What French Level Do You Need for French Citizenship in 2026?
Updated: 23 hours ago
If you are applying for French citizenship, the rules changed on 1 January 2026. The required French level went up from B1 to B2, in both speaking and writing. For many expats in Paris, that is the difference between "I get by in French" and "I can hold a real discussion and write a structured text".
Here is what the new requirement means, which tests are accepted, and how to get to B2 without wasting months.
The short answer: B2, speaking and writing
Since 1 January 2026, applicants for French nationality by naturalisation must prove a B2 level of the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) in French, orally and in writing. Before 2026, B1 was enough.
The change comes from the immigration law of 26 January 2024 and its implementing decree of July 2025. Applications filed before 31 December 2025 stay under the old B1 rule; every application filed since 1 January 2026 needs B2.
There is no averaging between skills: a great oral score does not compensate for a weak written score. You need B2 in each part that counts.
The same reform raised the bar for residence permits too:
Multi-year residence permit (carte de séjour pluriannuelle): A2
10-year resident card (carte de résident): B1
French citizenship (naturalisation): B2
What does B2 French actually mean?
B2 is an "independent user" level. In practice, at B2 you can:
follow a conversation between native speakers on everyday and work topics, at normal speed;
give your opinion, argue for and against, and explain a point of view clearly;
understand the main ideas of a newspaper article or a radio programme;
write a structured text of 250 words or more (a letter, an opinion piece) with linking words and few errors that block understanding.
The jump from B1 to B2 is mostly about fluency and structure: speaking without long pauses, using the subjunctive and conditional naturally, connecting your ideas ("however", "on the other hand", "that's why"), and writing a clear argument rather than a list of sentences
Which tests are accepted for French citizenship?
You have three main options.
TCF IRN
The Test de connaissance du français for integration, residence and nationality, run by France Éducation international. It covers listening, reading, speaking and writing, and since May 2025 it can certify up to B2. The certificate is valid for two years.
TEF IRN
The equivalent test from the Paris Chamber of Commerce (CCI Paris Île-de-France). It has the same legal value as the TCF IRN for your application and is also valid for two years.
DELF B2 (or DALF C1/C2)
The DELF B2 is a diploma, not a test score: it is valid for life. A DALF C1 or C2 also covers the requirement. It is a longer exam and usually needs more targeted preparation, but you never have to retake it, which is useful if your application is delayed or refused the first time.
Which one should you choose? If you need a result quickly and your application is ready, the TCF IRN or TEF IRN is usually the fastest route. If you are not in a hurry, or you might also use your French for work or studies, the DELF B2 is the better long-term investment.
For exam tips, read How to Prepare for the DELF DALF Exam in Paris and 5 Tips to Pass the B2 for French Nationality.
Good to know: an attestation older than two years on the day you file your application is no longer accepted. Plan your test date with your file in mind.
Who is exempt from the language test?
You generally do not need a TCF, TEF or DELF if you hold a French diploma at the right level (from the brevet des collèges or a CAP upwards), or if you already have a DELF or DALF at the required level. Exemptions also exist for some applicants because of age or health.
The details change, so always check your own situation on service-public.fr before you book a test.
Don't forget the civic exam
Since 2026, applicants for citizenship (and for the resident card and a first multi-year permit) must also pass a civic exam on the values and institutions of the French Republic. It is separate from the language test and comes on top of the assimilation interview at the préfecture.
The civic exam is in French, so a solid B2 helps here too: you need to understand the questions quickly and precisely.
How long does it take to go from B1 to B2?
It depends on how much French you use every day, but as a rough guide:
From a solid B1: about 150 to 200 hours of learning, which is often 4 to 6 months with 2 lessons a week plus regular practice.
From A2: count roughly twice that.
The fastest progress comes from speaking a lot and getting corrected, not from grammar books alone. That is especially true for the oral part of the test, where you have to react quickly to an examiner.
How to prepare for B2 French for citizenship
Check your current level. A trial lesson or a mock test tells you exactly where you are and which skills are weakest.
Work on all four skills. Many expats speak well but struggle with writing, or the opposite. Since there is no compensation between skills, your weakest skill decides.
Practise the exam format. Mock tests in real conditions (timing, types of questions, speaking tasks with an examiner) make a big difference on the day.
Speak every week. Conversation lessons, a small group class, or a Walk & Talk in Montmartre keep your French active between sessions.
Book your test early. Exam centres in Paris fill up, and you need your result before you file.
Prepare your B2 with Caroline, in Paris or online
I have been teaching French in Paris since 2016 and prepare students for the DELF, DALF, TCF and TEF, including candidates for French citizenship. Lessons are one-to-one and built around the exam: mock tests, targeted corrections, and lots of speaking practice so you feel at ease with the examiner.
"She customizes the lessons according to your needs." Constanze R., Germany, passed the DELF B2
In Paris (18th): private French lessons in Paris
From anywhere: online French lessons on Google Meet
Prices: from €80 per hour, or €1,450 for a 20-hour package. See all lesson prices.
FAQ
What French level do I need for French citizenship in 2026? B2 in both speaking and writing, for every application filed since 1 January 2026. Before that, B1 was required.
Is the TCF IRN accepted for naturalisation? Yes. The TCF IRN and the TEF IRN are both accepted, and the certificate is valid for two years.
Is the DELF B2 better than the TCF for citizenship? Both are accepted. The DELF B2 is valid for life, while a TCF or TEF result is only valid for two years. The TCF and TEF are usually quicker to book and take.
Can I prepare for the TCF online? Yes. Online lessons cover the same content as in-person lessons, including mock tests and speaking practice.
Preparing for the B2 for your citizenship? Work with a French tutor in Paris who knows the exam.
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