French level required in 2026: A2, B1 or B2 depending on your application
Since 1 January 2026, Service-Public requires level A2 for a first multi-year residence card, B1 for a first resident card, and B2 spoken and written for naturalisation. Proof is a recognised diploma, or a TCF or TEF certificate less than 2 years old.
Sources: Service-Public F34501 (checked 10 February 2026) for the cards and F11926 (checked 1 January 2026) for naturalisation, both read again on 23 October 2026. Hexaciv is not an official site and gives no legal advice: confirm with your prefecture.
Which level for which application?
| Your application | Level required | Source |
|---|---|---|
| First multi-year residence card | A2 | Service-Public F34501, since 1 January 2026 |
| First resident card | B1 | Service-Public F34501, since 1 January 2026 |
| Naturalisation by decree | B2, spoken and written | Service-Public F11926 |
Levels follow the European framework (CEFR). For naturalisation, Service-Public states that B2 must be shown for both speaking and writing.
How to prove your level
According to Service-Public, three kinds of proof are accepted:
- A test certificate: the TCF (France Éducation international) or the TEF (Paris Île-de-France Chamber of Commerce). A certificate is valid for 2 years, so an older one does not count.
- A French-language diploma: DELF, DALF, DUEF, DFP or DCL, according to sheet F34501.
- A national diploma or professional certification at level 3 or above (CAP, BEP, general training certificate, brevet), also according to sheet F34501.
To choose between the TCF and the TEF, see our page on TCF IRN and TEF IRN (in French).
Who is exempt?
For the cards, sheet F34501 sets the language requirement for applicants under 65, so people aged 65 or over do not have to prove their level. It also allows an exemption for people with a disability or a chronic illness who cannot sit a test (a medical certificate from your doctor is required), and it lists categories of residence permit that are not covered. These exemptions cover the language proof and say nothing about the civic exam. If one of them may apply to you, read the official sheet for the exact conditions.
A language level does not replace the civic exam
For a first multi-year card, a first resident card or naturalisation you need both: proof of language and a pass in the civic exam (40 questions, 45 minutes, 32 correct answers). See who has to take the civic exam and, for the full nationality conditions, the conditions for naturalisation (in French).
Test yourself: 3 questions
Which French level does Service-Public require for a first resident card?
Correct answer: B1 for a first resident card, since 1 January 2026 (sheet F34501).
Is a TCF taken 3 years ago enough for your file?
Correct answer: no, TCF and TEF certificates are valid for 2 years according to Service-Public.
Which level is required for naturalisation by decree?
Correct answer: B2 spoken and written (sheet F11926).
Frequently asked questions
Which French level do I need for the multi-year residence card in 2026? Level A2, for a first card, since 1 January 2026 according to Service-Public.
B1 or B2 for naturalisation? B2, spoken and written, according to sheet F11926. B1 is the level required for a first resident card.
How long is a TCF or TEF certificate valid? 2 years, according to Service-Public.
Is a French diploma enough to prove my level? Yes for a DELF, DALF, DUEF, DFP or DCL, or for a national diploma at level 3 or above, according to sheet F34501. Check that the diploma's level matches the one required for your application.
Do people over 65 have to prove their level? For the cards, sheet F34501 sets the requirement for applicants under 65. For naturalisation, read sheet F11926 and ask your prefecture.
Sources
- Service-Public, Resident card and multi-year card: how to prove your knowledge of French (F34501), checked 10 February 2026: A2, B1, proof, exemptions.
- Service-Public, French nationality: how to prove your level of French (F11926), checked 1 January 2026: B2 spoken and written, TCF and TEF.
A certificate proves your language level. The civic exam is another step, so practise it in real conditions.
Take the free mock exam (40 questions, 45 minutes)