France has announced that from January 2026, foreigners seeking citizenship must score at least 32 out of 40 on the new civic knowledge test, representing an 80% pass mark. This is part of a broader update to naturalisation requirements that also raises the language proficiency bar to a B2 level on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).
Stricter Language Requirements for Applicants
Under the revised framework, applicants must demonstrate a B2 level of French proficiency, covering both oral and written skills. This can be evidenced through recognised qualifications such as the DELF B2, the DALF, or a diploma from a French school or university that is at least equivalent to the Brevet des collèges.
The higher language threshold marks a significant increase from previous requirements, placing greater emphasis on the ability to integrate linguistically into French society.
Mandatory Civic Examination with 80% Pass Mark
Beyond language, candidates are required to sit the NAT civic examination, a multiple-choice test covering French values, history, and society. To pass, applicants must score at least 32 out of 40, which represents an 80% pass mark.
A certificate of achievement from this test is compulsory and must be submitted as part of the citizenship application. The test is designed to ensure that applicants have a solid understanding of their rights and obligations as future French citizens, as well as familiarity with the country's legal framework.
Commitment to French Values and Assimilation
The updated requirements place particular weight on genuine commitment to France's founding principles: liberty, equality, fraternity, and secularism, known in French as laïcité. Authorities are not looking for surface-level compliance; the expectation is that people demonstrate real assimilation into French society, both in conduct and in outlook.
The combination of a tougher language threshold, a high-stakes civic test, and a formal values assessment signals a significant shift in how France defines readiness for citizenship among foreign nationals seeking to make the country their permanent home.
This development follows a similar move by Germany, which earlier outlined the exact structure and passing conditions for its official citizenship test. In Germany, applicants face 33 questions and have 60 minutes to complete the test, with results determining eligibility for naturalisation. The new French requirements take effect from January 2026, and prospective applicants are advised to prepare accordingly.
