Do you know who can become President of France? Or what the national anthem is called? Or how does a law get passed in France? Starting January 2026, most applicants seeking long-term residency or French citizenship will need to demonstrate their knowledge of French society, values, and institutions through a new civic exam.

The exam ensures that residents and future citizens understand the principles, institutions, and values of the French Republic, as well as practical knowledge of life in French society.

Who is concerned

The new requirement applies to:

• Non-European residents who wish to obtain multi-year residence permits (2–4 years) or 10-year resident cards
• All applicants for French citizenship

However, an important exemption exists: students and Talent visa holders are not required to take the exam when applying for long-term residency (Article L. 413-5 of the CESEDA). This exemption does not apply to citizenship applications—every citizenship applicant must take the exam.

What to expect

The civic exam is a multiple-choice questionnaire in French consisting of 40 questions.

• Passing score: 32 correct answers (80%)
• Duration: 45 minutes (extended time available for candidates with approved accommodations)
• Format: Conducted in an examination center on a digital device provided onsite
• Strict rules: Personal devices (phones, tablets, laptops) are prohibited; cheating or fraud will result in a two-year ban from retaking the exam

What you'll be tested on

The test evaluates knowledge across five main areas:

• Questions on the principles and values of the Republic include the national motto, symbols, secularism, and situational scenarios
• The institutional and political system section examines democracy, voting rights, the organization of the French Republic, and European institutions
• Questions on rights and obligations focus on fundamental rights, obligations of residents in France, and practical situational questions
• The history, geography, and culture section covers key historical periods, geography, and French heritage
• Finally, the living in French society section addresses settling in France, access to healthcare, working in the country, and parental authority and education

Candidates can review all questions in advance on the Ministry of the Interior’s official website.

Need guidance?

At Esquisite, we assist clients throughout the process of obtaining long-term residency or French citizenship, ensuring that applications are complete, compliant, and strategically presented.

We also support applicants in preparing for the civic exam, providing guidance on the structure and content of the test, as well as strategies for both knowledge-based and situational questions.  Our approach ensures clients are well-prepared both administratively and practically, giving them the best chance of a smooth and successful outcome.

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Published in The Esquisite Review, November  2025. Immigration rules and administrative practices are subject to change; this article reflects the state of the law at the time of publication.