Introduction of the new civic exam in France
Starting from January 1, 2026, a new civic exam for foreigners wishing to obtain a long-term residence permit or citizenship will be introduced in France. This exam, Examen civique, will check knowledge of the fundamental values and norms of French society. The new requirements will apply to certain categories of applicants who intend to obtain a multi-year residence permit, a 10-year resident card, or citizenship through naturalization.
Mandatory nature of the exam and its preparation
The exam will be mandatory for those planning to apply for a multi-year residence permit for a period of 2 to 4 years, as well as for those seeking a 10-year resident card and citizenship. Applicants will have to take the exam before their first application for a multi-year residence permit, and the exam results will need to be added to the document package when submitting an application.
The official rules for conducting the test were published by the French Ministry of the Interior in December 2025. To prepare for the exam, the French government has launched the state portal Formation Civique. The exam questions will cover topics such as:
- the main values of the French Republic,
- the rights and obligations of foreigners,
- the principles of state functioning,
- social and civic norms,
- the basics of everyday life.
The Examen civique exam is an important step in the process of integrating foreigners into French society, as it provides an opportunity to familiarize oneself with the fundamental principles governing life in France. Detailed procedures for conducting the test, official question lists, thematic information cards, and explanations of the exam format will be available for preparation. Thus, future applicants will have the opportunity to adequately prepare for the new requirements coming into effect in 2026.
The introduction of the Examen civique emphasizes the efforts of the French government to ensure the integration of foreigners into society through a deeper understanding of the culture, values, and norms prevailing in the country.
This step may also influence the overall naturalization process, as the requirement to pass the exam may become an additional barrier for some applicants who are not ready for such a level of preparation. In the future, this could lead to changes in the structure of France's immigration policy, focusing it on increasing knowledge about the country among new residents.