France tightens requirements for foreigners: new civic test introduced

Foreigners who plan to obtain a residence permit or citizenship in France will now have to take a mandatory civil exam. We explain what this test is, who it applies to, and why there has been so much criticism around it

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France has taken another step towards tightening its migration rules by introducing a mandatory civics test for foreigners. From now on, it is impossible to obtain a long-term residence permit or French citizenship without successfully passing the exam. Formally, the innovation is supposed to promote integration, but in practice it has become an additional barrier for thousands of migrants.

The test covers issues of history, culture, state system and values of the Republic and has clear requirements for the result. The new rules have already sparked active discussions among human rights activists and foreigners themselves.

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

What is the new civics test in France?

The new civics test is a prerequisite for foreigners applying for a long-term residence permit or French citizenship. Formally, its purpose is to test knowledge about the country and understanding of republican values, but in fact, the exam has become another selection stage in the legalization process.

The test is held in a computer format in specialized centers and has clearly defined rules:

- 40 multiple-choice questions

- 45 minutes to complete the test

- At least 80% of correct answers for credit

- Exam fee: from 100 to 200 euros

- No phones or hints are allowed

- In case of violation of the rules - a ban on retaking the test for up to two years

- The number of attempts is not formally limited

The exam covers several thematic blocks at once: the values of the French Republic, the history of the country, its geography, culture, and the work of state and European institutions. Special attention is paid to such concepts as the secularism of the state, the rule of law, and the principles of democracy.

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What topics does the exam cover?

The civics test in France is not limited to “general questions about the country”. It tests both basic facts and understanding of how the state is organized and what principles it operates on. In general, the exam covers five key areas that are considered the basis for integration.

All questions are conditionally divided into the following blocks:

1. Values and principles of the French Republic

2. History of France

3. Geography of the country

4. Culture and social norms

5. State and European institutions

It is also emphasized that the applicant must understand the concepts important for France, including the secularism of the state, the principles of the rule of law and the general rules of the political system.

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

Why do the new requirements cause criticism?

The introduction of the civics test has sparked active discussions in French society and among human rights organizations. Critics believe that the format of the exam does not always reflect the real level of integration of a person, but instead creates additional formal obstacles to legal residence in the country.

The main criticisms of the new system are as follows:

1. The requirements for foreigners often exceed the real level of knowledge possessed by a significant part of French citizens

2. Integration is assessed by test answers, not by work, tax payments or participation in community life

3. The computer-based format of the exam creates difficulties for older people and those without sufficient digital skills

4. The process of passing the exam itself becomes a source of severe stress due to strict rules and the risk of a long ban on retaking the exam

Human rights activists emphasize that this approach can lead to a situation where well-integrated migrants lose their chance for a residence permit or citizenship because of a formal failure on the test. In their opinion, this contradicts the very idea of gradual social integration and equal access to legal status.

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 2026, 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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