B2 French for French nationality
To become French by naturalisation or by declaration after marriage, you need to show French at B2 level, spoken and written. See how far you are from B2 with a free 5-minute estimate.
SparkAI is an independent preparation tool. It is not the official exam, and it is not affiliated with France Éducation International, the CCI Paris Île-de-France, IRCC or any government. Only the official test gives a result you can use in an application.
The requirement
Service-Public.fr says you must show a knowledge of French "à l'oral et à l'écrit" at B2 of the CEFR, with a French diploma or a language test attestation. The level used to be B1: France Éducation International's candidate manual says B2 applies from the 2024 immigration law's decree, which was to take effect by 1 January 2026.
On the TCF IRN, the highest overall level shown on the attestation is B2, so for naturalisation you need to reach its top level.
Accepted proof
- A TCF attestation (France Éducation International) or a TEF attestation (CCI Paris Île-de-France), issued less than 2 years ago
- The diplôme national du brevet
- A French diploma or professional certification at level 3 or above
- Any diploma that certifies at least B2
What B2 means
At B2 you can follow most conversations and argue a point with some fluency, and write a clear, structured text on a familiar subject. In grammar, that usually means being at ease with the subjunctive, the tenses of the past and complex sentences.
Official sources
- Service-Public.fr: Naturalisation, déclaration de nationalité : comment justifier de votre connaissance du français ? (page checked by its publisher: 1 January 2026)
- France Éducation International: Manuel du candidat au TCF (TCF IRN section) (page checked by its publisher: version M, May 2025)
Rules change: always confirm on the official page before you book a test or apply.
Questions
What French level do I need for French nationality?
B2 of the Common European Framework (CEFR), both spoken and written, according to Service-Public.fr. This applies to naturalisation and to declarations of nationality by marriage. France Éducation International's candidate manual says the B2 requirement (previously B1) applies once the 2024 immigration law's decree takes effect, on 1 January 2026 at the latest.
Which certificates are accepted?
Service-Public.fr lists a TCF attestation (France Éducation International) or a TEF attestation (CCI Paris Île-de-France) issued less than 2 years ago, the diplôme national du brevet, a French diploma or professional certification at level 3 or above, or any diploma certifying at least B2.
Are there exemptions?
Service-Public.fr lists adjusted tests or an exemption for some health conditions or disabilities (with a medical certificate), and an exemption for naturalisation by decree for refugees or stateless people over 70 who have lived in France for at least 15 years. Check the page for your situation.
Can SparkAI tell me whether I'll reach B2?
No. The estimate shows where your grammar and reading stand today and how far that is from B2. Only the official test gives a level you can use.
Is this the official exam or affiliated with it?
No. SparkAI is an independent preparation tool, not affiliated with France Éducation International, the CCI or the French administration.
Where are you now?
A free estimate of your French level and how far it is from your goal. About 5 minutes, no sign-up.
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