France to Introduce Mandatory Civic Test for Non-EU Immigrants from 2026

France will introduce a mandatory civic test for non-European Union (non-EU) foreign residents seeking long-term residence permits, permanent resident cards, or French citizenship starting January 1, 2026, the French Interior Ministry has announced.

The measure stems from a new immigration law adopted on January 26, 2024, aimed at tightening immigration controls while strengthening the integration of foreigners into French society. A key provision of the law will come into force in 2026, making knowledge of the French language and adherence to republican values more stringent requirements for non-EU nationals wishing to settle long term in France.

Under the new rules, applicants for a multi-year residence permit (four-year permit), a permanent resident card (10-year card), or French citizenship through naturalisation must pass a compulsory “civic test.” Proof of passing the test, in the form of an official certificate (attestation de réussite), will be required at the time of application. A decree issued on July 15 has also confirmed that the civic test will be mandatory for all citizenship applications from the same date.

All details regarding the civic test have been published on the website of the Directorate General for Foreigners in France (DGEF), under the Interior Ministry. The site outlines the test structure, rules, and preparation guidelines.

To help immigrants prepare, the Interior Ministry has launched a dedicated online training platform. The training is part of the Republican Integration Contract (CIR) and is managed by the French Office for Immigration and Integration (OFII). Through this programme, participants will learn about the core principles and values of the French Republic, the functioning of state institutions, and the rights and responsibilities associated with living in France.

The platform includes 222 thematic information sheets designed to help applicants follow the training, understand key concepts, and prepare effectively for the civic test. It also provides practical information on exam content, procedures, authorised test centres across France, and sample questions, though scenario-based questions are not published.

The civic test will consist of 40 multiple-choice questions, conducted digitally in French, with a time limit of 45 minutes. Candidates must score at least 80 percent to pass. The questions will cover:

• Republican principles and values, including freedom, equality, fraternity, secularism, and national symbols (11 questions)

• Political and institutional structures, such as the state, parliament, voting rights, and the European Union (6 questions)

• Rights and duties, including law, taxation, and civic responsibilities (11 questions)

• History, geography, and culture (8 questions)

• Daily life in French society, including education, healthcare, work, and family life (4 questions)

French authorities have said the platform will be updated with additional materials over time to further support immigrants throughout their integration process. For citizenship applicants, requirements have been made particularly strict. Detailed information is also available on the Interior Ministry’s website under the section titled “Integration and Access to French Nationality.”

According to the French government, the new measures represent an important step toward ensuring that immigrants become informed, responsible, and fully integrated members of French society. The rules will officially take effect on January 1, 2026.