French Naturalization: Complete Guide to Becoming French
Par Antonin GAVREL - le vendredi 10 octobre 2025 - 8 min read
French Naturalization: Complete Guide to Becoming French
Naturalization is the procedure allowing a foreigner to acquire French nationality. It is granted by decree upon individual request and requires meeting strict conditions of residence, integration, and resources.
This guide accompanies you through all the steps to become a French citizen.
🇫🇷 What is Naturalization?
Naturalization is one of the ways for adult foreigners residing in France to acquire French nationality.
Benefits of French Nationality
- Right to vote and stand for election
- French passport: free movement in the EU and many countries without visa
- Access to all civil service jobs
- French diplomatic protection abroad
- Permanent right of residence in France
- Ability to pass nationality to children
✅ Conditions for Applying for Naturalization
1. Residence in France
You must prove habitual residence in France for at least 5 years before filing your application.
Exceptions (reduction to 2 years of residence):
- Graduate of French higher education (minimum bac+2)
- Services rendered to France (high-level athlete, researcher, entrepreneur)
- Exceptional integration path
Exemption from residence condition:
- Refugees
- Nationals of French-speaking countries with French as mother tongue
- Persons who have performed military service in the French army
2. Stability and Regularity of Stay
You must be in a regular situation with a valid residence permit.
Irregular stay or prolonged absences (more than 6 consecutive months or 3 months per year) can jeopardize your application.
3. Republican Integration
You must demonstrate your integration into French society:
-
Sufficient knowledge of the French language (B1 oral level of CEFR) certified by:
- French diploma (DNB, baccalaureate, bachelor's degree, etc.)
- Language certificate (TCF, DELF, DALF)
- Test organized by the administration
-
Knowledge of rights and duties conferred by French nationality: culture, history, society, and values of the Republic (secularism, gender equality, etc.)
4. Assimilation into the French Community
- Adherence to essential principles and values of the Republic
- Lifestyle conforming to French customs
- Family, social, and professional ties in France
5. Sufficient and Stable Resources
You must prove sufficient resources to support yourself and your family.
There is no legal minimum amount, but your income must be stable and regular.
6. No Criminal Convictions
- No serious criminal convictions
- No threat to public order
📋 Required Documents
Identity and Civil Status Documents
- Birth certificate (original with apostille or legalization)
- Valid passport
- Valid residence permit
- Nationality certificate (if you have already had another nationality)
- Marriage certificate and children's birth certificates (if applicable)
Proof of Residence
- Proof of residence in France for the last 5 years (bills, rent receipts, tax assessments, etc.)
- Successive residence permits since your arrival in France
Proof of Integration
- French language diploma (DELF B1, TCF, etc.) or French diploma
- Certificate of participation in civic training (if applicable)
- Work certificate, pay slips
- Proof of your associative, social, or professional involvement
Proof of Resources
- Last 3 tax assessments (or non-tax assessment)
- Last 3 pay slips
- Employment contract or employer certificate
Other Documents
- French criminal record (bulletin no. 3)
- Recent ID photos meeting standards
- Tax stamp of €55
🏛️ Naturalization Procedure
Step 1: Verify Your Eligibility
Before starting, make sure you meet all conditions (residence, integration, resources).
Step 2: Compile the File
Gather all the documents listed above. Some must be translated into French by a certified translator.
Step 3: Schedule Appointment at Prefecture
Schedule an appointment with the prefecture of your residence (or regional naturalization platform) to submit your file.
Step 4: File Submission
Appear at the appointment with all original documents and copies. An agent will verify the completeness of your file.
You will receive a submission receipt.
Step 5: File Review
Your file is transmitted to the Ministry of the Interior for review.
During this phase:
- Investigation of your morality and integration
- Verification of your tax and criminal situation
- Consultation of various services (police, justice, taxes)
Step 6: Assimilation Interview
You will be summoned to an individual interview with a prefecture agent.
Objective: evaluate your French level and your knowledge of republican values.
Topics covered:
- Your journey in France
- Your professional and social integration
- Your knowledge of France (history, institutions, geography)
- Your adherence to the values of the Republic
Step 7: Decision
After the interview, your file is submitted to a commission.
3 possible outcomes:
- Favorable decision: you receive a naturalization decree published in the Official Journal
- Postponement: your application is deferred (1 to 2 years), often to improve your integration
- Refusal: your application is rejected
In case of acceptance, you are summoned to a welcoming ceremony into French citizenship.
Step 8: Declaration of Nationality and Certificate Issuance
At the ceremony, you sign a declaration of nationality and receive a French nationality certificate.
You can then apply for:
- A French national identity card
- A French passport
⏳ Processing Times
The total naturalization period is generally 18 to 24 months, or more depending on prefectures.
Processing times by stage:
- File submission to interview summons: 6 to 12 months
- Interview to decision: 6 to 12 months
⚠️ Silence from the administration for more than 18 months equals implicit refusal.
💶 Cost of Naturalization
- Tax stamp upon submission: €55
- Document translation: variable according to number of documents (approximately €30 to €50 per document)
- Language certificates: approximately €100 to €200
Estimated total: between €200 and €500.
❌ Refusal and Appeals
Common Refusal Reasons
- Insufficient integration (language, civic knowledge)
- Insufficient or unstable resources
- Irregular or too short stay
- Criminal convictions
- Threat to public order
- Fraud or false declarations
Possible Appeals
- Administrative appeal: ask the Ministry of the Interior to re-examine your file
- Contentious appeal: refer to the administrative court within 2 months after refusal notification
🔄 After Naturalization
Mandatory Procedures
- Apply for a national identity card at town hall
- Apply for a French passport at town hall or online
- Inform your employer (if you work in civil service)
- Update your situation with Social Security, CAF, taxes, etc.
Dual Nationality
France allows dual nationality. You can keep your original nationality, unless your country prohibits it.
🤝 VisaPref Assists You
Naturalization is a long and demanding procedure. An incomplete or poorly prepared file can lead to refusal or postponement.
At VisaPref, we assist you to:
- Assess your eligibility
- Compile a complete and compliant file
- Prepare you for the assimilation interview
- Maximize your chances of obtaining it
👉 Contact us for personalized assistance toward French nationality.
❓ FAQ – French Naturalization
1. Can I apply for naturalization with a 1-year residence permit?
Yes, as long as you prove 5 years of legal residence in France (except exceptions).
2. Must I renounce my original nationality?
No, France allows dual nationality. However, some countries require you to renounce your original nationality.
3. How long does it take to obtain French nationality?
On average 18 to 24 months from file submission.
4. What happens if my application is postponed?
You can resubmit an application after the indicated period (generally 1 to 2 years) by strengthening your integration.
5. Can I vote after naturalization?
Yes, upon obtaining French nationality, you are automatically registered on electoral lists and can vote in French and European elections.