List: Who needs to pass new French language tests for residency?

The level required is set to increase in 2025

The start date for the new language requirements has not yet been set, however the law requires they come into effect before January 1, 2026.

Beddoe / Shutterstock

Published Tuesday 29 April 2025 - 07:00 Modified Tuesday 29 April 2025 - 14:21

Premium

Premium

‘Stay home’: Red weather alerts raised as Storm Nils sweeps France
Premium

Premium

Second death and homes evacuated as Storm Nils batters south-west France
Premium

Premium

Pistes closed, confinement orders: Alpine resorts deal with avalanche risk
Premium

Premium

Ryanair axes Dublin-Rodez route but London connection retained

Many readers have contacted The Connexion over their confusion concerning the new rules for residency cards with tougher language tests that are due to start in 2025. Here is the essential on who is affected.

Under the new rules outlined in France’s 2024 Immigration law, some residency cards will have more challenging language requirements.

The start date for these requirements has not yet been set, however the law requires they come into effect before January 1, 2026.

practical visas and residency cards

List: Who needs to pass new French language tests for residency?

The level required is set to increase in 2025

TRENDING

‘Stay home’: Red weather alerts raised as Storm Nils sweeps France

Second death and homes evacuated as Storm Nils batters south-west France

Pistes closed, confinement orders: Alpine resorts deal with avalanche risk

Ryanair axes Dublin-Rodez route but London connection retained

More from The Connexion

What you need to know about French civic tests for residency and citizenship

Five-year WA card holders in France reminded to apply for renewal in good time

Can you offer rentals in France when staying on visitor visa?

Why your car insurance in France is expected to increase this year

British Airways launches bargain £2 flights to France (but there’s a catch)

From civil servant to vacataire, clinical psychologist and super mum

Thermal cure funding confirmed in France for 2026

Explained: how to register a classic car in France

Pistes closed, confinement orders: Alpine resorts deal with avalanche risk

Cross-border inheritance tax planning in France: what you need to know

What you need to know about French civic tests for residency and citizenship

British women tackle challenges of renovations in France with podcast

Is new healthcare fee for Americans still on the way in France?

French police issue warning over new ‘fake bank card’ scam

Former French Interior Minister announces 2027 presidential candidacy

From Oregon to Brittany: primrose nursery in France celebrates 90th anniversary

Ryanair axes Dublin-Rodez route but London connection retained

French weekend weather forecast February 14-15: snow returns as temperatures plummet

Second death and homes evacuated as Storm Nils batters south-west France

From 'romantic Paris' to dating apps: love is changing in France

Five-year WA card holders in France reminded to apply for renewal in good time

Bikers tag dangerous French roads to shame authorities

I had a heart attack in France without realising it

Two Britons killed in avalanche in French Alps were with an instructor

What are the rules about splitting the bill in France?

How to fit in when you move to France: avoid that ‘expat bubble’

Transavia to replace Air France for Nice-Orly flights

Is this the end of free mountain rescue in France?

How France’s new food strategy aims to change the national diet

Do I need separate caravan insurance in France?

Can EU citizens get French identity cards?

Can you offer rentals in France when staying on visitor visa?

How can I know if speed limit is 80 km/h or 90 km/h on road following changes?

AI usage on the rise in France but lags behind UK and US

+39% increase: Paris sees major parking cost changes in 2026

World corruption: France better than US but worse than UK