French naturalisation 2026: every change taking effect on January 1st

1 January 2026 marks the most significant change to French naturalisation procedure in a generation. Decree no. 2025-648 of 15 July 20251, completed by the order of 10 October 20252, redefines the language requirements and introduces a mandatory civic exam.

For applicants for French nationality (by decree or by marriage), the required language level moves from B1 to B2. For the ten-year resident card, it moves from A2 to B1. For the multi-year residence permit, the civic exam becomes mandatory from the first application onwards.11Three distinct exams but a shared format: 40 questions, 45 minutes, 80 % correct answers. The official lists are published separately by the Ministry. Three exams, one shared frame — same format, same threshold, but question lists released separately by the Ministry of the Interior.

Whether you are aiming for naturalisation by decree or by marriage, the same requirements apply: no preferential treatment depending on the route. That is the philosophy of the reform — to align expectations around republican values.

The turning point begins with law no. 2024-42 of 26 January 2024 — known as the “Immigration law” or “Darmanin law,” after the minister who introduced it. It broadens the integration requirements applying to foreign residents, raises the language thresholds, and establishes the systematic verification of knowledge of republican principles. The 2025 decree and order are its application texts.

The three pathways share the same frame: 40 questions, 45 minutes, 80 % correct. What changes is the depth of questioning: more practical for the residence permit, more historical and institutional for the resident card, more demanding still for naturalisation. A certificate obtained at one level does not count for another.

The Common European Framework of Reference for Languages sets two very different definitions for B1 and B2.

• B1 (intermediate) — understand the main points of clear standard speech; produce simple, coherent text on familiar subjects.
• B2 (upper intermediate) — understand the essence of complex texts, both concrete and abstract; communicate spontaneously and fluently; express oneself clearly and in detail on a wide range of subjects.

In practice, a B2 candidate must be able to:

1. Hold a nuanced conversation about French current affairs.
2. Defend an argued opinion on a societal question.
3. Read journalistic texts without resorting to a dictionary.
4. Write a structured formal letter.

The two accepted tests

Two tests are recognised by every prefecture3: the TCF IRN, run by France Éducation International, and the DELF B2.

Every applicant for naturalisation, the resident card, or a first multi-year residence permit must now pass a civic exam in MCQ form: 40 questions, 45 minutes, with the pass threshold set at 80 % (32 correct out of 40).

The five official themes

Set by the order of 10 October 2025, the five themes cover the whole of the Republic — from the Declaration of the Rights of Man to daily life.

The first theme covers liberty, equality, fraternity, secularism, the motto, the flag, the Marseillaise, 14 July, the 1789 Declaration. The second deals with institutions: President, Government, National Assembly, Senate, Constitutional Council, justice, European Union. The third addresses universal suffrage, taxes, national service, labour law, social security, gender equality, and the fight against discrimination.

The last two themes, more narrative, cover history (Revolution, Republics, world wars, decolonisation, key figures, heritage, regions) and practical life (school, health, housing, employment, family, social codes, public services).

Unlike pure knowledge questions (“In what year was the law on the separation of Churches and State adopted?”), scenario questions test the ability to apply republican values to concrete cases.

Plan A — B1 aiming for naturalisation (6 to 12 months)

1. Months 1 – 4. Move from B1 to B2 — 4 to 6 hours of classes per week (Alliance française, online FFL), formal and journalistic vocabulary.
2. Month 5. Register for the TCF IRN or DELF B2, take the test.
3. Months 6 – 10. Civic exam — read the Citizen's Booklet, daily MCQs, scenario questions.
4. Months 11 – 12. Interview — personal narrative, motivations, plans in France.

Plan B — Already B2 (3 to 6 months)

1. Months 1 – 4. Intensive civic-exam prep, 30 minutes of MCQs per day.
2. Months 5 – 6. Interview and final paperwork (CERFA form, supporting documents, certified translations).

Plan C — Resident card renewal (3 months)

1. Month 1. Confirm your B1 level (TCF IRN if needed).
2. Month 2. Civic exam at resident-card level (less demanding than naturalisation).
3. Month 3. Sit the exam, file the application.

• People aged 65 and over — since the introduction of the language thresholds.
• Renewals of the multi-year residence permit — the exam is required only at the first application.
• Holders of a French diploma at the required level or above (collège, lycée, higher education in France).4
• Certain nationals of French-speaking countries with specific attestations.

The 2025 Retailleau circular directs officers towards verifying the sincerity of republican adherence rather than mere factual mastery. In practice, the officer assesses four dimensions:

1. Your personal narrative — why France, since when, which ties.
2. Your knowledge of French current affairs — broad political lines, public debates, local life.
3. Your adherence to republican values — secularism, equality, democracy, rule of law.
4. Your plans in France — family, career, civic engagement, prospects.

1. Assess your current level with a free online TCF IRN mock test.
2. Gather the administrative file — proof of residence, payslips, tax notices, criminal record extract, translated civil-status documents.
3. Register for a language test (TCF IRN or DELF B2) at least 3 months in advance.
4. Train for the civic exam with daily MCQs — regularity beats intensity.