2026 Guide
Sep 30, 2026 |
Julio Vero |
10 min read
French Naturalisation in 2026: The New B2 Language & Civic Exam Rules
In brief: Since 1 January 2026, anyone applying for French citizenship by naturalisation must prove written and spoken French at level B2 and pass a new civic exam: 40 multiple-choice questions in 45 minutes, with at least 32 correct answers (80%) needed to pass.
If you are planning to apply for French citizenship by naturalisation, the rules changed at the start of 2026 — and the changes are significant. France raised the required level of French and introduced a new civic exam, making the process more demanding than it was in 2025.
This guide explains what changed, who is affected, who is not affected, and how to prepare, so you can approach French naturalisation with an accurate, up-to-date picture rather than outdated information.
French nationality requirements 2026 at a glance
- Legal residence: generally 5 years (shorter in some cases)
- French level: B2, spoken and written (since 1 January 2026)
- Civic exam: 40 multiple-choice questions in French (since 1 January 2026)
- Stable resources and integration
- Clean criminal record
Table of Contents
- What changed in 2026?
- The new B2 French language requirement
- The new civic exam
- Who is affected and who is exempt
- What did NOT change
- How this affects citizenship by marriage
- How to prepare for the 2026 requirements
- Full naturalisation requirements in 2026
- Common mistakes to avoid
- Get help with your naturalisation application
- FAQs
What changed in 2026?
From 1 January 2026, two major changes apply to French naturalisation by decree.
- The required level of French rose from B1 to B2.
- A new civic exam was introduced, testing knowledge of French history, culture, and institutions.
Before 2026, applicants needed B1-level French and their civic knowledge was assessed informally during the assimilation interview. Now the bar is higher and the civic knowledge is tested through a formal exam.
These changes make preparation more important than ever — particularly the language requirement, which now takes longer to reach.
The new B2 French language requirement
Since 1 January 2026, naturalisation applicants must demonstrate B2-level French on the CEFR scale (the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages), in both speaking and writing.
In practical terms, B2 is an “upper-intermediate” level — a meaningful step up from B1.
Because reaching B2 can take many months of study, anyone considering naturalisation should assess their current level early and begin preparing well before applying.
The new civic exam
Alongside the language requirement, 2026 introduced a formal civic exam for naturalisation and reintegration by decree.
What the exam involves:
- Multiple-choice questionnaire, written in French.
- 40 questions.
- The time allowed: 45 minutes.
- The pass mark: 32 correct answers out of 40 (80%).
- A mix of knowledge questions and real-life situation questions.
- The certificate of success is a required document in your naturalisation file.
The civic exam is separate from the language test — passing one does not exempt you from the other.
Who is affected — and who is exempt
Affected: the new B2 language requirement applies to naturalisation by decree, reintegration into French nationality and marriage-based declarations. The civic exam applies to naturalisation and reintegration.
Potentially exempt or different: certain categories may be exempt from the language test (for example, on specific medical or age-related grounds), and some procedures are assessed differently.
Not applicable to descent: if you are claiming French citizenship by descent (through a French parent or grandparent), these language and civic requirements do not apply — descent is not test-based.
What did NOT change
It’s just as important to know what stayed the same:
- The core residence requirement for naturalisation by decree (generally around five years of continuous legal residence, with some reductions in specific cases).
- The need for stable income and integration into French society.
- The requirement for a clean criminal record.
- The préfecture interview, which still takes place and is conducted in French
How this affects citizenship by marriage
The raised B2 language requirement also applies to marriage-based declarations of nationality. However, the reporting suggests the formal multiple-choice civic exam applies to naturalisation by decree, while spouses may be assessed on republican values differently (e.g. through an oral evaluation).
If your route is marriage-based, confirm exactly which requirements apply to your specific declaration.
How to prepare for the 2026 requirements
- Assess your French level honestly against B2 — not B1. If you are below B2, build in study time before applying.
- Book a recognised language test (such as TCF or DELF B2) and obtain your certificate.
- Prepare for the civic exam — study French history, institutions, and values.
- Gather your residence, income, and civil-status documents as before.
- Get your file reviewed before submitting, since incomplete or outdated applications cause delays.
Starting early is the single most useful thing you can do, because the language step in particular cannot be rushed.
Full naturalisation requirements in 2026 (overview)
|
Legal residence |
~5 years continuous (reductions in some cases) |
|
French language |
B2 (up from B1) |
|
Civic exam |
Required for naturalisation by decree: 40 questions, 45 minutes, pass mark 32/40 |
|
Income / integration |
Stable resources + integration |
|
Criminal record |
Clean record |
|
Interview |
Préfecture interview, in French |
This is a simplified overview; each requirement has detailed conditions that should be confirmed for your circumstances.
Common Mistakes Applicants Should Avoid
- Preparing for B1 instead of B2. The bar rose in 2026; old guidance is now out of date.
- Assuming your French degree still counts. Some previous language equivalences reportedly no longer apply — confirm what evidence is accepted.
- Overlooking the civic exam. It’s a separate requirement from the language test.
- Applying with an incomplete file. Missing documents or an outdated understanding of the rules leads to refusals or delays.
- Confusing routes. Descent is not affected by these changes; naturalisation and marriage are.
Get help with your naturalisation application
The 2026 changes make it more important than ever to apply with an accurate, current understanding of the requirements — especially the higher language bar and the new civic exam. A review of your eligibility and file before you apply can help you avoid a refusal or a long delay.
If you would like personalised guidance on French naturalisation under the 2026 rules, contact Your Global Move to discuss your situation with English-speaking French immigration lawyers.
FAQs
1. What level of French do I need for naturalisation in 2026?
Since 1 January 2026, the required level is B2 (up from B1), in both speaking and writing, for naturalisation by decree.
2. Is there really a civic exam now?
Yes — a formal civic exam on French history, values, and institutions was introduced for naturalisation by decree in 2026, separate from the language test
3. When did these changes take effect?
On 1 January 2026, under a 2025 decree.
4.Do these rules apply to citizenship by descent?
No. Citizenship by descent (through a French parent or grandparent) is not test-based, so the B2 and civic-exam requirements do not apply to it.
5. Do the changes affect citizenship by marriage?
The B2 language requirement applies to marriage-based declarations; the assessment of civic knowledge may differ from the naturalisation-by-decree exam. Confirm which applies to your route.
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