Best Prefecture for Naturalization in France

Are you looking for French naturalization? It is vital to choose the right prefecture. Each department varies in naturalization process, eligibility requirements, required documents, processing times, and naturalization fees. Learn how to choose the prefecture that suits you best in this guide.

Main Insights

• Significant differences in the number of naturalizations between departments, particularly between Île-de-France and the rest of France
• The importance of the concentration of foreign population and the socio-economic level of candidates in choosing the prefecture
• Digitization of naturalization application submissions, with technical support available
• Specific conditions depending on the chosen procedure (decree, declaration) and eligibility criteria
• Requirement of a B1 level in French, both spoken and written, for naturalization

Naturalization Statistics by Department

The figures show that naturalization varies greatly by region. There are more naturalized individuals compared to the number of foreigners in Île-de-France.

Number of Naturalizations Compared to the Foreign Population

In Paris, around 7,500 naturalizations are recorded for 300,000 foreigners. This means that one foreigner out of 40 obtains their naturalization. The Hauts-de-Seine sees a higher rate, with one foreigner out of 20 naturalizing.

In other places like Rhône, Haute-Garonne, or Bouches-du-Rhône, it is less common. Only one foreigner out of 50 or 60 becomes a French citizen.

Comparison Between Île-de-France and Other Regions

The differences in naturalization processes are marked between Île-de-France and other regions. This may depend on the concentration of foreigners and their socio-economic level.

Factors Influencing the Choice of Prefecture

The number of people applying for nationality varies from one place to another in France. Proximity to a large foreign population, like in Île-de-France, helps candidates. It makes the steps to become a citizen simpler.

Concentration of the Foreign Population

In Île-de-France, many immigrants live here. This means that services for naturalizations are better organized. Candidates receive good support during the process.

Education Level and Employment Situation

Foreigners in Île-de-France often have education and jobs that help. This can make them more comfortable applying for citizenship. They are better prepared and know what it takes to become a citizen. Thus, submitting an application is simpler for them.

Digitized Application Submission Process

Since 2020, naturalization applications have been made online via ANEF. This saves candidates unnecessary trips. Only the interview requires physical presence.

There are several aids for candidates. The Citizen Contact Center and the Digital Access Point support them. They increase accessibility to the process.

ANEF Space and Online Submission

Online submission is currently being tested in a few areas with NATALI. It will expand to other locations by the end of 2022. In 2023, you will also be able to submit applications via the ANEF space for your close family members who are French.

You can track your application and provide additional information online. This is a project aimed at simplifying the procedures.

Support and Technical Assistance

If you have difficulties, the contact center and digital reception points are there to help. An explanatory video will be released at the end of 2022. It will help people better understand and use the service.

On February 1, 2023, the entire naturalization process will be done online. This marks a new era in administration in France.

Best Prefecture for Naturalization

Statistics vary greatly between departments regarding the best prefecture for naturalization. Therefore, it cannot be said that one prefecture is "the best" for naturalization. Each case is different, depending on the documents to be provided, the naturalization interview, the knowledge test, processing times, and fees. It is essential to consult experts to find the best path, whether you are looking to acquire dual nationality or not.

Each prefecture is unique, offering advantages or disadvantages depending on your situation. The key is to be well-informed. This way, you can choose the one that suits you best for your naturalization process.

Naturalization Procedures by Decree

Naturalization by decree is a common way to obtain French nationality. To achieve this, certain eligibility conditions must be met. These conditions relate to residency and proficiency in the French language. It is necessary to provide several documents such as civil status records and proof of residency and income. A B1 level certificate in French is also required.

Eligibility Conditions

To be eligible for naturalization by decree, specific criteria must be met. This includes having lived in France for at least 5 years. Candidates must also demonstrate that they speak French well. This is done by presenting a B1 level certificate in both written and spoken forms.

Required Documents

Many proofs must be provided, such as identity, nationality, and address documents. It will also be necessary to prove residency in France and income. Additionally, aspects of family life such as marriage and children must be documented.

For those who have lived in France for less than 10 years, an extract from the criminal record from all countries lived in must also be presented. All documents in a foreign language must be translated into French by an official translator.

Naturalization Procedures by Declaration

Spouses, ascendants, and siblings of French citizens can apply for nationality by declaration. These applications are made at the Hauts-de-Seine prefecture by appointment, as well as in other prefectures in Japan.

To become French, these individuals must send a complete file to the Indre-et-Loire Prefecture in Tours. This file must arrive by mail and be followed by acknowledgment of receipt.

The naturalization procedure requires a tax stamp of €55. You must also prove a good level of French, equivalent to B1 of the CERL, both orally and in writing.

If you have lived in France for less than 10 years, bring an original extract of your foreign criminal record. This document must come from each country where you have lived. Don't forget the translation into French done by an expert if the document is not in French.

