If you are from a foreign country but have been living in France for more than 5 years, you can ask for the French citizenship through naturalisation. However, obtaining French nationality is not always straightforward.
In fact, starting in 2026, the rules are changing. From now on, the required level of French for naturalisation has been raised to B2. And that’s not all: in addition to an interview at the prefecture, you must also pass a civic exam. The goal? To assess your knowledge of French citizenship and culture.
Let’s take a look at the new naturalisation procedure and what the increase in the level of French proficiency means for your preparation.
According to the latest information available on the Formation Civique website of the French Ministère de l'Intérieur.
What level of French is required for French citizenship by naturalisation?
As of January 1, 2026, the minimum level required to apply for French naturalisation has been raised. As a result, applicants must now demonstrate at least a B2 level on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages. Previously, only a B1 level was required.
As a result, when you submit your naturalisation application online, you must include a certificate of completion for an internationally recognized B2-level language test.
But achieving the B2 level is not just about obtaining your certificate. It is also essential for passing your civic exam and your naturalisation interview. Indeed, throughout the entire naturalisation process, you must now demonstrate that you can express yourself autonomously and that you have a deep understanding of the values of the French Republic.
What is the difference between B1 and B2 levels in French?
With this new reform for naturalisation, the French language requirements have been significantly raised. In fact, the B2 level marks a real step up and requires you to be able to present arguments in French and express yourself in a structured manner.
To better understand the new French language requirements for naturalisation, we have prepared a comparison of the requirements for levels B1 and B2:
| Skill | B1 | B2 |
|---|---|---|
| Listening comprehension |
Understands the main points of a clear conversation on familiar topics. |
Understands long, even complex speeches and follows structured arguments. |
|
Reading comprehension |
Understands texts written in common language (simple articles, professional emails). | Understands complex, argumentative or technical texts within one’s field. |
|
Spoken production |
Can express themselves simply but coherently on familiar subjects. | Can express themselves clearly, in detail, and in a structured way; can defend a point of view. |
|
Oral interaction |
Can participate in a conversation on familiar topics without excessive preparation. | Can interact with ease and spontaneity with a native speaker. |
| Writing | Can write a simple, coherent text (email, short letter). | Can write a clear, structured, and reasoned text (essay, formal letter). |
Do you need to improve your French skills to ensure you pass the B2 level?
At the École Suisse, we offer customised programmes to help you prepare for official French exams.
► Check out our French exam preparatory courses
French citizenship: Which French language test should I take to prove my proficiency?
The TCF and the TEF
- The Test de Connaissance du Français (TCF) is administered by France Éducation International.
- The Test d’Évaluation de Français (TEF) is administered by the Chambre de Commerce et d’Industrie de Paris.
These two official tests assess all aspects of French proficiency: listening comprehension, reading comprehension, mastery of language structures, written expression, and oral expression.
Both French tests are primarily administered on a computer and consist of multiple-choice questions. They also include an oral expression component with an examiner.
The TCF and TEF at the B2 level are valid for 2 years.
The DELF B2
The DELF (Diplôme d’Études en Langue Française) is issued by the French Ministry of National Education. It is an official diploma aligned with the levels of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages, and its results are valid for life. Like the TCF and the TEF, it assesses all aspects of French proficiency and includes an oral exam.
💡 While the DELF is a certificate valid for life, the TCF and TEF are only valid for 2 years. This is important information to keep in mind when putting together your application! In fact, the processing times for naturalisation applications are often very long (up to 18 months). Therefore, if you take your French test too early (in the case of the TEF or TCF), it may no longer be valid by the date set for your interview at the prefecture.
Do you need to improve your French skills to ensure you meet the B2 level?
The École Suisse offers tailor-made French courses, adapted to your level, in small groups or one-on-one, specifically designed to prepare you for French exams and tests. Our qualified and experienced teachers welcome you year-round at our location in the heart of Paris (10 rue des Messageries, 10th arrondissement).
Take advantage now of customised French courses in a friendly atmosphere using proven learning methods!
► Check out our French exam preparatory courses
The Examen civique : the new mandatory written test for French naturalisation
As of January 1, 2026, anyone wishing to obtain French citizenship through naturalisation must take a French citizenship test. This is a written test designed to assess your knowledge of French culture, history, and societal values.
💡 As part of the naturalisation process, you must take a Level B2 civic exam, in which the questions are tailored to the level of French you need to demonstrate. Improving your French proficiency is therefore not only necessary to obtain your B2 certificate, but also essential to passing your Examen civique.
Concretely, this test is taken on a computer and lasts 45 minutes. It consists of 40 questions, including:
- 28 multiple-choice questions (MCQs);
- 12 scenario-based questions, where you will need to apply your knowledge in a specific context.
The Examen civique assesses your knowledge across 5 topics:
- Principles and values of the French Republic (11 questions)
- Institutional and political system (6 questions)
- Rights and duties (11 questions)
- History, geography, and culture (8 questions)
- Living in French society (4 questions)
To pass your civic exam, you must answer 80% of the questions correctly (that is, 32 out of 40 questions). Once you have received your certificate of completion, you must include it with your naturalisation application when submitting it online.
