France introduces a civics exam for foreigners: what will change in 2026

Starting from January 1, 2026, France will introduce new requirements for foreigners planning to obtain a long-term residence permit or citizenship. One of the key changes will be a mandatory civics exam that will test knowledge of the fundamentals of French society and state values. Find out more about who is subject to the new rules, when to take the exam, and where to find official preparation materials

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France continues to reform its migration policy, focusing on the integration of foreigners into the country's social and legal environment. Starting in 2026, the Examen civique will become one of the mandatory steps for obtaining a multi-year residence permit, resident card or French citizenship.

Its purpose is to confirm a basic understanding of the principles of the Republic, the rights and obligations of French residents, as well as key social norms. In order to avoid refusals or delays in the processing of documents, it is important to understand in advance how the new system works and what exactly is expected of applicants.

In the previous article, we provided a detailed guide on the possibilities of emigration of Ukrainians to France.

Who is subject to the compulsory civics exam?

Starting from 2026, the compulsory civics exam in France will not be introduced for all foreigners, but only for those categories of applicants for whom the state considers integration into French society to be a key condition for legal residence or change of status.

The exam is compulsory for applicants:

- Multiannual residence permits for a period of 2 to 4 years

(in particular, on the basis of a CDI employment contract, family reunification, entrepreneurial activity, etc;)

- 10-year French resident card;

- Acquisition of French citizenship by naturalization.

Important nuance! The civics exam is taken before the first application for a multi-year residence permit. If a foreigner already has such a permit and is applying for its extension, he or she does not need to take the exam again.

Earlier, we mentioned that the EU allowed Poland and several other European countries to refuse to participate in the migrant redistribution mechanism.

When do I have to take the exam and how will it affect my application?

The civic exam becomes part of the application procedure, not a formality after obtaining a permit. Without successfully passing the Examen civique, it will be impossible to apply for the appropriate migration status.

Key points to consider:

1. The exam is taken before the first application for a multi-year residence permit (2-4 years);

2. The exam results are attached to the package of documents at the time of submission;

3. The new requirements do not apply to the extension of a valid multi-year permit;

4. To apply for a 10-year resident card or citizenship, the exam is a mandatory step regardless of the grounds for residence.

The absence of a certificate or ignoring this requirement may result in a refusal to accept documents or a delay in the consideration of the case. That is why it is important to plan the preparation and passing of the exam in advance, and not at the final stage of submission.

The official rules, list of questions and organizational details were published by the French Ministry of the Interior in December 2025.

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What questions are included in the civil exam?

In order to avoid confusion and unofficial sources, the French authorities immediately defined a single official list of questions for the civil exam. All materials have been published by government agencies and are open for preparation.

According to official information, the exam questions cover the following main topics:

1. Basic values of the French Republic (freedom, equality, fraternity, secularism);

2. Rights and obligations of foreigners and residents in France;

3. Principles of functioning of the state and its institutions;

4. Social and civil norms accepted in French society;

5. The basics of everyday life in France, including education, work and the social system.

It is important to note that the list of questions differs depending on the type of status applied for. Separate lists have been approved:

- For multi-year residence permits for a period of 2-4 years;

- For a 10-year residence card.

All these lists have been officially published by the French Ministry of the Interior and are mandatory for use during the exam.

Where to prepare for the exam: official resources

To prepare for the Examen civique, the French government has launched a special state portal Formation Civique. This website is the only recommended official source that exam centers are guided by.

The portal provides:

- A detailed procedure for conducting the exam;

- Official lists of questions for each type of permit;

- Thematic information cards for self-preparation;

- Explanation of the exam format and assessment.

Where and how to take the civil exam in France?

The organization of the civil exam in France is centralized to ensure uniform standards of conduct and assessment. The CCI Île-de-France Education is responsible for the accreditation of exam centers, which coordinates a network of institutions across the country. The exam can only be taken in centers included in the official list of accredited centers.

It is important to consider the following points:

1. Registration for the exam is carried out in advance, as the number of places in the centers may be limited;

2. Information on available dates, addresses and contacts is published on the official CCI website;

3. The exam results are issued in the form of an official confirmation, which is attached to the package of documents when applying for a residence permit, resident card or citizenship.

For the convenience of applicants, there is an interactive map where you can find the nearest accredited center and check the latest information on the exam procedure

Visit Ukraine's migration lawyers help foreigners prepare for the new requirements in France in a comprehensive manner: from checking the type of residence permit and the mandatory civil exam to supporting the submission of documents and working with official state resources. The experts explain when exactly you need to take the Examen civique, help you navigate the procedure, avoid formal mistakes and plan your application correctly so that the new 2026 rules do not cause refusals or delays.

Reminder! If you are planning a trip to Ukraine in 2025, it is important to know all the current conditions for entry and visa application for French citizens. Find out whether French citizens need a visa to Ukraine in 2025, how to apply for a tourist or long-term visa, what documents are required, as well as the requirements for insurance and legal support for foreigners from Visit Ukraine.

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