From new guidelines on French language exams and civics exams to modifications in journey, healthcare and museum entry costs, this is what modifications for foreigners residing in France in 2026.
A New Year at all times brings new legal guidelines in France, however 2026 will see a couple of massive modifications that may significantly impression foreigners residing in France.
Here’s a take a look at what modifications;
Immigration legislation
The massive one pertains to modifications in necessities for residency playing cards and French citizenship. These come from the Loi pour contrôler l’immigration, améliorer l’intégration (legislation to manage immigration and enhance integration). It was handed again in 2024, however varied sections of it have been given a phased introduction.
The subsequent half comes into impact on January 1st 2026 and has two fundamental impacts;
Language ranges – the legislation introduces, for the primary time, a language requirement for sure varieties of carte de séjour residency card. Meanwhile it raises ranges already required for different varieties of card, and raises the language required for French citizenship.
- A2 stage French for the carte de séjour pluriannuelle
- B1 stage French for the 10-year carte de résident (up from A2 beforehand)
There are exemptions for a number of teams together with over 65s and holders of the post-Brexit Article 50 TUE carte de séjour (also referred to as the WARP card).
The take a look at solely applies to folks requesting for the primary time one of many card varieties above – those that have already got a kind of playing cards and are merely renewing are exempt.
- B2 stage French for French citizenship (up from B1 beforehand)
This applies each to folks making use of by residency (par décret) and by marriage (par déclaration). When it involves citizenship there isn’t any exemption for over 65s.
Find the complete particulars, together with of the assorted exempt teams, HERE.
Civics take a look at – the legislation additionally introduces a model new requirement; a written civics take a look at.
As with language exams, this isn’t required for everyone, solely folks making use of for the carte de séjour pluriannulle and the 10-year carte de résident, in addition to these submitting an utility for French citizenship after January 1st 2026.
As with the language take a look at, over 65s making use of for residency playing cards are exempt, however over 65s making use of for citizenship will not be.
The take a look at is a number of alternative, taken on-line at a take a look at centre – full particulars HERE.
Brexit card renewals
One for Brits solely – the five-year cartes de séjour Article 50 TUE (also referred to as the WARP card) that had been issued on the finish of the Brexit transition interval are actually developing for renewal.
The precise course of for renewal varies barely from préfecture to préfecture, though the vast majority of areas are utilizing a web-based system. Find the complete record right here.
Travel modifications
There are a number of massive journey modifications coming into impact this yr, though not all of them have an effect on foreigners residing in France.
EES – the EU’s Entry & Exit System of enhanced passport checks was launched in October, however with a six-month phased introduction which implies that not all ports/airports/stations in France are presently working it.
It is meant to be necessary in any respect entry/exit factors by April 2026 – nonetheless non-EU residents who’re resident in an EU nation are exempt from the registration required, and as a substitute proceed to point out their passport and residency card on the border. Full particulars right here.
ETA – for journey to the UK solely is the ETA (Electronic Travel Authorisation). This impacts all entrants to the UK, apart from folks travelling on a British or Irish passport. So, for instance, Americans residing in France who fancy a weekend in London would want to finish the pre-travel necessities, as would anybody travelling to the UK on a French passport. ETA is already in pressure, however the UK authorities says that it’s going to begin to refuse entry to anybody with out the proper paperwork from February 2026 – full particulars right here.
ETIAS – one other EU one, that is the second a part of the Bloc’s massive journey change. It is because of be launched within the second half of 2026, supplied the EES rollout goes easily. The precise date stays TBC.
ETIAS is a visa waiver that can be required for non-EU residents coming into the Bloc, apart from those that are resident in an EU/EEA nation, or who’ve a long-stay visa. It will subsequently not have an effect on non-EU residents who dwell in France, but it surely possible will have an effect on family and friends coming to go to – full particulars right here.
Healthcare price for Americans?
An modification to the 2026 finances proposed that non-EU nationals resident in France on the ‘customer’ visa/carte de séjour standing must be required to pay an annual price to be able to entry the general public healthcare system.
Although the modification particularly talked about Americans, it might the truth is apply to any non-EU nationwide whose nation doesn’t have a reciprocal healthcare settlement with France (such because the S1 system for UK nationals).
However the finances is having a wild experience via parliament, so at this stage what – if something – will get adopted is sort of frankly anybody’s guess.
And residency/citizenship value hikes?
Also within the Budget is a proposal to lift the value of a carte de séjour residency allow and a citizenship utility to €350 and €255 respectively.
However, as with the healthcare price, this depends upon whether or not the finances is handed and in what type.
Museum visits
Starting in January, museums and nationwide monuments in France are allowed to cost larger ticket costs for non-EU residents. So far, three have confirmed that they intend to do that; the Louvre, Palace of Versailles and Château de Chambord.
However, non-EU residents who’re resident in an EU nation ought to nonetheless be charged the EU fee, upon manufacturing of a residency card or different proof of residency.
. . . and elections
If you may have citizenship of an EU nation it is possible for you to to vote within the native elections, which happen in March 2026. If you may have just lately change into an EU citizen, this is how you can register to vote.
