If you've just arrived
Start with the language, the rules of daily life and the first local contacts — without any administrative overload.
Vitalpes · 24 ressources
Integration and civic life
Integration is not just paper. Here: French, rights and remedies, local participation, principles of the Republic and long-term path (renewal, naturalization). Informational format based on official sources.
Where to start
A short course of action is one of the priority steps, before the complete catalogue.
If you've lived here for 1-2 years
Consolidate your rights, local commitment and stability — useful for the renewal of papers.
If you think about naturalization
Check the B2, civic exam, income, address, taxes and the official order of the steps.
Recommended course
The most useful guides and tools for this section.
Recommended
Leave France: housing, taxes, Caf, CPAM, banking and business
A sustainable departure is not a single declaration but a coordinated set of approaches. Set the date and foreign address, complete the lease and contracts, inform Caf, CPAM and France Travail, update impots.gouv.fr, then decide the fate of the accounts and the activity. Taxation and health depend on the country, the status and the links maintained with France.
Preparation over several weeks; post-departure tax obligationsPossible online
Open EssentialWhere to learn French and what level to aim for
French is useful for everyday life, employment and certain forms of stay. In the CIR, the OFII evaluates both written and oral and can offer up to 600 training hours if the level is below A2. Since 2026, a first multi-year card concerned requires A2, a first resident card concerned B1, and a naturalization by decree B2 orally and in writing.
Up to 600 hoursA2 / B1 / B2From a few weeks to several months; a OFII training can go up to 600 hours
Open EssentialRepublican integration contract (CIR): the course OFII
The CIR is concluded on the first admission to a sustainable stay when the relevant title comes into its field. During the individual interview, the OFII evaluates French, prescribes compulsory civic training of 24 hours and can offer up to 600 hours of language training if the level is below A2. The CIR lasts one year and may, in some cases, be extended to a maximum of one year.
24 hUp to 600 hoursCIR: 1 year; possible extension of one year maximum; language training up to 600 hours
Open EssentialCivic examination in 2026: residence permits and naturalization
Since 2026, the civic exam is a formal numerical test, not a simple interview. There are separate entries for naturalisation by decree and for a first multi-year residence card or resident card concerned. Each event has 40 questions and requires at least 32 good answers. interview in prefecture remains compulsory for naturalisation.
40 questions32 good answersTest: 45 maximum minutes; preparation according to initial level
Open EssentialYour rights, your duties and where to make yourself heard
In France, you have rights — housing, work, protection against discrimination — and duties: taxes, compliance with the contract, common rules. If you have been wronged or refused without cause, there is no need to look for "tricks": official channels exist, often free. Here's where to go according to your situation.
FreeOnline2–4 sem.
Open RecommendedParticipate in local life: associations, volunteerism, parents' council
Integration is not just paper. By participating in local life, you progress in French, find support and benchmarks. Associations, volunteerism, parental counselling — legal and useful formats. Russian-speaking networks can help, but also open up to the French-speaking sphere.
Free1–14 daysRegistration in association — often from a few days to two weeks
Open RecommendedThe Republic in plain language: secularism, school, equality
France is a secular Republic: common rules in public service and at school, equality before the law for all. It's not a ban on believing — it's organizing life together. Here are concrete examples: town hall, public school, what secularism means in everyday life.
Freea few monthsCIR and civic path OFII — over several months, in parallel with the rest
Open EssentialLong-term course: renewal, maps and naturalization
The renewal of a title, a first multi-year card, a resident card and naturalization are different procedures. Employment, address, taxes and insurance document the situation without guaranteeing a decision. In 2026, the required level is A2 for a first multi-year card concerned, B1 for a first resident card concerned and B2 for oral and written naturalization by decree.
A2 / B1 / B212–18 monthsVariable depending on title; naturalization: maximum time of 18 or 12 months, plus possible extension of 3 months
Open This section helps you if you...
- New arrivals who want to understand how to register in French society
- People who learn French and prepare the DELF or the interview of assimilation
- Residents considering renewal of residence permit or naturalization
- Parents involved in public school and local life
All the guides in the section
Filter by priority and channel. The maps come directly from the up-to-date guide catalogue.
24 guides
Start here
The steps to be taken not to delay or forget.
Essential 2026-07-27
Your rights, your duties and where to make yourself heard
In France, you have rights — housing, work, protection against discrimination — and duties: taxes, compliance with the contract, common rules. If you have been wronged or refused without cause, there is no need to look for "tricks": official channels exist, often free. Here's where to go according to your situation.
Open GuideEssential 2026-07-27
Civic examination in 2026: residence permits and naturalization
Since 2026, the civic exam is a formal numerical test, not a simple interview. There are separate entries for naturalisation by decree and for a first multi-year residence card or resident card concerned. Each event has 40 questions and requires at least 32 good answers. interview in prefecture remains compulsory for naturalisation.
