How to Learn French as a Newcomer (2026)
Jules de Bruin
Editor
Updated: June 2026 | Found helpful by 8 others
- Expats
- Residents
As of 2026, learning French is one of the most useful things a newcomer can do. It makes daily life, work, and dealings with the administration far easier, and a French language level is tied to some multi-year residence cards and to naturalisation. If you sign the contrat d'intégration républicaine (CIR) with the OFII, you may be offered free lessons. You can also study with the Alliance Française, universities, the CNED, apps, or local associations and mairie courses, then prove your level with a DELF, DALF, or TCF.
Key takeaways
- French helps with daily life, work, and the administration.
- A language level is tied to some multi-year cards (broadly A2) and a higher level for naturalisation; confirm on service-public.fr.
- The CIR via the OFII can include free French lessons for newcomers.
- You can learn through OFII courses, the Alliance Française, universities, the CNED, apps, or local associations.
- The DELF, DALF, and TCF certify your level for residence and naturalisation files.
Do you need to speak French to live in France?
You can arrive with little or no French, but it quickly becomes a barrier. Daily life (shops, doctors, schools, neighbours), the workplace, and almost every contact with the administration run in French. Learning early gives you independence and opens more jobs.
French is also tied to your residence. Broadly, some multi-year cards ask for around an A2 level, while naturalisation asks for a higher level. The exact level, the documents accepted as proof, and the procedures change over time, so always confirm the current rules on service-public.fr before you build your file.
Levels are set by the administration
What is the CIR and OFII training?
The contrat d'intégration républicaine (CIR) is signed by many newcomers settling in France, through the OFII (Office français de l'immigration et de l'intégration). When you sign it, the OFII assesses your French level. If your level is below the target, you may be offered free French language training, with the number of hours depending on your starting point.
The CIR also includes civic training about life and values in France. Attending the assigned sessions is part of your integration pathway, and the language hours are a practical way to reach the levels tied to later residence steps. Check who must sign the CIR and what it covers on service-public.fr.
Where can you learn French?
There are many routes, and most learners combine a few:
- OFII courses: free lessons offered through the CIR for eligible newcomers.
- Alliance Française: a national network of schools offering structured classes for all levels.
- University programmes: many universities run French as a foreign language courses, including intensive options.
- CNED: the public distance-learning service for studying French at your own pace.
- Apps: useful for vocabulary and daily practice between classes.
- Local associations and mairie courses: often low-cost or free community classes near where you live.
Mix classes with real practice
Which certificate proves your level?
Three certifications are widely recognised. The DELF (Diplôme d'études en langue française) and DALF (Diplôme approfondi de langue française) are lifelong diplomas issued under France Éducation international, covering levels from beginner through advanced. The TCF (Test de connaissance du français) is a test that gives you a level valid for a set period.
For a residence card or naturalisation file, the level and the exact certificate accepted depend on the procedure. Confirm which proof your procedure requires on service-public.fr before booking an exam, so you sit the right one at the right level.
Sources: OFII (ofii.fr), service-public.fr, and France Éducation international (DELF and DALF), as of 2026. Verify current levels and requirements before applying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you need to speak French to live in France?
You can arrive without French, but daily life, work, and the administration are far easier with it. Some multi-year residence cards and naturalisation also require proof of a French language level, so learning early is a practical investment. Check the current level requirements on service-public.fr.
Are French lessons free for newcomers?
They can be. Newcomers who sign the contrat d'intégration républicaine (CIR) with the OFII may be offered free French language training when their assessed level is below the target. The number of hours depends on your starting level.
What level of French do you need for a residence card or naturalisation?
Requirements vary by document and change over time. Broadly, some multi-year cards ask for around an A2 level, while naturalisation asks for a higher level. Always confirm the exact level and proof accepted on service-public.fr before you apply.
Which French certificate should you take?
The DELF and DALF are lifelong diplomas issued under France Éducation international, while the TCF is a test that gives a level valid for a set period. For residence and naturalisation files, check which certificate and level the relevant procedure accepts.
How long does it take to learn French?
It depends on your starting point, study time, and exposure. With regular classes plus daily practice, many learners reach A2 within several months and a higher level over a year or more. Speaking with people and using French in daily errands speeds it up.