Naturalization appointment at the prefecture: useful information

Your appointment at the prefecture is ready, be there! Go to rendezvousprefecture.com to register. You will receive emails and SMS as soon as spots open up. To obtain naturalization, you will need to provide mandatory documents.

You will also need to show your French language level and make an appointment at the prefecture. This section explains how to proceed to become French.

Mandatory documents for naturalization

You must provide documents to be naturalized. First, a document like a passport is required. The same goes for your residence permit.

This does not apply if you are from a European country.

Identity documents and residence permit

You need to show your civil status, nationality, and residence. Bring your proof of time spent in France and the money you earn. All these papers are important for a complete file.

Proof of civil status, nationality, and residence

You must prove your civil status, nationality, and where you live. Also, bring proof of your life in France and your finances. These documents are essential for reviewing your naturalization application.

Proof of residence in France and financial resources

You must provide proof of your life here (in France) and how much you earn. These papers are crucial to complete your file.

Proving your French language level

To become French, show that you have a B1 French level. This level is required by the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). You may need to take a language test to prove it.

You can justify this B1 level with certain diplomas. For example, the National Diploma of Brevet in France. Language tests like the TCF or TEF are also acceptable, provided they are less than two years old.

However, OFII documents do not count for the naturalization language test. You may not need to take it if you have an equivalent diploma, confirmed by ENIC-NARIC.

Specific situations

In some cases, to become French, you need to do more than others. Living in France for less than 10 years is one example. You will need a criminal record extract from other countries where you have lived. This proves that you are honest, according to the requirement of naturalization less than 10 years residence in France.

Residence in France for less than 10 years

Having lived in France for less than 10 years requires proof of good conduct. You will need to provide a criminal record extract from other countries. This is mandatory for the naturalization less than 10 years residence France file.

Translation and legalization of documents

Documents in a foreign language must be translated into French by an expert. This ensures that you are well understood. Some of these documents must be legalized to be valid in France. This is essential for naturalization translation documents and naturalization legalization documents.

Submitting the naturalization file

When your naturalization file is ready, submit it online. Use a tele-service on Service-Public.fr. A simulator helps list the necessary documents for you.

Online tele-service

The naturalization process is now done entirely online. Just submit your file via the tele-service. No postal submission or travel is required.

Special cases for overseas and abroad

If you live in remote areas or abroad, take note. The rules are different in these places. You may need to submit your file elsewhere, such as at a consulate, for processing.

Getting help

If you have trouble preparing or submitting your naturalization file, you are not alone. Contact the citizen contact center of the National Agency for Secure Titles (ANTS) by email or phone. Alternatively, visit a digital reception point, available in almost all prefectures and sub-prefectures.

Request for additional documents

After submitting your naturalization file, you may need to add more documents. The service may set a deadline for this. It is important to act quickly if you are asked for something additional. Otherwise, your file may not be reviewed.

A file can be rejected if certain documents are missing. For example, if civil status documents are not apostilled, if you only send copies, or if essential documents are missing. Failing to translate documents can also cause issues.

The B1 French level and the address on your residence permit are important. If this is not well shown or if you forget the tax stamp, your application may fail.

Responding quickly to requests for additional papers is crucial. This will save you from issues and delays with your naturalization application. Your promptness can pave the way for a successful process.

naturalization appointment prefecture

Once the file is complete, an appointment awaits you at the prefecture. You will need to show who you are and your French level. Bring all your papers with you.

Timelines and quick procedures

The times to get an appointment vary by region. It is best to check directly with your prefecture.

Naturalization occurs in several stages. After the file, an interview is scheduled. There, they will assess who you are and your French. Then, your application will be reviewed.

Inter-departmental naturalization platform

Since 2015, people from the Alpes-Maritimes and Var have been submitting their applications to an inter-departmental platform. It is located in Nice. This platform processes naturalization files for these two areas. Now, applications are made online.

How the platform works

The inter-departmental platform manages applications online. This concerns naturalizations by decree and for marriages. Foreigners in the Alpes-Maritimes and Var can submit their files more easily there.

Concerned departments

Other regions also have inter-departmental platforms. For example, Beauvais has a platform. It handles applications for Oise, Somme, and Aisne.

Specific procedures for spouses of French citizens

Spouses of French citizens have simple procedures to acquire French nationality. They must send a declaration of acquisition of French nationality by mail. This is done at the address of the Alpes-Maritimes prefecture. This prefecture handles files for Alpes-Maritimes and Var.

The documents to submit are the family record book and the marriage certificate. They must also show proof of residence in France. It is necessary to justify their financial situation as well as the duration of their marriage.

These steps facilitate spouses of French citizens obtaining French nationality through marriage. This offers a simpler method to become French. Thus, many opt for naturalization this way.

Recognition of commitment during the COVID-19 crisis

During the health crisis related to COVID-19, an important gesture was made. It allowed for recognizing the commitment of those coming from other countries. These individuals helped in many areas, contributing to the collective effort. This recognition helped some obtain naturalization for their remarkable commitment during this period.

People had until July 15, 2021, to submit their applications. Those in charge, like the SCEC and the SDANF, prioritized the files. This allowed for quicker processing of decree of naturalization.

The government wanted to highlight the importance of commitment during the pandemic. They especially recognized the work of caregivers from abroad. Care assistants, for example, played a crucial role against COVID-19.

Conclusion

Becoming a French citizen is an important process. There are several steps to follow. Inform yourself well and prepare a complete file to maximize your chances.

The naturalization process may seem difficult, but it is achievable. By following the instructions and preparing, everything will go smoothly. ANTS supports you and answers your questions. Good luck!

Obtaining French nationality allows you to engage in the life of France. It is an opportunity to seize. Make your decision and move towards the future!