Global-mobility providers are warning employers that, as of 1 January 2026, foreign nationals applying for multi-year residence permits (carte de séjour pluriannuelle) or 10-year resident cards must pass a 45-minute civic-knowledge exam before filing their application. The measure, confirmed in an immigration update circulated on 8 January 2026, standardises an integration requirement that was previously handled very unevenly by local prefectures.([crownworldmobility.com](https://www.crownworldmobility.com/insights/immigration-weekly-update-january-8-2026/?utm_source=openai))
The computer-based test contains 40 questions covering republican values, institutions, rights and duties, French history and geography, and everyday life. Candidates need 32 correct answers (80 %) to obtain the Attestation de Réussite that now forms part of the residency dossier. The exam is free, can be retaken without limit, and is administered by approved centres such as the Paris Chamber of Commerce. Applicants over 65 years old and holders of ‘Talent Passport’ permits are exempt.([thelocal.fr](https://www.thelocal.fr/20251022/french-government-confirms-civics-and-language-test-exemption-for-over-65s?utm_source=openai))
Foreign nationals who prefer end-to-end assistance can turn to VisaHQ’s France portal (https://www.visahq.com/france/), which offers intuitive tools for booking exam slots, compiling document packs and tracking application milestones. The platform’s corporate dashboard helps HR teams oversee multiple transferees at once, reducing the risk of missing key steps—such as uploading the new Attestation de Réussite—and keeping assignments on schedule.
![Mandatory civic exam now required for most French residence cards and renewals]()
Context: The new requirement stems from Decree 2025-647, part of a broader reform that also raises the language threshold for citizenship to B2 and for long-term cards to B1. The Interior Ministry argues that a uniform test will promote integration and transparency; critics fear it adds another administrative hurdle, especially for lower-income migrants who may pay for private preparation courses. In 2024, more than 260,000 foreigners received residence cards; officials project at least 100,000 civic-exam candidates annually.([m.economictimes.com](https://m.economictimes.com/nri/migrate/france-tightens-residency-and-citizenship-rules-with-mandatory-language-and-civic-tests/articleshow/126320837.cms?utm_source=openai))
Business impact: Companies transferring staff to France should budget additional lead-time—four to six weeks—to secure an exam slot and receive results before lodging residence applications. HR teams should update mobility checklists and consider sponsoring preparatory courses for key transferees. Failure to include the certificate will result in an automatic rejection, triggering delays of several months.
Outlook: While the first test sessions began quietly this week, prefectures are bracing for a surge in bookings after the winter holidays. The government has hinted that online testing may be introduced later in 2026 to ease capacity constraints, but for now physical attendance is compulsory.
The computer-based test contains 40 questions covering republican values, institutions, rights and duties, French history and geography, and everyday life. Candidates need 32 correct answers (80 %) to obtain the Attestation de Réussite that now forms part of the residency dossier. The exam is free, can be retaken without limit, and is administered by approved centres such as the Paris Chamber of Commerce. Applicants over 65 years old and holders of ‘Talent Passport’ permits are exempt.([thelocal.fr](https://www.thelocal.fr/20251022/french-government-confirms-civics-and-language-test-exemption-for-over-65s?utm_source=openai))
Foreign nationals who prefer end-to-end assistance can turn to VisaHQ’s France portal (https://www.visahq.com/france/), which offers intuitive tools for booking exam slots, compiling document packs and tracking application milestones. The platform’s corporate dashboard helps HR teams oversee multiple transferees at once, reducing the risk of missing key steps—such as uploading the new Attestation de Réussite—and keeping assignments on schedule.
Context: The new requirement stems from Decree 2025-647, part of a broader reform that also raises the language threshold for citizenship to B2 and for long-term cards to B1. The Interior Ministry argues that a uniform test will promote integration and transparency; critics fear it adds another administrative hurdle, especially for lower-income migrants who may pay for private preparation courses. In 2024, more than 260,000 foreigners received residence cards; officials project at least 100,000 civic-exam candidates annually.([m.economictimes.com](https://m.economictimes.com/nri/migrate/france-tightens-residency-and-citizenship-rules-with-mandatory-language-and-civic-tests/articleshow/126320837.cms?utm_source=openai))
Business impact: Companies transferring staff to France should budget additional lead-time—four to six weeks—to secure an exam slot and receive results before lodging residence applications. HR teams should update mobility checklists and consider sponsoring preparatory courses for key transferees. Failure to include the certificate will result in an automatic rejection, triggering delays of several months.
Outlook: While the first test sessions began quietly this week, prefectures are bracing for a surge in bookings after the winter holidays. The government has hinted that online testing may be introduced later in 2026 to ease capacity constraints, but for now physical attendance is compulsory.
