Short answer: The biggest recent changes are the new 2025 US civics test (up to 20 questions from 128, with 12 correct needed), France’s civic exam, which became mandatory on 1 January 2026, and new citizenship tests in Sweden and, from the second half of 2027, New Zealand. Germany’s 2024 nationality reform also changed residence and dual citizenship rules. Always check official sources, because rules can change again.
United States: the 2025 civics test
If you file Form N-400 on or after 20 October 2025, you take the 2025 version of the civics test. The officer asks up to 20 questions from a list of 128, and you need 12 correct answers to pass. Applicants who filed earlier take the 2008 version: up to 10 questions from 100, with 6 correct needed.
Read the full details in the 2025 US civics test: what changed, then practise with our US citizenship practice test.
France: the examen civique becomes mandatory
Since 1 January 2026, under the immigration law of 26 January 2024, applicants for French nationality by decree and for a first multi-year residence card or 10-year resident card must pass a civic exam. It has 40 multiple-choice questions, a 45-minute limit and a pass mark of 32 (80%), one of the highest of any citizenship test.
See our guide to France’s new civic exam and the French civic exam practice test.
Germany: the 2024 nationality reform
Germany’s reformed nationality law took effect on 27 June 2024. It generally allows dual citizenship, so most applicants no longer have to give up their previous nationality, and it reduced the standard residence requirement to five years. The Einbürgerungstest itself is unchanged: 33 questions, 17 correct to pass. Further changes to fast-track naturalisation have been debated since, so check the current rules with your local authority.
Sweden: a new civics test
Sweden’s new citizenship rules took effect on 6 June 2026, and the first civics test (medborgarskapsprov) on Swedish society was held on 15 August 2026. It had 60 questions with a 90-minute limit; the pass mark had not been announced at the time of writing. A Swedish language requirement is also being introduced. Practise the key topics with our Sweden civics practice test.
New Zealand: a citizenship test from 2027
New Zealand has announced a 20-question citizenship test, due from the second half of 2027. Until then, New Zealand does not require a knowledge test for citizenship. You can already learn the basics with our New Zealand civics practice test.
Summary of recent changes
| Country | Change | When |
|---|---|---|
| United States | 2025 civics test: up to 20 of 128 questions, 12 to pass | N-400 filed on or after 20 October 2025 |
| France | Civic exam mandatory: 40 questions, 80% to pass | 1 January 2026 |
| Germany | Dual citizenship generally allowed; 5-year standard residence | 27 June 2024 |
| Sweden | New civics test on Swedish society: 60 questions, 90 minutes | First test held 15 August 2026 |
| New Zealand | New 20-question citizenship test | Due from the second half of 2027 |
How to stay up to date
- Check the official government website for your country before you book any test.
- Look at the date on any study guide you use, and make sure it is the current edition.
- Visit our countries page, where each country links to its official source.
Related guides
- How Many Questions Are on the US Citizenship Test? (2025 vs 2008) – Up to 20 questions from 128 on the 2025 civics test, 12 correct to pass; up…
- Einbürgerungstest: The German Citizenship Test Explained – Germany's Einbürgerungstest has 33 questions, 60 minutes and a pass mark of 17. Learn the question…
- US Naturalization Interview: What to Expect, Step by Step – What happens at the USCIS naturalization interview: the oath, your N-400 review, the English test and…
- US Citizenship English Test: Reading, Writing and Speaking Explained – How the English test at the US naturalization interview works: reading, writing and speaking, what you…