What level of French do you need in France in 2026: A2, B1 or B2?

Since January 2026: A2 for a multi-year residence card, B1 for a resident card, B2 for French citizenship.

Since 1 January 2026, France requires certified proof of French for three procedures: A2 for a first multi-year residence card, B1 for a resident card, and B2 in both writing and speaking for citizenship. A civic exam has been added as well: 40 questions, with 32 correct answers needed to pass.

Which level applies to which procedure?

Three thresholds, in force since 1 January 2026:

first application for a multi-year residence card, the carte de séjour pluriannuelle: level A2;
resident card, permanent resident card, EU long-term resident card: level B1;
naturalisation or reinstatement of French nationality: level B2, written and spoken.

Each threshold went up one step. The resident card previously asked for A2, citizenship for B1, and the multi-year card required no proof of level at all. Article R413-15 of the French immigration code, in force since that date, lists the two documents expected: a language certificate and a pass certificate for the civic exam.

If you hold an EU passport you do not need a residence permit, so only the citizenship route concerns you. British, American, Canadian and Australian nationals, on the other hand, fall under the full non-EU regime.

Which tests and diplomas count as proof?

Two tests are named in the orders of 22 December 2025: the TCF, issued by France Éducation international, and the TEF, issued by the Paris Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Their IRN versions, for integration, residence and nationality, are built for these procedures. The results certificate is valid for two years from the date of issue, so sitting the test too early in a slow-moving file is a common mistake.

Diplomas are the second route: the diplôme national du brevet, a state diploma or professional certification at level 3 or above of the French national framework, or any diploma attesting the required level of the Common European Framework, which covers the DELF and the DALF.

That distinction matters. A DELF B2 taken five years ago is a diploma, so it still counts, whereas a TCF certificate from three years ago no longer does. If you are going to prepare for an exam anyway, aiming at a diploma can save you from sitting the same test twice.

What is the civic exam introduced in 2026?

Since 1 January 2026, passing it is also required for a first multi-year card, a resident card and naturalisation. Its features, published by the Ministry of the Interior:

40 multiple-choice questions in French, 28 knowledge questions and 12 situational ones;
five themes: principles and values of the Republic, institutions and political life, rights and duties, history, geography and culture, living in French society;
45 minutes maximum, on tablet or computer;
32 correct answers required, that is 80%.

Preparation is free: the ministry publishes topic sheets and the question bank online.

Who is exempt, and what about applications filed before 2026?

Adjustments exist on medical grounds for applicants with a disability or a chronic health condition. Foreign nationals over 65 do not sit the civic exam, and beneficiaries of international protection are also exempt. For citizenship, proof of level is not required from refugees and stateless people over 70 who have lived lawfully in France for at least fifteen years.

One point that is easily missed: applications filed before 1 January 2026 remain governed by the previous rules, which may spare you an unnecessary test booking.

What these levels do not tell you

A threshold is not an average. On the TEF IRN, reaching B2 means at least 400 points on three of the papers and no less than 367 on the weakest one: a lagging skill cannot be offset by a strong one. That is why candidates who are very comfortable speaking often fail on written expression.

Two things are rarely said. Reaching the level gives you no automatic right: language is one condition among several, and naturalisation by decree remains a decision of the administration. And these rules do not apply to everyone in the same way, since other routes to French nationality have their own conditions. Before committing to months of classes, check which procedure actually applies to you, ideally with a legal advice centre or a lawyer rather than a forum.

How do you prepare in practice?

Start with your weakest skill, because it sets your result. One full timed mock test tells you where you really stand in about ninety minutes.
Practise writing short, useful texts. The TEF IRN written paper asks for two pieces of around 40 then 100 words: everyday messages, not essays.
Rehearse speaking in situation: asking for information, explaining a problem, defending a choice. This is the part that is hardest to prepare alone.

Our article "TCF or DELF: which French test should you choose based on your goal" compares the formats, and "How to Prepare for the DELF B2 Exam: A Complete Method" covers the level expected for citizenship.

At Frenchee, this work is done with qualified native teachers, in live video lessons, one to one or in small groups of 3 to 5 students, with no subscription. That helps when an administrative deadline sets the date and a single skill, usually writing, has to come up.