French immigration law is changing.
As from 1 January 2026, foreign nationals applying for a French multi-year residence permit or a resident card will be required to pass a mandatory civic examination before submitting their application.
This reform, introduced by the Law of 26 January 2024 on immigration control and integration, significantly affects non-EU nationals seeking long-term residence in France.
What Is Changing in 2026 for French Residence Permits?
From 2026, applicants must demonstrate not only legal residence and professional stability, but also, by taking a civic examination, formal knowledge of French civic values and institutions.
Key change:
➡️ The civic examination becomes a legal condition for obtaining certain French residence permits.
Failure to comply may result in refusal of the residence permit application.
Who Must Pass the Civic Examination?
The civic examination is mandatory for:
- Non-European Union nationals applying for a multi-year residence permit (carte de séjour pluriannuelle) for the first time;
- Applicants for a resident card (carte de résident);
- Applicants for French nationality by naturalisation (separate procedure, but same examination).
Who Is Exempt from the Civic Examination?
You are not required to take the civic examination if:
- you are applying for the renewal of a multi-year residence permit or a resident card;
- you benefit from international protection (refugee or subsidiary protection status);
- specific exemptions apply under French immigration regulations (case-by-case assessment).
👉 An immigration lawyer can confirm whether an exemption applies to your situation.
Civic Examination: Format and Passing Requirements
The examination is administered under the authority of the French Ministry of the Interior.
Practical details:
- ⏱ Duration: 45 minutes maximum
- 💻 Format: Digital multiple-choice test (MCQ)
- ❓ Total questions: 40
- 28 general knowledge questions
- 12 situational questions
- ✅ Passing score: 32 correct answers (80%)
Only one answer is correct for each question.
Mandatory Civic Training Before the Residence Permit
A major procedural change in 2026
For applicants seeking a multi-year residence permit, the examination must be taken after completing a mandatory civic training programme:
- 24 hours of training
- spread over 4 days
Currently, this training is completed after the residence permit is issued, as part of the Republican Integration Contract (CIR).
📌 From 1 January 2026, both the training and the civic examination must be completed before the residence permit is granted.
This change directly affects application timelines and strategy.
Topics Covered in the Civic Examination
The examination evaluates knowledge across five core areas relevant to integration in France:
• Principles and values of the French Republic
Republican motto, symbols, secularism (laïcité).
• French and European institutions
Political system, public authorities, European Union institutions.
• Rights and obligations of foreign nationals in France
Fundamental rights, legal duties, civic responsibilities.
• French history, geography and culture
• Living and working in France
Education system, parental authority, employment rules and social life.
Why Legal Advice Is Essential for a French Residence Permit in 2026
The introduction of the civic examination adds a new legal and procedural layer to French residence permit applications.
Common risks include:
- incorrect timing of the examination;
- failure to anticipate training requirements;
- misunderstanding exemption rules;
- refusal of the residence permit for non-compliance.
An immigration lawyer in France can help you:
- assess whether the civic examination applies to you;
- plan the correct application timeline;
- prepare a compliant and strategic residence permit application;
- secure your long-term legal residence in France.
Our Immigration Law Services in France
Our law firm advises foreign nationals and international clients on:
- French residence permit applications;
- Multi-year residence permits (carte de séjour pluriannuelle);
- Resident cards (carte de résident);
- Naturalisation and French nationality;
- Compliance with French immigration and integration requirements.
📩 Contact our immigration lawyers to receive tailored legal advice on your French residence permit application in 2026.