Do you need to take the civic exam?
A few questions tell you whether the exam is required for your application, or whether you are exempt. Based on the rules in force since January 1, 2026.
- Under a minute
- Free, no account needed
- Based on official service-public.fr guidance
Question 1
Which application are you preparing?
Frequently asked questions
Is the exam required to renew a residence permit?
No. Only the first issuance is concerned: a first multi-year residence permit, a first resident card or naturalisation. Renewals are not subject to it.
Are all multi-year residence permits concerned?
No. Permits not subject to the integration contract (passeport talent, student, seasonal worker…), beneficiaries of subsidiary protection, stateless persons and their families are not concerned.
Does the over-65 exemption apply to every procedure?
No. It applies to the multi-year residence permit and the resident card. For naturalisation there is no age exemption, only a medical one.
What should I do if the exam is required?
Pass the exam before submitting your file: 32 correct answers out of 40. The attestation never expires, and you can retake the exam without limit if you fail.
Official sources
- Civic exam for the multi-year residence permit and resident card (service-public.fr)
- Civic exam for French naturalisation (service-public.fr)
This check is indicative and is not legal advice. Some specific situations are not covered: when in doubt, check your case on service-public.fr or with your prefecture.