Summary table of the French citizenship test questions
|
Principles and Values of the French Republic |
|
|---|---|
| French Institutional and Political System (6 questions) |
|
| Rights and Duties of Citizens (11 questions) |
|
| History, Geography, and Culture (8 questions) |
|
| Living in French Society (4 questions) |
|
The naturalisation interview process at the prefecture
After passing your civic exam and submitting your naturalisation application, you will be invited to an interview at the prefecture in your department. This interview is conducted by a public official and is intended to assess your integration into French society.
The interview lasts about 20 minutes, during which you will be asked to answer 8 to 12 questions on three major topics:
- your personal background (while the officer reviews your documents);
- your knowledge of French citizenship and culture (5 to 10 questions);
- why you want to become a French citizen (2 to 3 questions).
💡 The naturalisation interview is also designed to assess your ability to express yourself and present arguments fluently in French. You must therefore demonstrate during this interview that you have achieved a B2 level of proficiency in French.
What questions are asked during the naturalisation interview?
The topics covered during the naturalisation interview at the prefecture focus mainly on your personal and professional life. You will be asked questions on the following topics:
- Your motivations
- Your life in France
- You and your country of origin
- You and the French language
- Your private life
⚠️ We have compiled a list of approximately 400 possible questions for this interview. The selection of questions you will be asked is therefore completely random. They can range from relatively easy to very difficult. Thorough preparation for this naturalisation interview is therefore essential to give yourself the best possible chance of success.
Prepare your application for French citizenship with the École Suisse
Improve your French skills
Application for French citizenship through naturalisation now requires a certificate of completion for a B2-language test. Do you feel you are not yet at this level? Taking French classes is therefore essential to prepare your application. Practise both writing and speaking to improve your French skills and feel confident at every stage of your naturalisation process.
And, to give yourself the best possible chance of success, you can also sign up for French exam preparatory courses. These are very helpful for better understanding the specific requirements of each language test! Also, be sure to plan ahead for registration deadlines. Waiting lists for French exams can sometimes be several weeks or even several months long.
Let the École Suisse guide you
Do you feel overwhelmed by all the steps involved in the citizenship application process?
Do not face the requirements of the naturalisation process alone!
We offer you tailored programmes to:
- improve your knowledge and proficiency in French to achieve a B2 level on the language test;
- effectively prepare for the Examen civique with advice and practical exercises;
- practise answering questions for the naturalisation interview at the prefecture.
FAQ - French citizenship process
Source : Formation Civique, French ministère de l’Intérieur
What are the steps to obtain French naturalisation?
To apply for naturalisation in 2026, you will need to:
- take a French language test or exam (written and oral) to demonstrate your proficiency (B2 is the minimum required level);
- pass your French citizenship test - the Examen civique - (written test);
- attend your naturalisation interview at the prefecture (oral).
What level of French is required for naturalisation?
As of January 1, 2026, a B2 level of French is required to apply for French citizenship through naturalisation. Until 2025, a B1 level of French was required.
Which language tests are accepted for French citizenship through naturalisation?
The French tests and exams accepted for naturalisation are the TEF B2 (Test d’Évaluation de Français), the TCF B2 (Test de Connaissance du Français), and the DELF B2 (Diplôme d’Études en Langue Française).
How long does it take to reach level B2?
It depends largely on your starting level and your learning pace. Intensive courses and a lot of independent study can speed up your progress. However, it generally takes several months of study to reach level B2.
What does the Examen civique entail?
The civic exam is a computer-based test that lasts about 45 minutes. It consists of 40 questions, including 28 multiple-choice questions and 12 scenario-based questions. The purpose of this test is to assess your knowledge of French culture and the values of French society.
What is the minimum score required to pass the civic exam?
You must answer at least 80% of the questions correctly, which means 32 correct answers out of 40 questions.
What questions are asked during the naturalisation interview?
During the interview at the prefecture, you will answer 8 to 12 questions about your personal background, your country of origin, your knowledge of French culture, your life in France, and your motivations for becoming a French citizen.
Is the naturalisation interview difficult?
There may be some simple questions and some more difficult ones. In any case, the interview focuses on your personal experience and your motivations for seeking French citizenship. The most important thing, therefore, is to be sincere and to demonstrate, whenever possible, how you have integrated into French society.
How long does the naturalisation interview at the prefecture last?
The naturalisation interview at the prefecture lasts about 20 minutes.
How can I prepare for the naturalisation interview?
To effectively prepare for your naturalisation interview, we recommend that you study the topics covered in advance. If you do not feel comfortable speaking French, you should probably take French lessons to improve your language skills before the interview.
What are the changes to the naturalisation process in 2026?
As of January 1, 2026, two major changes have been introduced to the naturalisation process by decree in France:
- a higher language proficiency requirement: you must now demonstrate a B2 level of French;
- the addition of a French citizenship test - the Examen civique -, designed to assess your knowledge of French societal values and culture.
Where can I apply for naturalisation?
You can submit your naturalisation application online via the following website : Administration numérique pour les étrangers en France.