Can over-65s become French citizens without passing language tests?

Reader Question: I am 81 and want to move to France with my wife but realistically it will be difficult to effectively learn French. Is it possible to become a citizen here without taking a test because of our age? 

Firstly, it is important to note that there is no obligation to gain French citizenship to reside in France. Many foreign people live long-term in the country. 

However, in answer to your question, there are no age-based exceptions for anyone looking to obtain French citizenship. 

In fact, the minimum language requirements are mandatory for all people looking to obtain French citizenship by naturalisation (the standard route for those not born in France or without close French relatives) as well as spouses of French citizens seeking to become French ‘by decree’.

To obtain citizenship, you must currently have a minimum French language proficiency of B1 (lower intermediate).

This is set to change by January 2026 at the latest due to changes in a 2024 immigration law, when it will increase to a B2 level (upper intermediate). 

In addition, you will need to have lived in France for at least five years before applying to be a citizen.

The tests can be taken in local language centres around France and include ‘certifications’ of your level, such as the TCF or TEF and ‘diplomas’ such as DELF. 

It is, however, possible to request adaptations of parts of the test if you have disabilities.

It is also possible to obtain exemption on medical grounds, if a doctor certifies that you have health conditions making taking a test impossible.  

Language exemptions exist for some residency cards 

You may have heard that there are language exemptions for over-65s, which has caused confusion. 

In fact you would be correct that people over this age are exempt from French language requirements, however this applies to certain visa and residency card applications and not citizenship requests. 

Over-65s who come to France on a one-year ‘visteur’ visa and are retired do not have to have a minimum language level in French, and this has not been altered by the incoming immigration law. 

This visa can be renewed each year, with recipients not needing to pass any language test upon each renewal. 

After five years it is possible to request that it be changed for a 10-year carte de résident de longue-durée-UE. 

In the latter case, over 65s are exempt from a requirement of having to have reached a certain minimum level in a language test, although those under this age are not. 

Note that this one-year card does not allow you to bring your family, so both you and your spouse need to apply for the card.