The 10-year resident card: conditions, B1 level and civic exam
Since 1 January 2026, a first resident card requires a B1 level and passing the civic exam, “resident card” category. Two new conditions, which should be prepared before submitting the application.
What the resident card changes in your life
The resident card is valid for 10 years and renewable. It is the first permit that takes you out of the cycle of constant renewal: ten years without redoing an application, without getting an appointment, without waiting for a receipt. For an employer, a landlord or a bank, it also gives your file a whole new reading.
It is applied for online, on the platform for submitting residence permit applications, or at the prefecture or sub-prefecture where you live. The reference is the administration’s official presentation, “Carte de résident de 10 ans d’un étranger en France” (10-year resident card for a foreign national in France).
What has changed: B1 and the civic exam for a first card
This is the new requirement that catches most applicants off guard. To be issued a first resident card, you now need:
| Condition | Level required | Who is exempt |
|---|---|---|
| Knowledge of French | CEFR level B1 | People over 65 |
| Civic exam | “Resident card” category | People over 65 |
The Decree No. 2025-647 of 15 July 2025, issued to implement Article 20 of Law No. 2024-42 of 26 January 2024, adopts the same structure and provides for adjustments, or an exemption, for people with disabilities or chronic illnesses.
B1, not B2: do not aim for the wrong level
B2 is for French nationality, not the resident card. Taking a B2 for a resident card means paying for a longer preparation course than necessary; taking an A2 means ending up with an incomplete application. The level you need here is B1, and it is the B1 course that matches it.
The civic exam, “resident card” category
The order of 10 October 2025 on the syllabus, papers and organisation of the civic exam (Journal officiel No. 0240 of 12 October 2025) sets out the exam:
- a multiple-choice questionnaire in French, 40 questions, with only one correct answer per question;
- 45 minutes at most, a duration that can be extended for medical adjustments;
- a pass mark of 80 %, i.e. 32 correct answers out of 40 ;
- three possible categories, “multi-year residence permit”, “resident card” and “naturalisation”, with an identical syllabus;
- five themes: principles and values of the Republic (11 questions), institutional and political system (6), rights and duties (11), history, geography and culture (8), living in French society (4).
The themes and sample questions are set out on our page The civic exam questions. And no: this exam is not taken at the prefecture.
The republican integration condition
Beyond language and the exam, the official information describes a condition of republican integration in French society, assessed on the basis of three elements:
- your personal commitment to respect the principles that govern the French Republic;
- the actual respect for these principles;
- the signing of the republican integration contract, with follow-up by the prefecture and the opinion of the mayor of your municipality of residence.
The republican integration contract is the OFII scheme: an interview, civic training, sometimes language training. It is often confused with the civic exam, although it does not replace it; we explain the difference in our article on the CIR.
Who can apply for the card, and after how long
This is the point where you should not rely on a general rule: the required length of lawful residence varies according to your situation. The official information sets out the cases, including:
- spouses of French nationals — married for at least 3 years;
- family reunification — 3 years of lawful and uninterrupted residence in France;
- parents of a French child, after a “private and family life” card;
- refugees and their family members;
- stateless persons and beneficiaries of subsidiary protection — 4 years with a multi-year permit;
- holders of an industrial accident pension, victims of violence.
Check your case with the administration
We deliberately do not publish a single duration, because there is not one. Your exact duration, the documents for your application and the procedure that applies depend on your category: the administration’s official information offers a personalised view that answers your situation precisely. It is the administration that processes your application, not us.
Cost, renewal and what comes next
According to the official government information, issuing the resident card costs 350 €, i.e. 300 € in tax and 50 € in stamp duty. Refugees are exempt. Renewal may be refused in the event of a serious threat to public order.
After the resident card: the permanent card
The permanent resident card takes over. It is systematically offered after two consecutive resident cards, and issued automatically on renewal to people over 60, unless they apply for an EU long-term resident card. It is also valid for 10 years and renewable, but gives an automatic right to renewal. B1 level and the civic exam are also required, with the same exemption from age 65. The application must be submitted between 4 months and 2 months before the current permit expires, online or at the prefecture.
Algerian nationals
The official information on the permanent resident card states that Algerian nationals are not eligible for it and fall under a separate scheme. If this applies to you, check your situation with your prefecture before taking any steps.
