Read news from:
Austria
SHARE
COPY LINK

LANGUAGE AND CULTURE

France removes exemption for over 60s as it toughens language levels for citizenship

French authorities have announced they are toughening up the language requirements to obtain citizenship - with new rules requiring a written test and removing the exemption for over 60s.

Published: 26 February 2020 17:35 CET
Updated: 28 May 2020 16:35 CEST
France removes exemption for over 60s as it toughens language levels for citizenship
Becoming French is set to get a bit harder. Photo: AFP

From August 11th 2020 anyone who wishes to get French citizenship will have to sit a written language exam, in addition to the current speaking and listening tests required.

Getting French citizenship has never been an easy process, but now French authorities have decided to make it slightly harder by toughen up on the language skills required.

At present candidates for citizenship need to demonstrate that they speak French to B1 level. That level is defined as someone who is is able to handle day to day matters that arise in school, work or leisure. 

READ ALSO QUIZ Do you know France well enough to get citizenship?

 
They should be able to get by while travelling in an area where only French is spoken, and should be able to describe events and justify things like opinions, plans, or even ambitions. 
 
Under the new rules the level is not changing, but candidates will need to provide prove that they can also write French to that level. The certificate you use must have been issued within the last two years.
 
Photo: Alberto G/Flickr
 
The decree was passed on December 30th, 2019 and was originally set to be introduced from April, but will now not be introduced until August 11th, 2020.
 
This is also the date when the exemptions will be toughened up.
 
Under the current rules anyone aged over 60, disabled or in poor health does not need to provide a language certificate, although they do still have to take part in an interview in French at the préfecture.
 
Under the new rules however, there are only three categories of exemption
  • If you are a refugee, aged over 70 and have lived in France for 15 years or more
  • If you have a diploma obtained in France, Algeria, Morocco, Tunisia or another Francophone country
  • If your state of health does not permit assessment of your language level
At present the test involves a listening comprehension in which candidates listen to a tape and then select a series of multiple choice answers.
 
There is also a 10-15 minute interview with an examiner during which you are asked progressively more difficult questions and given the opportunity to question or debate with your examiner.
 
These requirements will still be necessary, but with the addition of a 1 hour 15 minute written exam in which candidates will be asked to write a selection of short pieces on given subjects in a style specified on the exam paper – letter, email, formal memo, newspaper article etc.
 
If you are accepted for citizenship you get a ceremony in a French public building. Photo: AFP
 
Language is of course not the only requirement for French naturalisation.

There are two main routes to applying for citizenship, through residency or through marriage.

If you are applying through residency you need to have been resident in France for at least five years. That can be reduced to two years if you have completed postgraduate studies at a French university.

They will need to show they have a clean criminal record (for those who have less than 10 years residence in France) and that their tax payments are up to date, including tax return notices for the three years prior to filing the application for French citizenship. 

They will also need to prove they are financially sustainable. In other words they have a job or some other form of income.

If you are applying through marriage you need to have been married for four years, but do not actually need to be living in France.

As well as proving that you can speak French you also need to demonstrate an adequate knowledge of French history, culture and society.

The citizenship process includes an interview (in French of course) with an official who will test your knowledge and also assess your level of commitment to France and the French way of life – if you do not seem to conform to French values you can be turned down for citizenship.

Overall the whole process takes between 18 months and two years and involves a lot of paperwork.

Find out more about the details here. 

Member comments

  1. Change of the language test for Americans who fought with the French in World War 2 is disgusting. After paying wealth taxes and living here for more than a decade, a 96 year old will be denied French citizenship due to these new rules. It’s another way for France to slap this man in the face.

  3. It seems to be nothing more than a form of xenophobia as North America does not impose such grave measures and even offer translators to help. Having a perfect accent I’m sure is also crucial. The list grows and grows.

  4. Don’t understand last comment from Robert. I understood North America is stopping just about everyone from entering the country let alone becoming citizens !

Log in here to leave a comment.
Become a Member to leave a comment.

PROPERTY

How to ensure your French property is insured for storm damage

Storm Ciaran’s property-wrecking passage through France - with another storm forecast for the weekend - may have many people wondering how comprehensive their insurance cover is. 

Published: 3 November 2023 15:45 CET
How to ensure your French property is insured for storm damage

In the wake of Storm Ciaran, thousands of property owners in France are preparing insurance claims – with initial estimates of the bill for damage between €370 million and €480 million.

Home insurance is compulsory in France, whether you own the property you live in or you rent – and it must include some level of storm damage cover. 

Check also to see if your insurance provides cover in case of a declaration of a catastrophe naturelle.

The garantie tempête (storm guarantee) covers damage caused by violent winds. What constitutes a ‘violent wind’ varies from contract to contract, but there appears to be a widespread consensus of agreement on wind speeds over 100km/h.

In most insurance contracts, this covers damage caused by the storm and within the following 48 hours – so you’re covered if, for example, a tree weakened by the storm comes down within that period and damages your property.

Be aware that, while the storm guarantee automatically covers the main property, it generally only covers any secondary buildings and light constructions – such as a veranda, shed, solar panels, swimming pool or fence – if they are specifically mentioned in the contract. 

The same is true of any cars damaged by debris. A basic insurance contract might not include storm damage, so it is always worth checking.

Damage must be reported to your insurer as quickly as possible. The deadline for making declarations is usually five days after any damage is noticed. This is especially important for second home owners, who may not be at the property when the damage occurs. 

In some cases – such as in the aftermath of Storm Ciaran – insurers may extend the reporting period. But under normal circumstances, it’s five days after the damage has been discovered.

What happens next

To make a claim, the first thing to do is contact your insurer by phone or email. Your insurer will take you through the next steps, but usually you have to send in a declaration – which should include an estimate of any losses and for any repairs, with evidence where possible, such as photographs and any receipts for purchases. 

Your insurer may also request proof of wind intensity, which can be provided for example by a nearby weather station.

The insurance company may appoint an expert to come and assess the damage, so make sure to keep damaged property safe until they arrive, as well as all invoices for any urgent repair work. 

What if you’re a tenant?

If you rent your property, you must report any damage inside the accommodation to your insurer and also notify your landlord so that they can file their own claim. 

In the case of a co-propriete, you must declare damage inside the accommodation to your insurer, while the trustee sends his own declaration to the collective insurance (which sometimes covers the private areas) .

How long does it take for claims to be settled?

Payment of the compensation provided for by the “storm guarantee” depends your home insurance contract. After the insurer has estimated the amount of damage, compensation is generally paid between 10 and 30 days following receipt of the insured’s agreement.

What if we got flooded?

In the case of flooding, you may have to wait for a natural disaster order to be issued. 

Catastrophe naturelle

The ‘state of natural disaster’ is a special procedure that was set up in 1982 so victims of exceptional natural events, such as storms, heavy rain, mudslides and flooding, as well as drought, can be adequately compensated for damage to property.

The government evaluates each area and deems whether it qualifies for the status of catastrophe naturelle (natural disaster). 

Essentially once a zone is declared a natural disaster, victims can claim from a pot of funds created by all insurers. If the zone is not declared a disaster, insurance companies are under no obligation to pay out. 

Under a “state of natural disaster” residents are covered for all those goods and property that are directly damaged by the phenomenon, in this case storms.

It applies to residential or commercial buildings, furniture, vehicles and work equipment that are already covered by insurance policies.

Homes must be already covered by a multi-risk insurance policy for the status of natural disaster to count.

SHOW COMMENTS