The legal framework for immigration in France is undergoing significant changes with the publication of the decree of October 10, 2025. Effective January 1, 2026, this decree introduces stricter requirements for obtaining a multi-year residence permit (excluding the “Talent Passport”), a resident card, and for access to French citizenship. These new measures reflect the legislature’s desire to promote deeper and more harmonious integration of foreigners within the national territory.
A MANDATORY AND SELECTIVE CIVIC EXAM
From now on, all applicants for a multi-year residence permit (excluding the “Talent Passport”), a resident card, or French citizenship must pass a civic exam. Immigration in France test, established by the aforementioned decree, is a multiple-choice questionnaire (MCQ) consisting of 40 questions written in French. The topics covered include the fundamental values of the Republic, the rights and responsibilities of citizens, French history and geography, national culture, and the functioning of institutions. The exam aims to ensure a solid and up-to-date understanding of the principles governing French society.
To pass, candidates must obtain at least 32 correct answers out of 40, representing a success rate of 80%. The exam will be administered exclusively online at centers approved by the relevant authorities.
INCREASED LANGUAGE PROFICIENCY REQUIREMENT
The decree of October 10, 2025, also provides for a significant increase in the required level of French proficiency for accessing certain statuses related to immigration in France. Applicants for a ten-year resident card will now have to demonstrate a minimum level of B1 (instead of A2) according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). For those applying for French citizenship, the required level is raised to B2 (instead of B1). This increased requirement reflects a firm commitment to ensuring that new residents possess the necessary language skills to fully integrate into French society and actively exercise their rights and responsibilities.
PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS AND PROFESSIONAL ADVICE
It is essential for foreign nationals wishing to settle permanently in France to anticipate these regulatory changes in order to avoid any risk of rejection or delay in the immigration in France processing of their applications. Thorough preparation for the civic exam – which may require specific support – as well as a rigorous assessment of candidates’ language proficiency are now mandatory steps.
Employers, for their part, must continue to ensure the compliance of their foreign employees’ administrative status.
We strongly recommend that the candidates concerned begin the appropriate language and civic training programs now.
WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT FROM J2M LAW FIRM
Our team offers solutions to regulatory constraints based on tax and social security implications and advises you on the choice of individual status and the appropriate visa for the assignment.
PROFESSIONAL IMMIGRATION
The Immigration team oversees the entire immigration process for employees of both French and international companies, tailoring its approach to the unique requirements and constraints of each assignment. We begin by conducting a thorough analysis of the employee’s situation, the employer’s needs, and the applicable legal framework in order to determine the most appropriate immigration strategy.
Once the optimal procedure has been identified, we manage every step of the process—preparing and submitting applications, coordinating with administrative bodies, and supervising the issuance of work and residence permits. Throughout the procedure, we maintain close and personalized follow-up for each file, ensuring smooth communication with all relevant government agencies and providing clear guidance to employers and employees alike.
Our goal is to deliver a reliable, efficient, and fully compliant immigration pathway that supports business objectives while ensuring a secure legal status for employees in France.
SOCIAL PROTECTION
We provide comprehensive guidance on social protection for expatriates by conducting a thorough analysis of each individual’s professional and personal situation. This allows us to identify the most appropriate social coverage solutions to implement, whether for short-term assignments, long-term secondments, or permanent international mobility.
Our services include managing applications for social security posting certificates on behalf of French employers, ensuring compliance with international regulations and bilateral agreements. We also take care of registering expatriate employees with the relevant French social security bodies, such as the Caisse des Français de l’Étranger (CFE), the supplementary pension funds (CRE/IRCAFEX), and Pôle Emploi Expatriés.
In doing so, we help employers secure continuous and compliant social protection for their internationally mobile staff, while simplifying administrative processes and reducing the risk of errors or delays.
LITIGATION
We represent you before local authorities in the event of a dispute and handle all or part of the entire procedure. From the moment a visa is expressly or implicitly refused, the applicant has two months to challenge this decision. They may do so either by filing an administrative appeal or by submitting an appeal to the Appeals Commission for Visa Refusals. This type of appeal is considered an “administrative” remedy.
Filing an appeal before this Commission is mandatory before bringing the matter before the competent administrative court, which is the Administrative Court of Nantes. This subsequent procedure is considered a “judicial” (or “contentious”) remedy.
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