Open GuideEssential 2026-08-02
Long-term course: renewal, maps and naturalization
The renewal of a title, a first multi-year card, a resident card and naturalization are different procedures. Employment, address, taxes and insurance document the situation without guaranteeing a decision. In 2026, the required level is A2 for a first multi-year card concerned, B1 for a first resident card concerned and B2 for oral and written naturalization by decree.
Open GuideEssential 2026-07-27
Republican integration contract (CIR): the course OFII
The CIR is concluded on the first admission to a sustainable stay when the relevant title comes into its field. During the individual interview, the OFII evaluates French, prescribes compulsory civic training of 24 hours and can offer up to 600 hours of language training if the level is below A2. The CIR lasts one year and may, in some cases, be extended to a maximum of one year.
Open GuideEssential 2026-07-27
Where to learn French and what level to aim for
French is useful for everyday life, employment and certain forms of stay. In the CIR, the OFII evaluates both written and oral and can offer up to 600 training hours if the level is below A2. Since 2026, a first multi-year card concerned requires A2, a first resident card concerned B1, and a naturalization by decree B2 orally and in writing.
Open GuideNext steps
Useful procedures to continue your process.
Recommended 2026-07
Certified translator: translator sworn in France
A sworn translator (jurored translator) is a translator accredited by a Court of Appeal or the Court of Cassation, whose translations have legal force for the administration, courts and consulates. Necessary to translate Russian/Soviet documents into French: birth certificates, marriage certificates, diplomas, criminal records. An ordinary translator is not suitable for administrative procedures. Rate 的20–40 €/page, delay 2–10 days. Below: how to find and key points.
Open GuideRecommended 2026-07-27
Layness: principle of religious neutrality in France on a daily basis
Secularism is a fundamental principle of France, enshrined in the law of 1905 of separation of churches and the state. Concretely for you: the state is neutral towards religions, you can practice one (or none), but in public services religious neutrality is necessary. In schools, town halls, hospitals, prefectures, visible religious signs (voile, cross, kippa) are prohibited. In the private sphere and in private work, the rules are more flexible. Below: understand and apply daily.
Open GuideRecommended 2026-07-27
Time limits for CIR and CAI OFII: deadlines for integration contract
The Republican Integration Contract (CIR) is a compulsory integration route for foreigners who obtain for the first time a residence permit of at least 1 year. Signature in the 3 first months after obtaining the title. Duration up to 5 years. Includes civic training, if applicable French courses OFII, a visit France Services. The Hosting and Integration Contract (CAI) is the old name, now CIR. Non-compliance = ground for refusal to renew the title. Below: deadlines and key points.
Open GuideRecommended 2026-07-27
Association loi 1901: creating an association in France
A 1901 law association brings together at least two people around a non-profit project. Under the general scheme, its declaration and publication in the Official Journal of Associations and Foundations (JOAFE) are free of charge. Creation and publication follow a different procedure in Alsace-Moselle. Here is how to prepare, declare and publish the creation.
Open GuideRecommended 2026-07
Associative participation: engaging in an association
Associative participation is involvement in French associations as a member, a volunteer or a leader. France has 1,3 million associations (law 1901). Engaging allows you to: practice French, develop your network, prove your integration for naturalization, act on collective life. Membership is usually free or inexpensive (5-50 assessment €/year). The leadership roles (president, treasurer) have a real responsibility. Below: forms of engagement and key points.
Open GuideRecommended 2026-07-27
Civic Commitment Contract (CEC): Voluntary commitment indemnified
The Civic Commitment Contract (CEC) is a civic service contract for 16–25 years (up to 30 years for certain missions), from 6 to 12 months in a general interest organization. Allowance 607 €/month ( 2025 ). Objective: Citizen engagement without replacing employment. No French nationality required. Part of the Universal National Service (UNS). Below: who is eligible, how to apply and what to know.
Open GuideRecommended 2026-08-02
Civic examination: exemptions and adjustments
If you apply for a first multi-year card or a first resident card, the exemption from civic examination depends on the procedure and your personal situation. The condition of success does not apply in particular to persons over the age of 65 or to certain categories provided for by law; at the time of renewal of a card already obtained, a new examination certificate is generally not required. In the first map route, a disability or chronic disease may justify an arrangement or exemption where the test is objectively impossible.
Open GuideRecommended 2026-08-02
DELF B1: French diploma for first card and other goals
The DELF B1 (Diplôme d'Études en Langue Française) is an official B1 level lifelong diploma awarded by France Éducation International. It may form part of the B1 level proofs for certain first resident cards, where the procedure provides for it. For a naturalization by decree, it does not replace the B2 level at oral and written level or the separate civic examination. Rates and deadlines depend on the centre; the examination includes 4 tests: oral comprehension, writing, written production and oral production.
