👉 Are you preparing a French nationality application in 2026?

Our private French lessons, taught by native and certified teachers, help you reach the B2 level, succeed in the prefecture interview, and secure your application.

Contact us for personalized support.

 

Obtaining French nationality has always been a strong, symbolic, and meaningful project.
But starting on January 1st, 2026, the rules are changing significantly: the required level of French is increasing, a new civic exam is being introduced, and the authorities are strengthening the evaluation of candidates’ real integration.
 

👉 As a result: French nationality is becoming harder to obtain, and proper preparation—especially linguistic preparation—is no longer an option, but a necessity.
 

In this article, we explain what is changing in 2026, what the B2 level really means in practice, and how to maximize your chances of success.

 

Why is French nationality becoming more demanding in 2026?

These new measures follow a clear objective:
👉 to ensure that future citizens truly master the French language and understand the society they are integrating into.
 

Starting in 2026, two major changes will apply to most procedures for accessing French nationality:

  • 🔺 The required level of French increases to B2

  • đź“ť Creation of a mandatory civic exam
     

These changes apply to:

  • naturalization by decree

  • reinstatement into French nationality

  • declarations of nationality, particularly through marriage
     

Even applications submitted before 2026 but still incomplete will be subject to these new requirements.

 

The B2 level in French becomes mandatory: what it really means
 

🔍 B2 level does not mean “getting by”

Many applicants underestimate this point.
 

The B2 level corresponds to an advanced and independent level, meaning you are able to:

  • understand complex texts and administrative documents

  • express a clear and structured opinion

  • argue, nuance, and explain

  • talk about abstract or societal topics

  • interact fluently during an official interview
     

👉 This is not a “basic conversational” level.
👉 This is not “I speak French at work.”
 

đź“„ How can you prove the B2 level?

From 2026 onwards, you must provide official proof, for example:

  • a French diploma

  • a certificate of success from a recognized test (such as TCF or TEF)
     

⚠️ Previous comparability certificates are no longer accepted.
⚠️ An application without valid proof of B2 level will be rejected or postponed.

 

A new mandatory civic exam in 2026

In addition to language skills, France is strengthening the assessment of republican integration.
 

🧠 What does the civic exam involve?

From 2026, applicants will have to pass an official civic exam, consisting of:

  • a multiple-choice test with 40 questions

  • maximum duration: 45 minutes

  • minimum required score: 80% correct answers
     

The questions cover:

  • the values and principles of the Republic

  • French institutions

  • citizens’ rights and duties

  • history, geography, and culture

  • everyday life in French society
     

👉 This exam is in French, which further reinforces the importance of your language level.

 

The prefecture interview: a decisive step

Even with a strong application, the interview remains a key moment.
 

During this exchange, the administration assesses:

  • your real spoken French level

  • your ability to understand complex questions

  • the coherence of your personal journey

  • your integration into French society
     

👉 Many refusals or postponements are not due to documents…
👉 but to a spoken French level considered insufficient, even when a test has been passed.

 

Why proper support makes all the difference

With these new rules, preparing on your own is risky.
 

Serious support allows you to:

  • work on the French actually expected at B2 level

  • prepare for the oral interview in a targeted way

  • avoid common interview mistakes

  • gain confidence, clarity, and precision
     

🎓 The importance of a native and certified teacher

A native and experienced teacher understands:

  • the real expectations of the administration

  • common linguistic pitfalls

  • the difference between “correct” French and administratively convincing French
     

👉 Very often, it is nuance, fluency, and precision that make the difference.

 

Our private French lessons to succeed in your French nationality application

We offer private French lessons, specifically designed for people preparing:

  • a naturalization application

  • a nationality declaration

  • a prefecture interview
     

What we work on in practice:

  • spoken French at B2 level (argumentation, opinion, explanation)

  • civic and administrative vocabulary

  • preparation for the official interview

  • understanding authentic documents

  • oral confidence, without memorizing scripted sentences
     

👉 Goal: to help you secure your application and maximize your chances of obtaining French nationality.

 

Conclusion: anticipation is the key to obtaining French nationality in 2026

French nationality remains accessible, but it must be earned more than before.
 

In 2026:

  • B2 level is essential

  • spoken French becomes decisive

  • improvisation no longer has a place
     

👉 The earlier you prepare, the better your chances.
👉 And with the right support, this step becomes clear, structured, and achievable.
 

If your project is serious, your preparation must be too.

 

👉 Are you preparing a French nationality application in 2026?

Our private French lessons, taught by native and certified teachers, help you reach the B2 level, succeed in the prefecture interview, and secure your application.

Contact us for personalized support.