Illustrative photo / Ph. MAXPPP ‹ › Since January 1, 2026, the requirements for obtaining a long-term residence permit or French nationality have become more stringent for non-European nationals. The changes stem from a law adopted on January 26, 2024, which raises the required level of proficiency in the French language. Under the new framework, the previous system based on a minimum number of language training hours has been replaced by an obligation to achieve a specific result in an official language test (TCF, TEF or DELF). As a result, applicants for naturalization must now demonstrate a B2 level in French, up from B1. A multi-year residence permit requires at least an A2 level, while a resident card now demands a B1 level, instead of A2. In addition to the civic knowledge test, a circular dated May 2, 2025 has further tightened naturalization criteria by introducing stricter employment requirements. Applicants must now prove stable employment, either through a permanent contract (CDI) held for at least one year, or a fixed-term contract (CDD) covering two consecutive years at the time their application is reviewed. Applicants must also demonstrate "stable and sufficient" financial resources, equivalent at minimum to the minimum wage, and derived predominantly from French sources. According to RFI, individuals whose income mainly comes from social benefits or from abroad are deemed not to meet the professional integration criteria. While the administration has indicated that adjustments or exemptions to language requirements may be granted in cases of health-related difficulties, no general age-based exemption is currently being considered. These new criteria have sparked controversy. Critics argue that, by aligning language requirements—particularly for naturalization—with those imposed on foreign students entering French universities, the reforms exclude a significant number of applicants who previously met the minimum standards. In this context, RFI recalls that since July 1, 2025, French language courses for first-time applicants have been largely dematerialized and delivered via the Frello platform. In protest, several organizations, including La Cimade, Secours Catholique-Caritas France, and the Fédération des centres sociaux et socioculturels de France, have taken legal action. Article modifié le 02/01/2026 à 11h58