Open GuideRecommended 2026-08-02
DELF vs TCF: Which French certificate to choose
The DELF and the TCF are official means of justifying its French, but they do not replace themselves for all procedures. For a naturalisation by decree, the required level is B2 in oral and written form: the official list includes a diploma at least B2, TCF or TEF in their validity period; a DELF B1 is not enough. For some first resident cards, the B1 level may apply, while the renewal does not automatically take over these requirements. The choice depends on the purpose, the validity of the document and the applicable form.
Open GuideRecommended 2026-07-27
Fibre installation: fibre optic internet connection
The fiber optics is a fast internet (from 400 Mbit/s to 8 Gbit/s), replacing ADSL. In France, deployment is progressing — about 85 % of eligible households in 2025. Complimentary or low-cost connection ($20.00 0–149 depending on the operator and the work). Monthly package: 25–50 €/month for internet + telephone, 30–60 € with TV. Installation time: 1–4 weeks. Availability by address: maconnexioninternet.arcep.fr. Below: Check eligibility, connect and key points.
Open GuideRecommended 2026-07-27
France Services: single access point to utilities
France Services is a public network ( 2 600 points in France 2025 ) which provides assistance for all essential administrative procedures: taxes, CAF , health insurance, retirement, Pôle emploi, La Poste, justice, Banque de France, EDF/Engie. Advisors help fill out forms, scan documents, create accounts online (impots.gouv.fr, ameli.fr). Free service, without an appointment or on appointment. Ideal for foreigners and those not at ease with the Internet. Below: find the nearest point and key points.
Open GuideRecommended 2026-08-02
Free French courses: FLE courses in France
In France, the free courses of FLE (French Foreign Language) include the OFII as part of the CIR, France Travail, local associations and devices. In the CIR, language training may be prescribed if the test is less than A2. Some early cards may request B1, while naturalization by decree requires B2 in oral and written form; the courses do not replace the proof provided by the procedure. Here's where to look and how to choose your goal.
Open GuideRecommended 2026-07-12
Leave France: housing, taxes, Caf, CPAM, banking and business
A sustainable departure is not a single declaration but a coordinated set of approaches. Set the date and foreign address, complete the lease and contracts, inform Caf, CPAM and France Travail, update impots.gouv.fr, then decide the fate of the accounts and the activity. Taxation and health depend on the country, the status and the links maintained with France.
Open GuideRecommended 2026-07
Medical examination OFII: medical examination of foreigners
The OFII medical examination is a compulsory medical examination for foreigners (outside the EU) who obtain or renew a residence permit for the first time (in some cases). Directed by a doctor from the OFII (Office Français de l'Immigration et de l'Integration). Objective: To assess health status, verify vaccination, and identify diseases at risk for public health (tuberculosis). At the end, a certificate is issued — necessary for certain titles. Cost: free of charge for a first request, or 350 € for certain procedures. Below: When required, how to make appointments and key points.
Open GuideRecommended 2026-07-27
Mobile plan without commitment: mobile phone in France
A mobile package in France — without commitment — starts at 2 €/month. Virtually all MNO/MVNOs offer no commitment (Free Mobile, RED SFR, B&You, Sosh). Includes data, unlimited SMS/MMS in France, calls in France and often in Europe. SIM or eSIM — delivery 2–5 days or immediately for eSIM. Accessible to foreigners with RIB and address without difficulty. Below: how to choose, subscribe and key points.
Open GuideRecommended 2026-06
Participate in local life: associations, volunteerism, parents' council
Integration is not just paper. By participating in local life, you progress in French, find support and benchmarks. Associations, volunteerism, parental counselling — legal and useful formats. Russian-speaking networks can help, but also open up to the French-speaking sphere.
Open GuideRecommended 2026-06
The Republic in plain language: secularism, school, equality
France is a secular Republic: common rules in public service and at school, equality before the law for all. It's not a ban on believing — it's organizing life together. Here are concrete examples: town hall, public school, what secularism means in everyday life.
Open GuideRecommended 2026-07-27
Volunteering: becoming a volunteer in France
Volunteering is an unpaid activity in a structure of general interest (association, foundation, public institution). In France, about 13 million volunteers. No French nationality or work permit required. It is proof of integration for future naturalization. Possibility of deducting expenses (transport, meals) without taxation. Below: where to look, what to know and how to reconcile with a job.
Open GuideRecommended 2026-07
Voting by foreigners: the right to vote of non-French citizens
In France, the right to vote in national elections (presidential, parliament, referendums) is reserved for French citizens. Foreigners outside the EU cannot vote in municipal elections. EU citizens can vote in municipal and European elections in France. Foreigners outside the EU vote only after naturalisation. Since 2024, the debate on the right of non-Europeans to vote in municipal elections has remained open — without adoption. Below is what is accessible and how to participate civicly without a vote.
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Important remark
The information is provided for information purposes and does not replace the advice of the prefecture, OFII or a lawyer. The conditions of integration and naturalization depend on your situation and the date of deposit.
