French language requirement for non-European workers (salarié non européen)
Yes. A non-European worker who installs in France must have a sufficient knowledge of the French language or commit to learning the French language after installing in France, if the non-European worker shows the wish to settle durably in France. The non-European worker installing in France takes a French-language knowledge test. The French-language knowledge test is oral and written. The OFII, the immigration and integration office, organises the French-language knowledge test. Depending on the result obtained, the non-European worker receives French-language training or is exempted from it.
Service-Public · Checked 2026-11-04Steps
- Obtain a work authorisation (autorisation de travail) before you can work in France.Service-Public · Checked 2026-11-04
- Unless exceptions apply, a Republican integration contract (CIR) is concluded between the French State and every non-European foreigner admitted to stay in France who wants to settle durably in France.Service-Public · Checked 2026-11-04
- Take the French language test: it is oral and written, and OFII, the immigration and integration office, organises it.Service-Public · Checked 2026-11-04
Key facts
- A non-European worker cannot work in France without a work authorisation (autorisation de travail) that has been obtained first.Service-Public · Checked 2026-11-04
- If you want to settle in France for the long term, you must have sufficient knowledge of French or commit to learning it after your installation.Service-Public · Checked 2026-11-04
- Unless exceptions apply, a Republican integration contract (CIR) is concluded between the French State and every non-European foreigner admitted to stay who wants to settle durably in France.Service-Public · Checked 2026-11-04
- Your French language test is oral and written, and OFII organises it.Service-Public · Checked 2026-11-04
- If you are an allophone employee taking a language training course, your employer may propose, under the skills development plan, a course aiming to reach level A2.Service-Public · Checked 2026-11-04