Background:

In France, the recent law of 26 January 2024 (to control immigration and improve integration) provides for two new measures that will come into force on 1 January 2026: (1) An increase in the required language level, and (2) The introduction of a new knowledge test (known as the ‘civic exam’) for applications for naturalisation by decree.

In November 2025, the sub-directorate for access to French nationality (SDANF) within the General Directorate for Foreign Nationals in France of the Ministry of the Interior organised a seminar for those responsible for platforms providing access to French nationality. In this context, the French National Contact Point (NCP) to the EMN launched this query to provide stakeholders with information on language and nationality test requirements for applications for nationality by decree across EMN Member and Observer Countries.

Respondents:

25 EMN Member and Observer Countries (including BE) provided a public answer to this ad hoc query.

Findings:

A preliminary analysis of the results of the ad hoc query shows that:

• Out of 25 responding countries, 23 countries require proof of language skills to obtain nationality, though not always through a formal test. The required level is A2 in 7 countries (BE, CY (depending on residence status), LT, LU (oral expression), NL, SI, ES), B1 in 11 countries (AT, HR, CY (depending on residence status), CZ, EE, DE, EL, HU, IT, LU (listening comprehension), UA) and B2 in 3 countries (FR (starting 1 January 2026), LV, PO). In BE, applicants for citizenship can fulfil the language requirement through qualifications and training (e.g. having a higher education diploma obtained in Belgium), employment, having completed an integration programme, or providing an official language certificate.
   
• The institutions responsible for conducting the assessment varies from country to country, but is almost always a government administration or accredited language institutes or test centres. In BE, the Public Prosecutor’s Office (and the courts on appeal) is responsible for assessing the application. No countries reported using AI-based tools for this assessment.
   
• Out of 25 responding countries, 15 require a citizenship test to obtain nationality. The topics covered by these tests vary widely, and include democracy and fundamental values, history of the country, geography, culture, economy, customs and morals, politics, institutions (judiciary, executive, legislative), rights and duties, but also national days, the national anthem, and means of transportation. BE does not require a citizenship test.
   
• 10 countries require applicants for citizenship to sign a document stating that they recognise the fundamental principles and values of the country when applying for citizenship. This includes BE, where applications for citizenship must include a statement declaring adherence to the Constitution, the laws of the Belgian people and the Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms. Some countries require an oath but no written statement.

For further details, please read the compilation of answers attached above.