Do French language test exemptions for over 65s only apply to some residency cards?
There has been much confusion over the incoming rules
The new rules do not apply to all people looking to obtain a French residency card
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Reader Question: Are 65s always exempt from new language tests for residency cards? What if we obtain five one-year cards, and then apply for a ten-year one. Do we then need to take a test?
The incoming changes with regards to language tests are an important issue to understand for many immigrants to France.
The first thing to note is that the tests are not in place for any applicants for one-year residency cards, regardless of their age.
Among other people who will not be affected are people with Brexit Withdrawal Agreement (WA) cards, people on certain cards exempt from the ‘Republican integration contract’ process (eg. passeport talent cards) and people who already have a multi-year carte de séjour or 10-year resident’s card.
Those applying for a multi-year card (of two to four years) will need to take a test, obtaining an A2 (upper beginner) level.
These are for people who are applying to remain in France after having one or more one-year visas (typically VLS-TS) and/or cards.
No exemptions are in place for these tests based on a person’s age. However, the most people applying for these cards are of working age so it is unlikely that many over 65s will be applying for them.
Furthermore, the ‘visiteur’ card issued to many people who come to France as retirees is only issued in a one-year format (renewable).
The other main cards which are set to see language rules toughened are the 10-year cartes de résident or cartes de résident de longue-durée-UE.
Applicants for these will need to show a B1 (lower intermediate) level of French to obtain such a card, up from the current A2.
However, over 65s are currently exempt in this case, and will remain so under the new rules.
For example, if you come as a retiree on a visiteur visa you could apply for four cartes de séjour (residency cards) under this heading then request a 10-year carte de résident de longue-durée - UE.
This is possible after five years of stable, continuous (apart from holidays) residency in France.
Read more: Language tests for French residency cards: examples of questions asked
Check your situation
Alongside these changes, tougher rules are on the way for those applying for French nationality, who will need to obtain a B2 level (upper intermediate) as opposed to B1.
However, with regard to cards, a first multi-year carte de séjour or a first 10-year card are the only cards for which new or harder language tests will apply.
Several cards commonly obtained by Connexion readers will not be affected by the changes, which are set to apply by January 1, 2026 at the latest.
The graphic in our article here recaps who the new rules apply to.
