The French government has published confirmation of the start date for stricter language requirements for those applying for French nationality, as outlined in the 2024 immigration law.
The decree, published in the country's Journal Officiel on July 15th, 2025, specified that all applications for French nationality after January 1st, 2026, will need to show a minimum B2 (upper intermediate) level in French on the CERL scale, a step up from the previous B1 (lower intermediate) level.
READ MORE: How long does it take for your French to reach A2, B1 or B2 level?
The new rules will apply to all applications, meaning requests based on residency and marriage will both be affected, as previously reported by The Local.
Applicants will still be able to prove their language level via a language test - either the diplôme (diploma) or an attestation de réussite (test score).
Medical exemptions will still be available for those with disabilities who are unable to take a test.
There is no broad age-related exemption for over-65s for nationality applications, but over-65s are exempt from language tests for residency cards.
READ MORE: Who is exempt from France's new language test rules?
The decree also clarified that those who earned higher education degrees in France will still be able to use this as proof of language level, but foreign higher education degrees taught in French will no longer suffice as proof of language level.
The new language requirements for French citizenship are part of a broad-ranging immigration law that was passed in January 2024.
Some sections of the law are already in effect, but until now it has been unclear exactly when the new language requirements would take effect, although the law itself states a cut-off date of January 1st 2026.
The decree from July 15th applies only to applications for citizenship - language requirements for residency cards are also changing, but so far, there is no confirmed start date for these changes, although we know that it cannot be later than January 1st, 2026.
The Interior Ministry confirmed to The Local that the changes apply only to citizenship applications made after January 1st 2026 - anyone who has already applied and is waiting for their application to be dealt with is treated according to the current rules.
A spokesman confirmed: "The decree enters into effect on January 1st 2026, only applications submitted after that date will be subject to the following requirements: B2 level French and the written history and civics test.
"Applications submitted between now and December 31st will be treated according to the current law."
Emma Pearson
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