Present the original and complete copies of birth certificates, in their original languages. A French certificate must not be older than 3 months.

Prepare digital or photographic versions of your documents for online submission of the file. The site Service-Public.fr offers a service to know what documents to provide.

Additionally, your application will be tracked via email at the address you provided. If the administration requests more documents, additional time will be granted to provide them.

The opportunity to become French by declaration is unique in certain mentioned regions. To assist you in making your application, digital reception points are available for those needing IT assistance.

Only apply to become French. Communications with the administration are conducted online if your file is submitted with ANEF.

Language Requirements for Naturalization

Since 2012, candidates for naturalization must demonstrate a B1 level in French. This level means that they can understand key points in a speech. They can also manage in travel to a place where French is spoken. They can speak and write about topics they know well.

Required B1 Level

To obtain French nationality, the B1 level of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) is necessary. This applies whether one seeks to become a citizen by naturalization or by marrying a French national. Achieving this level shows that one can understand key information and write simple texts in French.

Accepted TCF and TEF Certificates

You can prove your level in French with language certifications such as the Test de Connaissance du Français (TCF) or the Test d'Évaluation du Français (TEF). The certificates, issued by approved organizations, must be recent, dating from less than two years. They must show that you have reached the B1 level, both in the overall test and in each part.

Translation of Foreign Documents

For foreign civil status documents, official translation into French is required. Civil status records from Algeria must be in Arabic and French. This must be done by a certified translator.

All mandatory documents for naturalization in France must also be translated. This includes eligibility conditions and required papers. The official translation ensures that the authorities receive valid documents.

Foreign documents may require legalization or an apostille. This depends on your situation and the countries involved. Therefore, it is important to be well-informed about the necessary procedures.

Special Cases

Special circumstances may require certain additional steps to become a French citizen. This particularly concerns applicants from Algeria and those who have experienced a divorce.

Algerian Applicants

Algerian applicants must add specific documents to their file. For example, they must present their birth certificate in Arabic and French. This is due to the history between France and Algeria.

Divorce Situations

After a divorce, applicants must show their marriage and divorce certificates. Even if they have remarried. This is true regardless of the country where the divorce was finalized.

Processing Times by Prefecture

Each prefecture has its own processing times for naturalization applications. Some, like those in Hauts-de-Seine, are slower than others. It is essential to check the times with the relevant prefecture.

For example, at the Rhône prefecture in March 2024, it takes an average of 409 days for an application. The complete process in France lasts about 2.5 years after the file is submitted.

In the case of applications following a marriage in Seine-et-Marne, specific documents are required. Copies of the foreign spouse's residence permit, as well as marriage and birth certificates, must be provided. For applications as a brother or sister of a French citizen, nationality certificates and proof of schooling of those siblings must also be provided, along with the required urban planning permits for certain procedures.

Naturalization ceremonies take place 6 to 8 months after acceptance. It is the French sub-directorate of nationality that handles these events.

It is essential to inquire precisely with each prefecture and the territorial organization. This allows you to know the current times and the documents required for your file.

Tips for Choosing the Right Prefecture

There is not really a "best" prefecture for naturalization. It is important to understand the steps and waiting times in each region. This will help choose the one that best fits your case. For example, Île-de-France is known for processing applications faster. But the cost of living there is high. Considering housing costs before deciding is important. Other places, like departments 78 or 93, can be options to seriously consider.

The naturalization process has specific criteria. It depends on your situation, whether you are married, whether you have children, etc. To know how to proceed best, inquire at the prefecture of your choice.

During the naturalization interview, there are several things that are checked. For example, your French level and your opinions about the country are tested. This appointment is important. It can last from 30 minutes to an hour.

After submitting your file, request an acknowledgment of receipt. This proves that your application has been received.

Useful Resources and Contacts

To learn more about naturalization in France, visit the service-public.fr website. It is the ideal place to check if you meet the criteria. It explains the documents to provide and the steps to follow.

You can also contact the Hauts-de-Seine prefecture. Send a message to pref-naturalisations@hauts-de-seine.gouv.fr for any inquiries. They answer questions about naturalization, conditions, documents, interviews, tests, oaths, processing times, fees, and dual nationality.

Conclusion

The statistics reveal differences between departments for naturalization. However, there is no prefecture better than others to start. Each case is unique, so be well-informed to choose the process that best suits you.

Whether you are in Île-de-France or elsewhere, the naturalization procedures vary. However, prefectures offer help throughout your process.

The eligibility conditions, required documents, and other steps can change from one place to another. Different naturalization fees may also apply. Therefore, it is crucial to thoroughly research each prefecture. This will help you choose what is best for obtaining your dual nationality.

The authorities are there to support and advise you. Do not hesitate to ask for help with this significant step in France.