New civic tests for foreigners in France launch  amid criticism

The new 2026 civic tests required for certain residency cards and for citizenship applications have been criticised for being an additional stress for applicants.

The tests, in place from January 1, 2026, consist of 40 questions about France, split into five categories: 

• Principles and values of the Republic

• Rights and responsibilities of life in France

• Institutional and political systems

• History, geography, and culture

• Life in French society

Applicants must score at least 80% on the test (32/40) to pass and be granted their card, a figure classed as too high by some. 

The fear of failing the test may impact other elements of the application process, and see otherwise strong candidates rejected.

Alongside the high pass threshold, concerns over the test being taken on computers have also been raised, as this may affect some people who struggle with French devices or are unused to using them.

The ‘civic knowledge’ tests are required for those applying for their first multi-year residency permit along the Contrat d’intégration républicaine pathway (carte de séjour pluriannuelle or other similar cards) or converting from one kind of residency card to a 10-year carte de résident.

The tests do not apply to holders of certain cards, Brexit ‘WA’ cards, carte de séjour talent, etc.

Those already living in France but needing to obtain a multi-year card (for example, people who have been on one-year cards and now need a multi-year one) risk living in the country in an ‘irregular situation’ if they fail the test, losing access to benefits, work opportunities, and healthcare. 

Exemptions are in place for over 65s and those who already have a multi-year residency card or 10-year carte de résident and need to renew it. 

More information can be seen in our article here.

Applicants for French citizenship are still required to undergo an interview that assesses their knowledge of France (the test does not replace, but accompanies, this) and tougher minimum language criteria have also been raised for several applications.

‘Help! I said pain au chocolat was a dessert’

The new tests have been criticised for causing worry to applicants. 

“It's an added stress [for applicants],” said Xavier Thiollet of the Le français pour toutes et tous initiative to FranceInfo. 

“A person of Polish origin took the test directly at the prefecture and was asked which dessert was popular in France. She said 'pain au chocolat’.”

“She arrived at our office an hour later, saying, 'Help! I said pain au chocolat, but it's not a dessert.' She was afraid of being poorly evaluated and being denied citizenship because of a question like that…” he added.

“[Also] when you are faced with questions that ask you to define the rule of law, it stresses a lot of people, even French citizens.”