Who is exempt to take language and civic exams in 2026?

As a rule, the seniors over 65 (in terms of their residence, not citizenship), persons with disabilities, and some high-level researchers could be spared. Always look in the Arrêtes most recent to your category.

What will be the effect in case I fail the Civic Exam?

You can retake the test. But your application to be issued on a multi-year card will probably be frozen and you will be put on a succession of 1-year temporary permits until you pass.

Can I be issued the permit of Tense Occupation in case of criminal record to do so?

No. The fact of any reference made in "Bulletin no. 2" to your criminal record is an automatic disqualifier of this particular regularization vehicle.

France Immigration Policy Changes Explained 2026

The first option is to move to France in 2026 or renew your resident card. The game rules have been modified. After the historic Immigration Law of 2024, a set of aggressive new conditions will come into force in January 2026 in France and change the way non-EU citizens attain their Hexagon residency.

The New “Integration Gateway” Civic Tests and Values

Beginning in 2026, it will not suffice to be a simple citizen of France to move on the long-term residency. Integration is now becoming a quantifiable legal demand.

The 2026 Compulsory Civic Exam

Multi-year permit and 10-year card applicants as well as naturalization applicants are now required to pass a formal Civic Exam.

Format: 40 questions (45 minutes) digital multiple choice test (QCM).
The 80% Pass Mark: You will have to give the correct answers to at least 32 correct questions out of 40.
Content: The test is about Reproduction of Republican Values which includes Laicite (secularism), gender equality and French history.
Price: The approximate cost is 69 per attempt though the results are valid in four years.

CIR Update – Republican Integration Contracts

The Republican Integration contract (CIR) is now more closely observed. You can be issued with a Probationary Residence Permit that has a limited period of a year in the event that you fail the civic or language exams. This one-time renewable probation is putting up a pass or leave situation of integration.

2026 Labor Market Salaries and Strict Occupations

France is increasing the level of economic migration besides providing a window of last chance to some workers.

Passport Salary Overhaul of Talent

Salary thresholds to 2026 are: To match the inflation and SMIC Indexation (increase minimum wage to €1,823.03 gross/month) the following salary thresholds are in place:

EU Blue card: €59,373 (Minimum gross yearly)
Talent – Qualified Employee: €39,582
Talent: Legal Representative: €65,629.

Occupations Window The “Tense” Occupations Window (Regularization)

There is a critical interim route towards Tense Occupations Regularization, which is to be active until December 31, 2026. It gives employees in the sectors of high demand such as construction, health and hospitality industries the ability to seek a permit without the employer having to sponsor them.

Change in Administration Digital and Enforcement

All residency procedures have become mandatory digital-only, through ANEF Online Portal. Gone are the days of the paper applications.

OQTF Enforcement: It is now available to the authorities to automatically deny renewal of permits in case a previous OQTF ( Obligation to Leave France ) was provided a credit that was never implemented.
Employer Fines: The new Administrative Fine that companies employing non-EU workers who do not have a justifiable authorization to stay is 20,750 euros per employee.
EU Migration Pact: In June 2026, new EU-wide border procedures will be incorporated into French law, simplifying the asylum and migration data throughout the Schengen zone.

FAQs

Who is exempt to take language and civic exams in 2026?

As a rule, the seniors over 65 (in terms of their residence, not citizenship), persons with disabilities, and some high-level researchers could be spared. Always look in the Arrêtes most recent to your category.
What will be the effect in case I fail the Civic Exam?

You can retake the test. But your application to be issued on a multi-year card will probably be frozen and you will be put on a succession of 1-year temporary permits until you pass.
Can I be issued the permit of Tense Occupation in case of criminal record to do so?

No. The fact of any reference made in “Bulletin no. 2” to your criminal record is an automatic disqualifier of this particular regularization vehicle.

Final Thoughts

The France Immigration Policy Changes 2026 is a change to a contractual relationship between the resident and the state. The 2026 success will lie in the early preparation, namely, the mastery of the French language and grasping the main values of the Republic. Do not wait to your renewal date, begin to prepare your TCF or DELF today.

Disclosure

This paper is informational and educational in nature. The presented news information is formed on the available reports and credible sources. The readers are advised to triangulate the news of the official government sources, such as Service-Public.fr.