A2, B1, B2: which French level for which application?

1. The level required, application by application

The levels follow the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR, CECRL in French): A2 is an elementary level, B1 and B2 are “independent user” levels. The levels were raised on 1 January 2026 by decrees no. 2025-647 (residence permits) and no. 2025-648 (nationality).

2. Accepted proof for a residence permit

For the multi-year permit and the resident card, the list of accepted proof is set by a ministerial order of 22 December 2025.

• A TCF or TEF testThese are the only recognised tests: the TCF from France Éducation International and the TEF from CCI Paris Île-de-France. All 4 parts must be taken in person, on the same day. The certificate is valid for 2 years.
• A French-language diplomaDELF, DALF, DELF Pro, DCL, DFP or DUEF, at the required level.
• A French diploma or certificationThe diplôme national du brevet, a national diploma at level 3 or above (CAP, BEP, CFG), or a professional certification listed in the RNCP (France’s national register of qualifications) at level 3 or above.

Diplomas issued by a foreign authority are not accepted, even if they come from a French-speaking country.

3. Accepted proof for nationality

For nationality, the list of accepted proof is set by two ministerial orders of 22 December 2025.

• A French diplomaThe diplôme national du brevet, a State diploma at level 3 or above, or a certification listed in the RNCP at level 3 or above.
• A diploma at B2 level or aboveAny diploma that certifies at least a B2 level.
• A TCF or TEF certificateIssued less than 2 years ago.

Check the date of your TCF or TEF certificate when you apply: after 2 years it is no longer accepted and you have to take the test again.

4. Who is exempt from the language requirement?

• Over 65, for residence permitsNo language requirement for the multi-year permit or the resident card.Source: CESEDA, art. R433-5, R413-15 and L413-7
• Subsidiary protection, stateless people, permits not covered by the republican integration contractNo language requirement for the multi-year permit (for example for student, visitor or talent permits).Source: service-public.gouv.fr, F34501 and F17048
• School or studies in France, for the multi-year permitThe A2 requirement does not apply to people exempt from the republican integration contract because they did at least 3 years of secondary school or one university year in France. Ask the préfecture to confirm your case.Source: CESEDA, art. L433-4 and L413-5
• Refugees and stateless people over 70, for naturalisationExempt from the language requirement if they have lived in France for at least 15 years. This is not an exemption from the civic exam.Source: Code civil, art. 21-24-1
• Disability or health conditionAdjustments or an exemption with a medical certificate, for residence permits as well as for nationality, including through marriage.Source: Ministerial orders of 30 December 2025; service-public.gouv.fr, F11926

5. What about the civic exam?

Proof of language and the civic exam are two separate requirements. A French diploma proves your level, but it does not exempt you from the civic exam. For a first multi-year permit, a first resident card or naturalisation, you need both. For nationality through marriage, only the B2 level is required.