How to easily obtain the culture pass in 2026

The cultural pass represents a unique opportunity for young people to access various cultural experiences in France.

In 2026, this government initiative continues to evolve to better meet the needs of young generations.

We will explore in detail how to maximize its use and fully benefit from this financial aid dedicated to culture.

This article will guide you step by step through all the necessary procedures to easily obtain your cultural pass.

What is the cultural pass in 2026?

The cultural pass, initially launched in 2019, remains an essential program to promote cultural diversity among young people. It is a state-funded mobile application that offers each young person a certain amount to spend on cultural activities.

The objective of the initiative

The main objective of the cultural pass is to encourage young people's cultural participation by giving them access to various forms of art and culture. This contributes to the diversification of cultural and artistic practices among young French people.

The developments of the cultural pass since its creation

Since its launch in 2019 in five departments, the cultural pass has gradually expanded to the entire French territory. Eligibility criteria and allocated amounts have been adjusted over time to reach different age groups and meet the needs of young people.

Who can benefit from the cultural pass in 2026?

The cultural pass initiative in 2026 is intended for young people aged 17 and 18. This initiative aims to encourage cultural and artistic discovery among adolescents.

The age criteria and allocated amounts

From the age of 17, the cultural pass provides access to 50 euros to explore various cultural offerings. At 18, an additional credit of 150 euros is granted, valid until the day before their 21st birthday, allowing them to deepen their artistic activities.

The nationality and residency conditions

To be eligible, young people must be of French nationality, nationals of a country in the European Economic Area, or legally residing in France for more than 12 months. These conditions require specific documentation during registration on the application.

The bonus for special situations

A 50 euro bonus is available for young people with disabilities or meeting certain social criteria, bringing their total allocation to 200 euros.

How to obtain the cultural pass: step-by-step procedures

Learn more

To obtain your cultural pass in 2026, follow these simple steps. First, you need to download the official application.

Download the application

The application is available for free on iOS and Android platforms. You can also access it from a computer.

Create an account and register

Once the application is installed, create a personal account by providing your complete personal information (name, first name, date of birth, email address).

Registration requires scanning your identity document as well as a recent proof of residence.

Eligibility verification and credit activation

After submitting these documents, you will receive a confirmation email to validate your registration.

The system automatically verifies your eligibility based on your age and personal situation. Once your eligibility is confirmed, your credit is automatically activated.

The necessary documents for registration

To register for the cultural pass in 2026, it is essential to gather certain documents. Online registration requires scanning your identity document and a proof of residence or a housing certificate.

Identity document and required proofs

You must provide a valid identity document (national identity card, passport, or residence permit for foreign residents) and a proof of residence dated within the last three months (utility bill, fixed or mobile phone bill, rental receipt).

EduConnect identifiers for minors

For 17-year-olds who are still minors, EduConnect identifiers are essential. These identifiers can be obtained from your main teacher or the administrative service of your school.

How to use your cultural pass credit

To fully enjoy your cultural pass credit, discover how to use it. The dedicated application allows you to easily navigate among the thousands of available cultural offers.

Navigation in the application

The application interface is intuitive and organized by categories to facilitate your searches. You can find shows, concerts, books, or music lessons in just a few clicks.

Reservation and payment for offers

To reserve an offer, simply select it and confirm your choice. The corresponding amount will be automatically deducted from your available credit. You can use your credit all at once or in installments.

Collection of cultural goods

After each reservation, you will receive a QR code or a digital receipt that will serve as proof of purchase. For physical goods, you will need to go to the store to collect them.

What cultural offers are available?

The cultural pass is your gateway to a multitude of enriching cultural experiences. It allows participation in artistic activities or cultural outings or the purchase of materials and digital goods.

Cultural activities and outings

You can reserve places for live shows, concerts, theatrical performances, cinema screenings, museum visits, and exhibitions. Artistic courses and workshops are also accessible to develop your talents.

Accessible physical goods

The pass allows you to acquire books, comics, CDs, vinyl records, DVDs, musical instruments, and fine arts materials. You have access to a variety of physical cultural goods.

Eligible digital services

Digital services include subscriptions to online press, music streaming platforms, video-on-demand services, and certain culturally significant video games. You can enrich your digital experiences with the cultural pass.

• Varied experiences for all ages and interests.
• The “Duo” offer allows you to share certain experiences with a friend.
• All offers are provided by official cultural partners.

The restrictions and limits of the cultural pass

It is essential to understand the limits of the cultural pass to fully enjoy it. The initiative offers a wide range of cultural options, but certain restrictions apply.

What is not covered by the pass

Some goods and services are not eligible for the cultural pass. These include school and extracurricular books, computer equipment such as computers and phones, as well as merchandise and figurines related to cultural works.

• School and extracurricular books are excluded.
• Computer equipment is not eligible.
• Merchandise and figurines are not covered.

Spending limits for certain categories

Spending limits are imposed for certain categories, particularly for digital services such as subscriptions to video streaming platforms (Netflix, Disney+) or music (Spotify, Deezer). It is important to check these limits to plan your purchases.

Additionally, it is crucial to note that home delivery is not covered by the cultural pass. You will need to go to the store to collect your purchases. The allocation must be used within the specified time frames, particularly for beneficiaries aged 18, whose credit is valid until the day before their 21st birthday.

Conclusion: fully enjoy your cultural pass

Optimal use of the cultural pass allows young people to diversify their artistic experiences and enrich their cultural journeys.

Here are some tips to make the most of it:

• Regularly explore the application to discover new offers.
• Take advantage of the “Duo” option to share your cultural discoveries with friends.
• Remember that your credit is time-limited and must be used before the day before your 21st birthday.

The cultural pass is more than just an allocation: it is an invitation to take charge of your own cultural journey. In 2026, this initiative continues to evolve to better meet the expectations of young people.