DELF B1 guide
DELF B1 for the carte de résident: the French language requirement since 2026
Since 1 January 2026, a first application for the 10-year carte de résident requires proof of French at level B1. The DELF B1 is one of the accepted proofs, and unlike a test score it never expires. This guide explains who the rule applies to, which certificates count, and how to choose between the DELF and the TCF or TEF.
Updated October 2026
Which level you need for which document
The 2024 immigration law raised the language requirements for residence permits and citizenship. Its implementing rules took effect on 1 January 2026:
- Document
- Multi-year residence permit (carte de séjour pluriannuelle), first application
- French level required
- A2
- Document
- 10-year resident card (carte de résident), first application
- French level required
- B1
- Document
- French citizenship (naturalisation)
- French level required
- B2
| Document | French level required |
|---|---|
| Multi-year residence permit (carte de séjour pluriannuelle), first application | A2 |
| 10-year resident card (carte de résident), first application | B1 |
| French citizenship (naturalisation) | B2 |
For both residence cards, the requirement applies to first applications. Applicants over 65 are exempt, and exemptions or adjusted test conditions exist for some disabilities and health conditions, on a medical certificate. A first carte de résident also requires passing the civic exam (examen civique).
How to prove your level
Your level must be proven with one of the diplomas or test results accepted by the regulations. The usual options:
- Proof
- DELF B1 (or a higher DELF or DALF)
- What it is
- A diploma from the French Ministry of Education, awarded if you pass the exam at level B1
- Validity
- For life
- Proof
- TCF IRN
- What it is
- A test that places you on a level scale; you need B1 or above
- Validity
- 2 years
- Proof
- TEF IRN
- What it is
- A test that places you on a level scale; you need B1 or above
- Validity
- 2 years
- Proof
- French diploma
- What it is
- Certain French diplomas, such as the brevet, a CAP or BEP, the baccalauréat or a higher-education diploma
- Validity
- For life
| Proof | What it is | Validity |
|---|---|---|
| DELF B1 (or a higher DELF or DALF) | A diploma from the French Ministry of Education, awarded if you pass the exam at level B1 | For life |
| TCF IRN | A test that places you on a level scale; you need B1 or above | 2 years |
| TEF IRN | A test that places you on a level scale; you need B1 or above | 2 years |
| French diploma | Certain French diplomas, such as the brevet, a CAP or BEP, the baccalauréat or a higher-education diploma | For life |
The exact list of accepted proofs is set by an arrêté of 22 December 2025. Check it with your préfecture before booking an exam.
DELF B1 or TCF / TEF: how to choose
- Choose the DELF B1 if you want a result that stays valid: the diploma never expires, so you will not need to retake it for a later application.
- Choose the TCF IRN or TEF IRN if you need a result quickly and are confident about your level: there is no pass or fail, but you must score at B1 or above, and the result is only valid for 2 years.
- Thinking about citizenship later? Naturalisation requires B2, so a DELF B1 will not be enough for that step.
Exam fees and session dates are set by each exam center (Alliances Françaises, universities, language schools), and DELF sessions usually take place several times a year. Register early: registration closes several weeks before each session.
What the DELF B1 involves
The DELF B1 tests listening, reading, writing and speaking, each out of 25. You need at least 50 out of 100 overall and at least 5 out of 25 in every section. Because of the per-section minimum, one weak section is enough to fail. The exam format guide, linked below, covers each part in detail.
Sources
This page is general information, not legal advice. FrancaisUp is an independent platform, not affiliated with the French administration. Rules can change: always confirm with Service-Public.fr and your préfecture.