In what order to go about it
The two new conditions (B1 and the civic exam) are prepared before submitting the application, because the certificates are part of the application documents. The order that saves the most time:
- 1Measure your real level. Our free level test places you on the CEFR scale. It is what determines whether you need 12 hours of preparation or 36.
- 2Book both exams. The TEF IRN and the civic exam, “resident card” category, can be taken at the same centre. The dates are on the sessions page — registration must be made at least 7 working days before the session to get the public price.
- 3Prepare, then sit the exams. The B1 course is the matching format, and it is eligible for CPF funding.
- 4Submit the application online or at the prefecture, certificates in hand.
The TEF IRN is recognised by the certifier for the multi-year residence permit (A2), the resident card (B1) and naturalisation (B2): it is a single test, and the level you reach determines which applications it opens up. The certificate is valid for two years.
| Exam | MYSTORY public price |
|---|---|
| TEF IRN taken alone | 185 € |
| Civic exam | 80 € per category |
Where the exams are taken
In Rosny-sous-Bois, 46 bis rue d’Estienne d’Orves (93110), at our exam centre, approved for two years now. Our branches in Gagny (93) and Sarcelles (95) are reception and registration points: no exams are taken there.
Official sources
We are a training organisation, not a government body: each rule quoted above refers to the text that sets it. If you are in doubt about your situation, the official text and your prefecture are what count.
10-year resident card for a foreign national in France, the administration’s official information
Conditions of issue, republican integration, B1 level and civic exam “resident card” category for a first card, exemption over 65, cost of 350 €, application online or at the prefecture.
Permanent resident card for a foreign national in France, the administration’s official information
Systematically offered after two consecutive resident cards, issued automatically on renewal over 60, B1 level and civic exam, exemption at 65, application between 4 and 2 months before expiry.
Decree no. 2025-647 of 15 July 2025 on the provisions of Article 20 of Law no. 2024-42 of 26 January 2024 and on the republican integration contract
Links the language level and the civic exam for residence (A2 for the multi-year permit, B1 for the resident card), the exemption over 65 and adjustments for people with disabilities.
Order of 10 October 2025 on the syllabus, papers and organisational arrangements of the civic exam
JO No. 0240 of 12 October 2025. Multiple-choice test of 40 questions, 45 minutes at most, pass mark of 80% correct answers, three categories, breakdown of questions by theme.
Online platform for submitting residence permit applications, Ministry of the Interior
Online submission of residence permit applications, alongside submission at the prefecture.
- TEF IRN: Le français des affaires, CCI Paris Île-de-France
Papers, durations, levels assessed from A1 to B2, two-year validity of the certificate and applications covered: multi-year residence permit (A2), resident card (B1), naturalisation (B2).
Two certificates to obtain before applying
B1 level and the civic exam, “resident card” category, are taken at the same centre, in Rosny-sous-Bois. Start with the free level test: it will tell you whether 12 hours of preparation are enough, or whether you need more.
Any questions? Message us on WhatsApp we answer candidates from Monday to Saturday.
Frequently asked questions
Your questions
What level of French do you need for the 10-year resident card?
Level B1 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages, for the issue of a first resident card. People over 65 are not affected by this condition.
Do you have to take the civic exam for the resident card?
Yes, the “resident card” category, for a first issue. It is a 40-question multiple-choice test lasting 45 minutes at most, with a pass mark of 80%, i.e. 32 correct answers out of 40. People over 65 are exempt.
How much does the 10-year resident card cost?
350 €, i.e. 300 € in tax and 50 € in stamp duty according to the administration’s official information. Refugees are exempt.
How many years of residence do you need to apply for the resident card?
It depends on your situation: 3 years of marriage for spouses of French nationals, 3 years of lawful and uninterrupted residence in the case of family reunification, 4 years with a multi-year permit for subsidiary protection, and other specific cases. The official government information lets you personalise the answer according to your category.
Is the TEF IRN valid for the resident card?
Yes. The certifier states that the TEF IRN covers the multi-year residence permit at level A2, the resident card at level B1 and naturalisation at level B2. The certificate is valid for two years and all papers must be taken on the same day.
Where do you submit the resident card application?
Online, on the platform for residence permit applications, or at the prefecture or sub-prefecture where you live.