Your appointment at the prefecture is waiting for you! Sign up at rendezvousprefecture.com to receive them by email and SMS. As soon as they are available, you will be notified.
No need to travel for the digitalization. Nor to send your documents by mail. You will always have up-to-date information in your online space.
A tool on service-public.fr can also guide you. It helps prepare your file for the acquisition of French nationality. And for other necessary administrative procedures.
What is naturalization?
Naturalization allows a foreigner to become French. They must have lived in France for a certain period. And they must speak French, have good conduct, and respect France.
Definition and eligibility conditions
To become French, a foreigner must have lived in France for at least 5 years. They must know the French language and customs. And they must love France and its ideals.
The different naturalization procedures
There are two ways to become French: by decree or by declaration. By decree is for those who meet the usual criteria. By declaration concerns marriage or family with French citizens.
First step: check the conditions
Before applying for nationality, make sure you meet the criteria. It is important to know French. A B1 level in French, both written and spoken, is required.
Required French language level
To demonstrate your French, provide proof such as a diploma. If you have been in France for less than 10 years, also provide an extract from your criminal record from your countries of origin.
Supporting documents and required paperwork
The documents depend on the naturalization path (decree or declaration). You must provide your birth certificates and proof of residence in France. Sometimes, French translations of certain documents are also needed. Keep the originals safe for any needs during the process.
Steps to follow for naturalization by decree
Naturalization by decree is requested online at administration-etrangers-en-france.interieur.gouv.fr. No need to move or send by mail. Follow everything in your personal space.
Digital submission of application
The application is submitted online, thanks to digitalization. No need to go to the prefecture. Everything is done from your computer or smartphone.
Online assistance simulator
An online simulator on service-public.fr helps you compile your naturalization file. This tool checks if you are eligible and guides you through the steps to follow.
Prefecture appointment for naturalization
To make an appointment with the prefecture, go to the website of your prefecture. You can do it online. Appointments are available 4 weeks in advance, starting every Monday at 7 AM.
If you have problems with the computer, don’t worry. There are digital reception points at the prefecture with professional respect. There, you can get help and find all the necessary materials.
Making an appointment online
Making an online appointment with the prefecture has become simple. You can make an appointment for your naturalization. Every Monday at 7 AM, slots for the following week are opened.
Digital reception points at the prefecture
If technical issues prevent you from making an appointment, don’t panic. Go to a digital reception point at the prefecture. You will find everything you need to get help. Staff will be able to answer your questions and assist you.
Steps for naturalization by declaration
If you want to become French through naturalization by declaration, start with an appointment. Go to the prefecture to submit your application. Before that, make sure you have all the necessary documents. Each case, such as the naturalization procedure by marriage, has its own conditions. Check carefully what you need.
| Type of naturalization by declaration | Specific conditions | Main supporting documents |
|---|---|---|
| Naturalization by marriage | Be married for at least 4 years to a French citizen | Marriage certificate, proof of residence |
| Naturalization by descent | Be the child of a French parent | Birth certificates, proof of parentage |
| Naturalization by sibling | Have a French brother or sister | Birth certificates, proof of sibling relationship |
To become French through naturalization by declaration, check everything. Prepare a complete file. Only proceed once you are ready.
Preparing for the assimilation interview
After submitting your file, you will have an assimilation interview. This checks if you know about France: its language, history, and culture. It is vital to prepare well to succeed in this step.
Schedule and summons
When you receive your summons for the naturalization interview, be attentive. It is very important to arrive on time at the prefecture. Any absence or unjustified delay can lead to your application being rejected.
Conduct of the interview
The naturalization interview is conducted privately, with a prefecture employee. It covers topics such as secularism, major moments in history, and how the government functions. Be honest and clear in your responses.
For good preparation, read books about the history and politics of France. The Citizen's Booklet online is also a good resource for information.
Tracking the naturalization application
After submitting your file, you can track its progress online. This is done in your personal online space. You will know if additional information is needed or what decisions are made.
It is very important to be prompt and respond quickly to requests. Otherwise, if you do not respond after 2 months, your file could be forgotten. Thanks to the online version of this tracking, you will be informed in real-time of each step of your application.
Naturalization ceremony welcoming you to French citizenship and conditions for French nationality
After the approval of your naturalization ceremony, you will be invited to a special ceremony. This symbolizes a crucial moment in your new citizen life.
At this ceremony, you will pledge your loyalty to France and its principles. Then, you will officially receive your naturalization decree.
95% of new French citizens attend this ceremony. You will receive your invitation about 3 months after obtaining nationality.
The event is organized by local authorities, such as the prefect or the mayor. 80% of new citizens take a half-day off to be present.
| Eligibility criteria for the ceremony | Summons timeframe |
|---|---|
| – Have obtained French nationality by decree or declaration – Be at least 18 years old – Reside in France or abroad |
– On average, 3 months after obtaining nationality – Timeframe varies according to the volume of requests |
Processing times for applications
Your file for processing times for the interdepartmental platform of naturalization can take several months to process. This time varies depending on the number of applications received. It is also influenced by the completeness of your file and sometimes by the need for additional documents. That’s why it is important to frequently check the progress of your application.
Files sent by mail are reviewed in up to 4 months. Some candidates are invited for an interview within 6 months after their application. For others, the wait can be more than 12 months.
On average, it can take between 12 and 18 months to receive a final response.
| Step of the process | Average timeframe |
|---|---|
| Review of files submitted by mail on the interdepartmental platform | Up to 4 months |
| Summons for a regulatory interview | 6 months for certain declarations, more than 12 months for others lyon |
| Receipt of a final response | Between 12 and 18 months |
It is crucial to prepare your file well. It is also important to closely monitor its progress. This helps reduce possible delays in processing your application.
Refusal of naturalization: possible recourse
If your naturalization is refused, several options are available to you. You can make a gracious or contentious appeal. It is better to inquire about your rights. You can do this at the prefecture or with a lawyer.
There are several cases for making a recourse against a refusal of naturalization. Notably if your application is rejected, or if it has not been accepted for other reasons. You have means to fight against this decision.
First, it is possible to make a hierarchical appeal. This is done with the Minister of Naturalizations. You have 2 months after receiving the response. If that doesn’t yield results, you can then go to the administrative court in Nantes. This is a recourse for excess power. Here too, you have 2 months to do so.
In court, a specialized judge will verify the decision. They will look for errors of law or fact. If they find issues, they can annul the decision against naturalization.
It is strongly recommended to be accompanied by a lawyer specializing in nationality. They will know how to assist you in facing these legal digital procedures.
Conclusion
Obtaining French nationality through naturalization is a long process. You must follow all the steps carefully. Be well-informed, prepare your file thoroughly, and pay attention to deadlines. This will increase your chances of success. If you encounter difficulties, seek help.
The process may seem difficult, but it is important to stay organized. Keep yourself updated on changes in the rules. This will help you become a French citizen, which is very important.
It doesn’t matter if you choose naturalization by decree or by declaration. The important thing is to prepare well and closely follow your file. With patience and seriousness, you will soon be French.
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