Naturalisation interview after the civic exam: guide

Two complementary assessments

Since 2026, assimilation into the French community has been assessed through passing the civic exam and an interview at the prefecture. Passing the multiple-choice test therefore does not remove the need to attend the interview. The exam measures standardised knowledge; the interview places that knowledge in the context of your personal history, life in France and commitment to Republican principles.

This interview must not be confused with the B2 test either. Your French proficiency is demonstrated by accepted documents, but the conversation naturally enables the officer to assess your ability to understand and respond.

What the officer seeks to assess

The interview notably covers:

• your personal, family and professional history;
• your ties to France and whether it is the centre of your life;
• your understanding of the rights and duties associated with nationality;
• your commitment to the Republic's essential values;
• consistency between your statements and the application documents.

The aim is not to recite a perfect speech. A personal, precise and consistent answer is better than a memorised formula unrelated to your circumstances.

Preparing to discuss your history in French

Practise presenting your arrival, studies or employment, changes of permit, family and plans in chronological order. Prepare a simple explanation of periods of inactivity, stays abroad or recent changes.

Reread the complete copy of the application. An approximate date given orally may be understandable; significant and repeated contradictions with the documents may prompt requests for additional information.

Reviewing the principles without repeating the entire multiple-choice test

After the civic exam, focus on reviewing the practical application of the values. Be able to explain secularism, equality between women and men, freedom of expression and fraternity in your own words. Reread the Charter of the Rights and Duties of French Citizens.

The officer may also ask you about the general operation of the institutions or a civic current-affairs issue. Following reliable sources and understanding events is more useful than memorising a long list of public figures.

Documents to review before the appointment

First follow the list enclosed with your appointment notice. Bring the requested originals and new documents relating to any change since submission: employment, address, marriage, birth, separation or long-term travel.

Also prepare:

• a valid passport and residence permit;
• the appointment notice;
• recent employment and tax documents;
• updated civil-status documents if your circumstances have changed;
• the civic certificate and evidence of language proficiency if requested.

Every relevant change must be reported to the authorities while the application is being processed, rather than waiting for the officer to discover it during the interview.

Common questions and how to answer them well

Why do you want to become French? Connect your answer to your real life: family, commitment, stability, sense of belonging and civic participation. Avoid an answer limited to obtaining a passport or making travel easier.

What does secularism mean? Explain freedom of conscience, State neutrality and equality between people, without presenting secularism as a general ban on religions.

What are your plans? Describe credible plans that are consistent with the employment and family information in the application.

Conduct to avoid

• inventing an answer to please the officer;
• reciting a video word for word;
• concealing a change in circumstances;
• responding aggressively to a request for clarification;
• believing that the civic certificate guarantees naturalisation.

Official source

• French naturalisation by decree

Article updated on 16 September 2026. The exact content of the interview depends on your individual application.