A new civic examination for foreigners wishing to settle in France

The law of 26 january 2024 to control immigration, improve integration has created a civic examination.

This test, which lasts up to 45 minutes and is conducted digitally, is presented in the form of a multiple-choice questionnaire (MCQ) comprising 40 questions (28 general knowledge questions and 12 simulation questions); each time, only one answer is correct among the 4 options proposed. To validate the exam, you must have obtained at least 32 correct answers (80% success rate).

From 1^er in january 2026, passing this exam will be mandatory for:

• get French naturalization ;
• acquire a multiannual residence permit (multi-annual residence card or resident card), if you are a national of a non-EU country.

When to take the civic exam?

The civic examination must be passed before the application for a residence permit or naturalization is submitted.

For those wishing to obtain a multi-annual residence permit, the examination will be mandatory at the end of a civic training (lasting 24 hours, spread over 4 days). Currently, this training is followed by foreigners after obtaining their residence permit, as part of the their republican integration contract. From 1^er in january 2026, they will therefore have to undergo this training before obtaining their residence permit.

What are the themes of the civic examination questions?

Each MCQ composing the civic exam will include questions on the 5 themes studied during the civic training:

• the principles and values of the Republic (the motto and symbols of the Republic, secularism);
• the institutional and political system (the organization of the French Republic, the European Union and its institutions, etc.);
• the fundamental rights, obligations and duties of persons residing in France;
• History, geography and culture;
• living in the French business (parental authority and the education system, working in France, etc.).

You can find sheets to prepare for the civic exam, and find out which accredited centers can take the exam on the site formation-civique.interieur.gouv.fr.