France is implementing significant changes to its residency permit process, effective in 2026, stemming from immigration and finance laws passed earlier this year. These changes will impact foreign nationals living in France. A mandatory civic exam will be required for applicants, testing their understanding of French society and values. Language proficiency requirements are also being increased, adding another hurdle to the application process. Critically, the fees associated with residency permits are substantially increasing, potentially creating a financial burden for many applicants. These combined measures signal a hardening of France’s immigration policies and a greater emphasis on integration requirements. The new regulations are already in effect through measures enacted in recent months.