Republican Integration Contract (CIR): 2026 guide
Par Antonin GAVREL - le mercredi 26 août 2026 - 8 min read
The starting point of the integration process
The Republican Integration Contract (contrat d'intégration républicaine or CIR) is a reciprocal commitment between the French State and an eligible foreign national who has been admitted for residence for the first time and intends to settle permanently in France. It is administered by the French Office for Immigration and Integration (OFII).
The CIR generally lasts one year. It provides for a personalised assessment, civic training and, depending on the person's French proficiency, language training.
The personalised OFII interview
During the induction process, OFII assesses your circumstances, needs, level of French and plans. Report any health, disability, mobility, childcare or employment difficulties that may affect your participation in the training.
Keep the appointment notice, signed contract and attendance certificates. Update your contact details with the organisation immediately to avoid missing a session.
Four days of civic training
The signatory completes four days of civic training. It covers the principles and values of the Republic, its institutions, rights and duties, and practical procedures for life in France.
This training helps prepare you for the integration process, but the attendance certificate must not be confused with the certificate showing that you passed the civic exam introduced in 2026 for certain initial cards and naturalisation.
Language training
Depending on the initial assessment, OFII may prescribe a programme of 100, 200, 400 or 600 hours. Since July 2025, training has been extended to signatories who have not reached A2 level, in anticipation of the requirements applicable in 2026.
Attendance is a contractual obligation when lessons are prescribed. However, a training certificate does not necessarily replace the official proof of proficiency required for a card.
Connect the CIR to your next residence application
VisaPref checks your OFII certificates, language proficiency and the new conditions for the card you are seeking.
Complying with the contract's obligations
Compliance with the CIR is taken into account during your residence pathway. Notify the organisation before an absence and provide the requested supporting document. If you face an ongoing difficulty, ask in writing for an adjustment or postponement instead of simply ceasing to participate.
At the end of the programme, a review interview is held to refer you to appropriate services, particularly for employment and training.
CIR, civic exam and contract of commitment: three schemes
- the CIR organises the initial integration process and training;
- the civic exam certifies knowledge for certain procedures from 2026;
- the contract of commitment to uphold the principles of the Republic formalises a commitment that applies to the issue of certain residence documents.
Their similar names cause considerable confusion. Keep a separate section for each document in your application file.
What should you do if you miss an appointment?
Contact OFII promptly, explain the reason, provide supporting evidence and request a new date. Keep proof of your message. An unexplained absence is harder to justify than an impediment reported immediately.
Frequently asked questions
Do all foreign nationals sign the CIR?
No. The scheme applies to eligible foreign nationals admitted for long-term residence and provides for excluded or exempt categories.
Does the CIR automatically entitle you to a multi-year card?
No. It forms part of the process, but each card retains its own conditions concerning the right of residence, language proficiency and, where applicable, the civic exam.
Are French lessons always 600 hours long?
No. The prescribed course depends on the assessed level and may be for one of several numbers of hours.
Official sources
Article updated on 16 September 2026. You must comply with the individual requirements stated in your contract.