The B2 French Language Requirement for Naturalisation (2026)
France raised the language level for citizenship to B2 in January 2026. Here is what B2 means, which tests and diplomas count as proof, and who is exempt.
In January 2026 France raised the French language level required for citizenship from B1 to B2. This is a real step up, and it caught some applicants mid-preparation. If you are working from older guidance that mentions B1, that guidance is now out of date. Here is what the B2 requirement actually means, how you prove it, and who does not have to.
What B2 means
B2 is a level on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages, the same scale that runs from A1 up to C2. At B1, the previous threshold, you can handle familiar everyday matters. At B2 you are expected to understand the main ideas of complex texts, to interact with a degree of fluency and spontaneity, and to produce clear, detailed writing on a range of subjects. For naturalisation, the requirement covers both the spoken and the written language, so you cannot rely on strong conversation alone if your writing lags behind.
This requirement is separate from the civic exam. The language level proves that you can use French. The civic exam, which also became mandatory in January 2026, tests your knowledge of French institutions, history, and values. They are two different conditions, and you need to satisfy both.
How you prove B2
You prove your level with an accepted certificate or diploma. The recognised language tests include the TCF, the TEF, and the DELF B2 exam. The TCF and TEF have a version aimed specifically at residence and nationality applications, so check that you are sitting the right one. A DALF diploma, which certifies C1 or C2, also satisfies the requirement, since it sits above B2.
There is a difference in how long these count. Diplomas such as the DELF and DALF do not expire, so once you hold one it serves indefinitely. Test attestations such as the TCF and TEF are generally valid for two years, so if yours is older than that you may need to sit the test again before you apply. Confirm the current validity rules on service-public.fr before relying on a certificate you already have.
A French diploma can also count. If you hold a qualifying diploma awarded in France, you are generally exempt from taking a separate language test, because the diploma itself shows you studied in French.
Who is exempt
Some applicants do not have to provide a language test or diploma. People aged 65 or over can be exempt from the test, although their French is still assessed during the assimilation interview. People with a disability or a long-term health condition that prevents them from sitting a test can apply for an exemption with a conforming medical certificate. The precise conditions for each exemption are set out on the official pages, and they are worth reading closely if you think one applies to you.
How to prepare
If you need to reach B2, treat it as a project with a deadline, not something to pick up casually. Work on reading and writing as deliberately as speaking, because the written side is where capable speakers often fall short of B2. Take a practice version of your chosen test under timed conditions before you book the real one, so the format holds no surprises. Booking the test too early, before you are consistently at level, means paying the fee twice.
The rules summarised here reflect the position in 2026, but language requirements and accepted proofs change. Always confirm the current list of accepted tests and exemptions on service-public.fr before you commit time or money.
Language is one half of the assimilation requirement. The other half is the civic exam, which you can prepare for right now. PassCitizen has the full official civic question set with practice mode and timed mock exams, free and with no account required.
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