 year);
• holders of a “talent passport”;
• individuals with refugee status;
• individuals aged 65 and older.

Remember! Changes to France’s immigration laws require thorough preparation even before submitting your documents. The Visit

World portal offers an immigration guide to help you understand the legalization requirements, prepare the necessary documents, and plan every stage of your move.

Order the guide on the Visit World portal and prepare for legalization in France in advance!

Reminder! In our previous article, we discussed the best platforms for renting housing in Europe in 2026.

Photo: Magnific

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