Language requirements for stay, residency, and naturalisation
French levels required (A2/B1/B2) for multi-year residence permits, the 10-year resident card, and naturalisation; accepted exams: TCF IRN, DELF/DALF, DCL.
Updated: August 2026
The essentials in 30 seconds
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From 01 January 2026, the expected levels rise progressively: A2 for the multi-year residence permit, B1 for the resident card, B2 for naturalisation.
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Recognised tests/credentials: TCF IRN, DELF/DALF, DCL (national diplomas, unlimited validity).
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Possible exemptions in certain cases (disability, studies completed in French, etc.).
Which level for which status?
Multi-year
residence permit
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Expected CEFR level: A2
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Reference: TCF IRN update and new requirements to be applied by 01/01/2026.
Resident card
(10 years)
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Expected CEFR level: B1
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Reference: Level raised to B1 announced by FEI, rollout by 01/01/2026. (As of now, some official pages still mention A2; they will be updated by future decrees and guidance.)
Naturalisation
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Expected CEFR level: B2
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Reference: Decree no. 2025-648: higher level from 01/01/2026. Until it enters into force, the official page still states B1.
*Practical note:
During the transition, TCF IRN attestations obtained before the increase remain valid until their expiry, provided the attained level meets the requirement.
Which exams or proofs are accepted?
TCF IRN
(Integration, Residence, Nationality)
Assesses listening/reading/speaking/writing. Since 12/05/2025, assessment up to B2, total duration 1 h 35. Valid for 2 years.
DELF/DALF
（National diplomas）
Unlimited validity; levels from A1 to C2. Recognised for stay/resident/naturalisation procedures.
DCL
(Language Competency Diploma)
National professional diploma (adults), unlimited validity, calibrated from A2 → C1 (can cover B1/B2 depending on performance); workplace-style exam (~2 h 30).
*Other evidence (case-by-case): French diplomas at RNCP level 3 or higher, etc.
Which exam to choose: TCF IRN, DELF, or DCL?
TCF
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Best if: you have a tight deadline (permit renewal, naturalisation).
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Strengths: frequent sessions, quick results, IRN-oriented format.
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Good to know: valid for 2 years (plan for renewal if needed).
DELF/DALF
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Best if: you want a lifetime diploma (studies, work, long-term procedures).
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Strengths: clear level targets (A1 → B2), international recognition.
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Good to know: you choose the level when you register (aim right).
DCL (FLE)
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Best if: your level is uncertain, or you need French for professional use.
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Strengths: lifetime diploma; a single exam awards A2 → C1 based on performance; task-based, workplace scenarios.
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Good to know: fewer centres/sessions than the TCF; results can be slower.
Exemptions and special cases
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Health/disability: reasonable adjustments or exemption with a compliant medical certificate.
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Naturalisation: limited exemptions (e.g., programme taught in French in a listed country plus ENIC-NARIC comparability; refugee aged ≥ 70 living in France for ≥ 15 years, etc.).
Prepare with EDAM Paris
Choose the path that suits you: regular French courses or targeted preparation for official exams. Our formats adapt to your level, timetable, and goal (A2 → B2).
Regular learning (Intensive / Extensive)
Structured programmes to consolidate your foundations and build everyday fluency. Two rhythms: Intensive: 16 h/week and Extensive: 10 h/week.
Highlights
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Guided progress: weekly objectives, monthly reviews.
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Action-based teaching: real-life tasks, role-plays, micro-projects.
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Tailored support: written/oral feedback, bite-size review capsules.
Times & duration
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Intensive 16 h/week: morning classes + themed workshops (as per schedule).
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Extensive 10 h/week: mornings.
Who it’s for
Learners with some basics to strengthen, no urgent exam deadline, and a practical usage goal for French.
TCF IRN preparation (A2 → B2)
Two formats to match your timeline: afternoon intensives for a faster track, or evening classes to fit around study and work.
Highlights
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Initial diagnostic + personal revision plan.
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Exam strategies: time management, frequent traps, efficient answers.
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Mock tests under timed conditions with oral and written corrections.
Times & duration
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Afternoons (intensive): Mon–Fri, 13:30–16:15 (2–4 weeks depending on level).
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Evenings: 2×/week, 2 h per session, 12 weeks.
Who it’s for
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Afternoons: candidates who need a quick, focused path to the DELF-equivalent level required for permits.
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Evenings: candidates without a pressing deadline who study/work during the day and prefer steady progress.
DELF preparation (A2 → B2)
A level-calibrated training aligned with CEFR to earn a lifetime diploma.
Highlights
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Syllabus by level: competencies and grammar that “count for marks.”
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Criterion-based corrections (DELF grids) + guided rewrites.
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Speaking: mock interviews + mediation/interaction practice.
Times & duration
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Afternoons (intensive): 3 h/day, Mon–Fri, 2 to 4 weeks depending on level.
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Evenings: 24 sessions of 2 h over 12 weeks (2 evenings/week).
Who it’s for
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Afternoons: candidates who must reach DELF level quickly; focused, fast-paced training.
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Evenings: candidates with no urgent exam date who study/work in the daytime and prefer a regular rhythm.
DCL preparation (FLE)
The national, job-oriented diploma: practise real office and field tasks.
Highlights
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Professional scenarios: e-mails, instructions, meetings, briefs, and reports.
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Role-plays with audio recordings + targeted feedback to boost fluency.
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Toolbox: e-mail templates, speaking frames, checklists.
Times & duration
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Evenings: 2 evenings/week, 2 h per session, 12 weeks.
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Full DCL simulation at the end of the course with debrief.
Who it’s for
Learners with existing foundations whose goal is workplace use, plus a lifetime certificate.