Languages: levels are being raised for some groups
Some people moving to France are asked to check their French level against the European language scale
Some non-EU citizens moving to France are asked to take French tests. This is to check their level against the European language levels (from A1 – basic essentials – to C2, expert).
This is especially relevant to those with work contracts for longer than a year (but not passeport talent).
It also applies to would-be applicants for multi-year residency cards for self-employed workers or people coming to join French family members.
These groups sign a contrat d’intégration républicaine (CIR) (see later in this chapter), which includes taking a test at the local branch of Ofii.
With regards to language tests, there were changes in summer 2025 and others are set to come in from January 1, 2026.
The rules are: if your visa/card requires a CIR, then as part of your visit to Ofii (this is usually in the first year, unless your Ofii branch postpones this due to high demand), you will be asked to take a free French test.
If you are found to have at least A2, there are no extra language requirements. Otherwise, taking free lessons is required.
One condition of later receiving a ‘multi-year’ (ie. valid for more than one year) residency card – as opposed to having to keep renewing annually – is that you should have followed the lessons as requested.
As of summer 2025, the language training is via a website for most people, other than those not able to read and write.
This will be automated, AI-powered training to use at people’s own speed, whenever they wish.
From January 1, 2026, proof of level A2 by paying for a test at a centre will also be required for a first multi-year card.
At this level, a person should be able to communicate in simple, routine tasks on familiar topics and have short conversations. They should be able to write short notes and read simple texts.
Applicants for a 10-year carte de résident (this is for those who have already lived some years in France and are seeking a secure form of residency with wide-ranging rights) must, from the same date, have paid for a test and passed at level B1 at least (over 65s are exempt). Applicants were previously required to pass at A2.