New for 2026 - Civic Training & The Civic Exam

From 1st January 2026, France has tightened the rules around eligibility for a multi-year residence permit (carte de séjour pluriannuelle) or the residency card (carte de résident).

Going forward, as well as passing the A2 DELF exam (carte de séjour pluriannuelle) or B1 DELF exam (carte de résident), applicants must also have completed a four day training course known as the 'Formation Civique', and successfully passed the corresponding Civic Exam (Examen civique).

How do I book onto the training course?

Dates and the location for the training days will be organised through OFII (usually at your welcome meeting with OFII, during which you are also invited to sign the Republican Integration Contract ).

A translator will be present at your training where necessary, to ensure that you get the most out of your sessions.

Attendance at the training days in mandatory, and you must contact OFII if you have a problem attending one of the days.

For more details of the training course you can visit: https://formation-civique.interieur.gouv.fr/

How and where do I sit the exam?

The Civic Exam can only be sat after completion of the four training days.

There are different levels of the exam, depending on whether you are wishing to apply for the 'carte de séjour pluriannuelle' or the 'carte de résident'.

Although a translator may be present during the civic training days to ensure your understanding, the exam itself must be taken in French. The French language level of the exam matches the language level now required for the card being applied for - A2 for a 'carte de séjour pluriannuelle' and B1 for the 'carte de résident'.

Further information, including details of the exam format, example questions and information of how to book a test can be found on the following government website:

https://formation-civique.interieur.gouv.fr/examen-civique

What if I haven't passed the test before my current resident permit expires?

As the civic training and civic exam are now mandatory before being granted a first multi-year residence permit, if you have not completed them before your next renewal you will only be eligible for another 1-year permit.

You should ensure that they are both completed before your renewal the following year.