Improve your French wherever you are in the world with our online courses

Major Changes to French citizenship requirements: what you need to know

There has recently been some news about the language requirements to apply for French citizenship.

What is changing and when?

On 15th July, 2025, the French government announced that from January 1st, 2026, the required level of French for acquiring French nationality will increase from B1 to B2. This change applies to all applications, whether by marriage or by decree. This means that if you’re planning to apply for French citizenship from the start of 2026, you’ll need to have a B2 level of French.

Why has the French government made these changes?

The French government wanted to increase the language requirement from B1 to B2 to oblige people to be truly capable of integration thanks to a higher level of French. As Minister of the Interior Bruno Retailleau stated, “becoming French must be earned, and we must be very, very demanding.” By increasing the level to B2, France aims to ensure new citizens can truly understand complex information, take part in detailed discussions, and become truly integrated into the community.

What is the difference between a B1 level and a B2 level?

The Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) is based on six levels of language proficiency, from A1 (beginner) to C2 (fluent). Here’s how B1 and B2 compare:

A B1 (Intermediate) speaker can understand the main points on familiar topics (work, school, leisure) and produce simple, connected texts on personal interests, describing experiences or giving brief explanations and opinions. Generally, they can tell stories, describe events in the past, and make future plans.

A B2 (Upper Intermediate) speaker can understand complex texts (even technical) and produce clear, detailed texts on diverse subjects, explaining viewpoints. Essentially, they can express themselves spontaneously with a degree of fluency; they can argue, debate, and negotiate. This level shows greater accuracy, precision, and the ability to engage in sophisticated, nuanced discussions.

A B1 speaker can get by in daily life in France, but a B2 speaker can truly engage, debate, and express themselves effectively in a wider range of situations, including more formal or complex contexts.

What are my testing options?

For French citizenship, the DELF B2, TCF, and TEF are all officially accepted.

DELF B2: the DELF B2 is valid for life, so it is a one-time investment. It’s a pass or fail diploma for a specific level, assessing the four main language skills – listening, reading, writing, and speaking. Most of our students opt for the DELF exam, which can be taken at Alliance Française in Annecy. The cost of a DELF B2 exam is currently €150.

TCF IRN & TEF IRN: these exams are only valid for 2 years. These are proficiency tests specifically designed for citizenship applications, also assessing all four skills. They assess the full range and then give you the appropriate level (A1-C2).

What does the B2 DELF exam consist of?

The DELF B2 exam has four sections, each worth 25 points (100 total). To pass, you need at least 50/100 overall and a minimum of 5/25 in each section.

Here’s a breakdown of each skill:

Compréhension de l’oral (Listening):

B2: (Approx. 30 mins, 25 pts) Listen to two longer, more complex recordings (e.g., interviews, news, lectures) and answer comprehension questions, requiring understanding of main ideas, details, and implied meanings.

Compréhension des écrits (Reading):

B2: (1 hour, 25 pts) Read two longer texts (opinion pieces, in-depth); interpret arguments and implicit meanings.

Production écrite (Writing):

B2: (1 hour, 25 pts) Write one structured text (approx. 250 words minimum), often an essay or formal letter, presenting a reasoned personal position on a general or contemporary topic.

Production orale (Speaking):

B2: (20 mins + 30 mins prep, 25 pts) Present and defend your opinion on a given topic, followed by a debate/interaction with examiners.

The leap from B1 to B2 requires a noticeable increase in your ability to express yourself with nuance, precision, and a greater command of vocabulary and grammatical structures.

Reach out to us today and follow us on social media for all the details of how we can assist you on your journey to French citizenship! CPF funding and other government funding available.

September 9th, 2025
Chamonix

🍁 What’s On in Chamonix This September 2025

September in Chamonix offers mild late-summer weather, fresh alpine air, and a variety of events and activities. Whether you’re a trail runner, culture enthusiast, or simply seeking the serene beauty of the Alps, here’s your guide to the must-see happenings this month. 🏃‍♂️ Trail des Aiguilles Rouges – September…

September 8th, 2025
Chamonix Courses

🍂 New Autumn Language Courses – Starting Mid-September

As the leaves begin to change and the new season approaches, it’s the perfect time to invest in yourself and your language learning journey. This autumn, Alpine French School is offering a wide range of courses designed to suit every learner, every goal, and every lifestyle. Whether you’re preparing for…

August 26th, 2025
News

French Citizenship Course

Are you thinking of applying for your French Citizenship? Now that Brexit has happened, many people are looking to protect their future in France by becoming a French Citizenship through the process of ‘Naturalisation’. We are offering a course to help you prepare not only for your language test but…

August 18th, 2025
Chamonix

What’s Happening in Chamonix This August: UTMB Week & More

🏔️ Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc (UTMB) Week: August 25–31 Dates: August 25–31, 2025 Location: Chamonix Valley, France, Italy & Switzerland The UTMB Week is the pinnacle of trail running, attracting elite athletes and enthusiasts from around the world. The main event, the UTMB, is a grueling 174 km race with over…