What is the CIR?

The CIR or Contrat d’Intégration Républicaine, is a key step for anyone moving to France. Most people need to sign it when they apply for their first residence permit. It is a promise to learn French and respect French values.The CIR is designed to help anyone settle into life in France and It offers a personalised plan that can include:
● French language classes,● Basic information about French values and how the country works,● Help and advice for finding work or training.
The goal is simple: help you understand French life and make your integration easier.

But who needs it?

You will need to sign the CIR if : ● have been in France for less than 8 years and you are not studying in a French school,● are Algerian and have a French residence certificate,● have a long-stay visa (VLS-TS) as a worker, a resident card or a permit to work in a trade or business.

Cheat code unlocked… if you are one of them, you’re all set!

you’re exempt only if you are:● a refugee under international or subsidiary protection,● an EU national,● 16 to 18 years old and eligible for a residence card or French nationality,● someone who studied in a French school for 3+ years, or completed at least 1 year at a French university,● holding a temporary permit such as “visitor”, “temporary worker”, “private and family life”, “student”, “intern”, or a permit issued for health reasons.

Your golden ticket to French Life…

It includes two types of training to help you to settle in France. The first one, everyone has to do it : the civic training. The goal is simple: explain how to handle French administrative paperwork, the health system, schools, housing, and work. At the end, you will get a certificate.

Then there is the French language course. Up until the end of 2025, you only need to do it if your French level is really low… below A1 according to the OFII test. This course gives you just enough French to survive everyday life to order a croissant, chat with locals, understand instructions, or handle simple tasks without panicking. For sure, you will get a certificate at the end to prove you didn’t just come to see the Eiffel Tower.If you want to go further, OFII also offers extra courses to improve your French even more. Plan ahead! A2 level is a must if you’re thinking about a long-term residence permit.
That’s exactly why from 1 January 2026, everyone who signs the CIR will follow a personalised French course aimed at reaching A2, no matter their starting level. So everyone will have the chance to live comfortably in France.

Key Facts You can’t Miss

Remember: only below-A1 level needs this until 2025. From Jan 2026, rules change!
Everyone who signs the CIR will follow a personalised French course aiming for A2 level. Honestly, learning French can be a smart move if you plan to get an internship or a job in France or a French company.
Expect the civic training to be a bit more challenging, thanks to additional hours and expanded content on France’s history, culture, and institutions. The French courses will also help you with work and internships. Thinking about French citizenship? This is a great first step, and we offer sessions to prepare you for the test.