Your situation
First resident card (CR)
Civic exam requiredSince 1 January 2026, the first issuance of a resident card (carte de résident) requires passing the civic exam.
Legal basis
- CESEDA L.413-7 (condition for the first issuance of the resident card)
- Décret n° 2025-647 of 15 July 2025, CESEDA R.413-15 (exam and exemptions)
Exemptions
- Age
- Over 65 years old: not subject to the civic exam condition.
- Disability or health
- Diplomas or certifications otherwise required can be waived for disability or a chronic health condition, under conditions set by ministerial decree.
French level required
B1 level required, confirmed on Légifrance (Décret n° 2025-647, CESEDA R.413-15).
What never changes
The civic exam and language-level condition applies only to the first issuance of the multi-year residence permit or the resident card, or to naturalization. It is never a condition for renewing a card already held.
Sources
Checked on 2026-10-04
Practice for the civic exam
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