French nationality: the B2 language level

French nationality: the B2 language level is now mandatory. In the context of French nationality, the required language level was raised to B2 following the publication of the decree of June 13, 2025. This increase in the level had been planned since the law of January 2024, but the publication of the decree was significantly delayed due to the political disruptions that the country experienced in 2024 following the dissolution of the National Assembly.

The question is not really to examine the reason for the shift from level B1 to B2, since it is in fact a prerogative of the State to assess the level of French of foreigners to whom it wishes to grant French nationality. Level B2 is defined in this way and provides that the person is an independent user:

Can understand the main ideas of complex texts on both concrete and abstract topics, including technical discussions in their field of specialization. Can interact with a degree of fluency and spontaneity that makes regular interaction with native speakers quite possible without strain for either party. Can produce clear, detailed text on a wide range of subjects, explain a viewpoint on a topical issue, and give the advantages and disadvantages of various options.

On this issue, opinions will be quite divided. Some will consider that there is no difficulty (generally people who arrived in France as students and completed their studies there). Others, who arrived later in life in France, will consider that such a required level is too difficult (for example, French ascendants who are dependents).

It should be remembered that the acquisition of French nationality by decree or by declaration is never an obligation for a foreigner, and that they may perfectly well live their whole life in France under the status of a residence permit holder.

Nevertheless, several questions remain regarding French nationality: the B2 language level.

The first question is to know what type of application for French nationality is concerned (acquisition by decree or by declaration). All categories of nationality acquisition are affected by the B2 level.

Whether the foreigner applies for French nationality by declaration as the spouse of a French citizen or by decree of the public authority, they must be able to justify a level of French equivalent to B2. Apart from the exception for people over 65 years of age, this new level is mandatory for all.

The second question concerns procedures that were initiated when the required level was B1, now that it has been raised to B2. Unfortunately, with the exception of applications that have already reached the stage of the sub-directorate for access to French nationality at the Ministry of the Interior, it is highly likely that the administration will require the applicant to demonstrate, in order to obtain French nationality a B2 language level.

This means one thing that must absolutely be understood from now on. If you have already submitted your application (for example to the Préfecture of Rhône where the waiting time is three years) you need to anticipate this. When your application is examined by the case officer, they will issue a request for additional documents including proof of a B2 level. The time limit given will be 2 months.

Sometimes, there are no available slots in the testing centers. It is necessary to anticipate and, as soon as possible, take a TCF test to validate the B2 language level.

With French nationality: a B2 language level required, it still remains, once again, for a process that is not imposed on foreigners but that they choose themselves. Moreover, the language level is a condition for admissibility of the application, which means that it must be validated from the initial submission of the application for acquisition of French nationality. If this is not the case, the administration may legitimately reject the application on the grounds of inadmissibility.

It is therefore important to be aware of this and to anticipate as much as possible by taking the test as soon as possible for all those who had only validated level B1.