Language and civic tests and residency cards

Applying for residency cards

British citizens moving to France long term generally need to apply for a residency card if staying beyond the period allowed under the Withdrawal Agreement (WA) or if moving post-Brexit without WA status.

Applications can usually be made between four and two months before the expiry of a VLS-TS visa, or within the first months after arrival if your visa requires it. Most applications are submitted online via ANEF.

A small number of card types still require direct application at the prefecture, where your paperwork will be processed. In such cases, you should contact the prefecture for guidance.

Each French department has one main prefecture, and some have smaller sous-préfectures, which usually do not handle residency matters. Look for the section of the website marked étrangers (foreign nationals).

Residency cards are laminated, credit-card sized documents with a microchip. The general term is titre de séjour.

• Carte de séjour – usually issued during the first years of residence.

• Carte de résident – for those with more established residency (typically five years). This gives broader rights, including freedom to work and live in France on similar terms to French citizens.

The carte de résident de longue durée – UE (EU long-term resident card) is recognised across the EU, which can make future moves to other EU countries easier.

British retirees moving on a visiteur visa will generally need to renew annually, until they have completed five years in France, before applying for a 10-year carte de résident.

All adult non-EU nationals, including UK citizens, need their own residency card. If you are financially dependent on a partner, include proof of income, proof of address, and evidence of your relationship (for example, a marriage or civil partnership certificate). Sworn translations into French may be required for official documents.

For children under 18, it is advisable to apply for a document de circulation pour étranger mineur, which acts as a travel and residency document.

Language requirements

Some UK nationals may be required to demonstrate a basic level of French, particularly if obtaining a multi-year residency card, or if moving for work or joining family in France.

Language ability is assessed using the European framework, from A1 (beginner) to C2 (expert).

Applicants may need to take a test at a local Ofii office. Those who do not meet the required level are usually offered training, either in-person or online.

• First multi-year residency card: normally requires A2 level (can use simple phrases in daily life).

• 10-year carte de résident: normally requires B1 level.

• Exemptions apply for those over 65 or those unable to take the test due to illness or disability.

If you do not yet meet the language requirement, you may receive a one-year card instead of a multi-year card.

Civic knowledge test

Applicants for a multi-year card or a carte de résident may also need to pass a civic knowledge test, often taken at the same centres as language exams.

• The test has 40 multiple-choice questions, covering:

  • Principles and values of the French Republic

  • Rights and responsibilities of life in France

  • Institutional and political systems

  • History, geography and culture

  • Life in French society

• A pass requires 80% (32/40).

• The test lasts around 45 minutes on a computer or tablet and does not require long written answers.

Signatories of the Contrat d’intégration républicaine (CIR) receive training on these topics, and official online resources are available to help prepare for both language and civic tests.