France Tightens Conditions for Issuing Certain Permits
New Conditions for Residence Permits in France
France has decided to impose new conditions for issuing certain residence permits to foreigners, as announced by the French Ministry of the Interior.
Starting January 1st of next year, passing a “civic examination” will be required to obtain a multi-year residence permit, a resident card, or citizenship.
According to a statement from the ministry, this measure is part of the law passed on January 26, 2024, aimed at “controlling immigration and improving integration,” which “strengthens the requirements for proficiency in French and civic integration for foreigners wishing to remain permanently in France.”
Notably, a “civic examination” will become mandatory and will require a certificate of success beginning January 1, 2026, for anyone making their first application for a multi-year residence permit (multi-year residence card or resident card) from foreign residents who are nationals of non-EU countries.
Furthermore, by a decree issued on July 15, 2025, the civic examination has also been made compulsory for naturalization applications starting on the same date.
To assist foreigners in this new process, which is essential for acquiring a multi-year residence permit, the General Directorate of Foreign Nationals in France at the Ministry of the Interior has launched a dedicated website for “civic training.”
Offered by the French Office for Immigration and Integration (OFII), this training, which is part of the Republican Integration Contract (CIR), aims to help participants understand “the principles and values of the Republic, the workings of institutions, as well as the rights and duties associated with life in France,” as stated by the same source.
