How do new language tests affect Americans moving to France?
Immigration bill changed requirements for several residency card types
The minimum level required changes depending on the type of residency card obtained
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France’s 2024 immigration bill fully came into force in January 2026, bringing a host of changes to those looking to live in the country.
Two major changes related to language tests, which were implemented for more groups or made tougher for certain groups already impacted, and the introduction of new civic knowledge tests.
The move has led to criticism from several groups, who say the tougher tests are causing unneeded stress for applicants.
The information below is for those looking to move to France. Those already living in the country may also face tests upon residency card renewal depending on their situation.
Certain groups exempt
As an American moving to France, you may be impacted by the language tests, but perhaps not in the way you anticipated.
Before looking in detail, note there are some blanket exceptions – over 65s and retirees moving to France from any non-European country (including the US and the UK) do not need to take a language test.
Those splitting their time between France and another country, and keeping their primary residence outside of France, are also unaffected. For example, six-month visas do not come with any language requirements.
There are also exemptions for certain employees who have been posted to France by their company for a set period (but those relocating permanently with a residency card must take the tests) and also for people moving over on a ‘talent’ visa, for certain highly-qualified individuals.
This disqualifies a substantial group of Americans relocating to France.
However, other groups are impacted by the tests.
This includes anyone:
Such groups include self-employed people on a profession libérale visa, people coming for salaried work and those moving to France due to family links (not including those related to British citizens resident in France prior to Brexit).
A full list of residency cards where a Republican integration contract must be signed is available here, or use our article here to see at a glance if you are impacted.
Note however that the tests do not need to be sat upon arrival in France.
Recipients will usually come on a one-year visa ‘equivalent to’ a residency card (VLTS), which must then be renewed.
Depending on the person’s situation, this renewal can be for one or several years, before a further renewal/different type of card must be applied for.
It is only on this first renewal (i.e, after living in France for one year) at the earliest, that the holder’s French level must be accredited via a test, giving applicants roughly a year after arrival to learn.
It is also possible to stay in France on a combination of a VLTS and up to three one-year cards under the same heading (eg. ‘family member’ or ‘self-employed worker’) before passing a test becomes obligatory.
The holder must obtain a score of at least A2 (on the CEFR, Common European Framework of Reference for Languages scale) to obtain their renewed (and thus multi-year) card.
This corresponds to being able to understand common phrases and hold a basic conversation in the language.
Users must book tests at an approved language centre providing official accreditation. More information is available in our article here.
What other circumstances are there?
The other changes to language tests in the 2025 bill largely related to people who were already resident in France and applying for 10-year carte de résident cards or making citizenship requests.
These applicants now need to obtain a B1 level (10-year cards) or B2 (citizenship), one rung up in the CEFR scale than previous.
In both cases – 10-year cards and citizenship requests - they need to prove their proficiency with the language at these new levels.
Over 65s are exempt from the tests for a 10-year card, but not when applying for citizenship.
