French level A2, B1, B2: what you need for a residence permit or citizenship in 2026
Updated on October 17, 20266 min read
In this article5
Since 1 January 2026, a minimum level of French is required for a first multi-year residence permit, a first resident card and naturalisation. This language proof is separate from the civic exam: you need both.
Which level for which application?
| Application | French level | Civic exam |
|---|---|---|
| First multi-year residence permit (carte pluriannuelle) | A2 | Yes (190 questions) |
| First resident card (carte de résident) | B1 | Yes (209 questions) |
| Naturalisation by decree | B2, spoken and written | Yes (258 questions) |
| Citizenship through marriage (declaration) | B2 | No |
Accepted language tests
The Ministry of the Interior only recognises two tests: the TCF (Test de connaissance du français, France Éducation International) and the TEF (Test d’évaluation du français, CCI Paris Île-de-France). For a residence permit, all parts (speaking, writing, listening and reading) are taken in person, on the same day.
- Validity: 2 years. The TCF or TEF certificate must be less than 2 years old when you apply;
- it must show your verified identity (residence permit or passport) and a photo taken on test day;
- when you register, pick the version of the test meant for integration or naturalisation applications: the centre will tell you which one.
Accepted diplomas
- Multi-year permit (A2) and resident card (B1): DELF, DALF, DELF Pro, Diplôme de français professionnel (DFP), DCL, or a university French-studies diploma (DUEF) at the right level; or a French diploma such as the brevet, a CAP, a BEP or an RNCP level 3+ certification;
- Naturalisation (B2): diplôme national du brevet, a state diploma or RNCP professional certification at level 3 or above, or a diploma showing at least B2;
- Careful: for residence permits, diplomas issued abroad, even in a French-speaking country, are not accepted.
Exemptions
- Health or disability: if your condition makes assessment impossible, an exemption is possible on a medical certificate. Exam adjustments also exist;
- Naturalisation: refugees and stateless people over 70 who have lived in France for at least 15 years are exempt;
- Residence permits: the requirement applies to people under 65.
How to plan it
- Check your level with a practice test before paying for the TCF or TEF;
- Book early: sessions fill up, and the certificate is only valid for 2 years;
- Prepare the civic exam at the same time: both proofs go in the same application. The official questions are public;
- Keep the originals: the prefecture may ask for them.
The civic exam, the other half of the application
15 official questions in French, like on exam day, no sign-up. Your score straight away.
Take the free testFrequently asked questions
What French level do I need for naturalisation in 2026?
B2, spoken and written, for applications filed since 1 January 2026. It used to be B1.
Is the DELF B1 enough for the resident card?
Yes, the DELF is one of the accepted diplomas for the resident card, at B1 or above.
How long is a TCF or TEF certificate valid?
2 years. It must be less than 2 years old when you file your application.
Does the civic exam replace the French test?
No. They are two different proofs: the language level (A2, B1 or B2) and the civic exam pass certificate.