Language Requirement Increased: B1 → B2
From 2026, applicants for French nationality by naturalisation must demonstrate B2 level French, instead of the previous B1 requirement.
B2 (upper-intermediate) means you must be able to:
- Express your ideas clearly and in a well-structured, detailed manner on a wide range of topics, including abstract or current issues.
- Defend your opinions in discussions by presenting logical arguments, giving relevant examples, and responding effectively to counterarguments.
- Understand the main ideas and key details of complex written texts and authentic audio documents, including news reports, interviews, and articles on both concrete and abstract topics.
- Communicate fluently and spontaneously with native speakers, participating actively in conversations and maintaining interaction with a reasonable degree of accuracy and confidence.
This is a pretty big step up from the previous requirement. B2 is what universities usually require to accept foreign students. If citizenship is part of your long-term plans, early preparation is therefore strongly recommended.
How Is the Language Level Proven?
Your level must be confirmed by an official French government-recognised exam:
- DELF (Diplôme d’Études en Langue Française) – a lifetime diploma
- TCF (Test de Connaissance du Français) – certificate valid for 2 years
In our region, typical exam fees are approximately:
- DELF B2: €130 – €165
- TCF: €130 – €290 (depending on modules taken)
- Exam centres, dates & cost info here
Exam places can fill quickly, particularly at B2 level, so booking in advance is advisable.
Please note: At Avancée, we prepare students for these exams but do not administer the official tests directly. Teacher Chloé is a certified DELF examiner, so she knows exactly what’s required to pass. Teacher Elise is currently training to get certified as well.
Good to know: French National Diplomas such as Baccalaureate, “License”, “BTS” or Master, as well as CAP & BEP, if they’re on the RNCP list/CECRL equivalence), are recognised as equivalent to B2.
The New Civic Exam (Examen Civique)
In addition to the language requirement, applicants must now pass a civic knowledge exam – 40 multiple choice questions covering:
- French values and republican principles
- Institutions and political structure
- History and culture
- Rights and duties of citizens
This exam is separate from the language test and forms part of the integration assessment. Click here to find out the types of questions asked in the exam, downloaded from the “Ministère de l’Intérieur”.
Préfecture Interview – No change here
The naturalisation process still includes an appointment with your local prefecture. During this stage:
- Your full application dossier is reviewed
- Original documents are checked
- Your integration into French society is assessed
Preparation and organisation of documents are essential to avoid delays.
Commonly Required Documents
While individual cases vary, most applicants must provide:
- Valid passport / ID
- Residence permit
- Long-form birth certificate (translated & apostilled if required)
- Parents’ civil status documents
- Marriage certificate (if applicable)
- Children’s birth certificates (if applicable)
- Proof of address
- Last 3 years of tax returns (avis d’imposition)
- Proof of stable income
- Criminal record checks
- Language certificate (B2)
- Civic exam result
- Completed Cerfa application form
- €55 fiscal stamp
Foreign documents must be translated by a sworn translator and may require legalisation or apostille.
What Is the Cost of Applying for French Citizenship?
Although the official state fee is relatively modest (€55), the full process typically costs between:
€300 – €700+
This usually includes:
- Application tax stamp
- Language exam fees
- Civic exam fees
- Sworn translations
- Document legalisation
- Administrative costs
Optional legal support would increase this amount.
Moving Forward
The next step is yours.
If you’d like to improve your French, whatever your objectives may be, we’ll be happy to help you achieve them.
Just get in touch via our detailed online forms or book a time to chat !