New Language Tests for French Residency Cards: What You Need to Know

Starting on the 1st of January 2026, new French language requirements will apply to many non-European nationals applying for or renewing certain residency cards, ensuring they have the language skills needed to integrate into French society. Here’s what you need to know.

🙋‍♀️Who is Affected?

The new language tests apply to non-European nationals moving to France on long-stay visas for work, family reasons, or those applying for French citizenship. This includes Britons and Americans applying for specific residency cards.

🚫Exemptions for Brexit Withdrawal Agreement Cards

If you hold a Brexit Withdrawal Agreement residency card, you are not required to take the new language tests. Renewals and applications for the five-year or ten-year cards under the Withdrawal Agreement remain unaffected.

🇫🇷 New Language Requirements

Under the new rules, applicants will need to prove their French language proficiency through official language tests. The requirements are as follows:

• For multi-year residency cards (typically issued for four years), applicants must demonstrate A2 level proficiency.
• For a 10-year carte de résident, applicants must show B1 level proficiency (up from A2).

Applicants for French citizenship will be required to show B2 level proficiency (up from B1).

📈Understanding the Language Levels

Here’s what each language level means:

• A2: Basic understanding of French. Applicants should be able to use simple sentences in various situations.
• B1: Lower-intermediate level. Applicants should understand most conversations and be able to interact in everyday situations.
• B2: Upper-intermediate level. Applicants should be able to engage in more complex conversations, express themselves fluently, and understand most texts.

💳Which Visas and Residency Cards are Affected?

The language test requirements apply to those applying for or renewing residency cards that require signing the Republican integration contract (CIR). This contract signifies a commitment to uphold French values and integrate into French society.

Affected cards include:

• Carte de séjour salarié (for workers on long-term visas)
• Carte de séjour pour exercer une profession commerciale, industrielle ou artisanale
• Carte de résident
• Carte de séjour vie privée et familiale (with exceptions for specific cases)

📑Which Cards are NOT Affected?

Some residency cards do not require the language test, including those that do not require a Republican integration contract. These include:

• Carte de séjour visiteur (for retirees)
• Carte de séjour étudiant (student visa)
• Carte de séjour stagiaire (for apprenticeships)
• Carte de séjour travailleur temporaire (temporary workers)
• Carte de séjour passeport talent (for skilled workers, researchers, etc.)

If you are applying for one of these cards, you will not need to take the language test.

✍️What Do the Language Tests Involve?

To prove your language proficiency, you will need to submit a certificate from an approved language test, such as the TCF (Test de Connaissance du Français) or DELF (Diplôme d’Études en Langue Française). These tests assess your speaking, listening, reading, and writing abilities, and include:

• Speaking: Listening to and responding to various documents (25 minutes)
• Writing: Composing a text of at least 160 words (45 minutes)
• Oral Presentation: Participating in a mock interview or roleplay (15 minutes)

The cost of these tests is around €100, and certificates are typically valid for two years. The tests are available at accredited centers in France and abroad.

❌What Happens if You Fail the Test?

If you do not meet the required language level, you can retake the test. However, you will need to provide a valid language certificate when submitting your residency card application, so retaking the test may cause delays. In some cases, failure to meet the language requirement may result in a denied application or a shorter residency card duration.

💪Are There Any Exemptions?

There are a few exceptions to the language requirements:

• Over 65s: People aged 65 or older applying for a carte de résident are exempt from the language tests.
• Health Conditions: Applicants with disabilities or health conditions that prevent them from taking the standard test may be offered an adapted version or be fully exempt.

✅Next steps…

The new French language requirements reflect the government’s push to encourage integration into French society. These tests are designed to ensure that long-term residents have the language skills to communicate effectively in daily life and in the workplace. If you’re affected by these changes, it’s essential to prepare ahead of time and meet the required language level for your application.

📧For more information about our courses designed to help you prepare for these language tests and apply for French residency, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us today!

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