The fastest prefecture for naturalization

According to data from easytrangers.com, the Toulouse prefecture is the fastest. It allows for a naturalization by decree to be obtained more quickly. In Toulouse, the submission of the file and the interview are done in a single day.

The Bobigny prefecture is also known for its speed. There, there is no waiting time between the file and the interview.

On the other hand, Montpellier and Lyon are slower. They wait more than 24 months and 20 months between two steps. Lille is not much faster, with a delay of 16 months.

In the Île-de-France departments, things are a bit better. People wait less than 10 months between their application and the interview.

Key points to remember

• The Toulouse prefecture is the most efficient for quick naturalization
• Bobigny also has a very fast procedure
• But beware, Montpellier, Lyon, and Lille are very slow
• In Île-de-France, the wait is generally less than 10 months
• It is crucial to gather information before submitting your application

What is naturalization by decree?

Definition and required conditions

Naturalization by decree is a method to become French. It is for adult foreigners who want to obtain nationality. To be eligible, one must have lived in France for at least 5 years. It is also necessary to speak French, share the values of France, and be well integrated. There should be no serious convictions in your background.

Procedure to follow

The process to become French through naturalization, including the naturalization process, involves several steps:

1. You must first submit an application to the prefecture or online.
2. Then, you will be called for an interview to verify your assimilation.
3. Your file will be sent to the Ministry of the Interior for review.
4. If everything goes well, your new nationality will be announced in the Official Journal.
5. Finally, you will receive your identity card or your French passport.

Processing times for a naturalization application

National statistics

The figures from the easytrangers.com site show that the average time to examine a nationality acquisition application is 2.5 years. This count starts on the day the file is submitted.

Several steps must be considered in this timeframe:

• Waiting between the submission of the file and the interview at the prefecture, a process that can take more than 24 months in some regions.
• The time it takes for the prefecture to verify the file before sending it to the ministry (REZE). This period can last up to 9 months.
• The evaluation of the file by the ministry (REZE and SCEC), with an average time of 9 months.
• The delay after the return of the file to REZE and its publication in the Official Journal, which takes about 2 weeks.

Variations by prefecture

Processing times vary greatly by location.

For example, Toulouse (31) and Bobigny (93) are known for processing files on the same day they are submitted.

In contrast, Montpellier (34) takes more than 24 months to organize an interview after submission, Lyon (69) requires 20 months, and in Lille (59), it is 16 months.

In Île-de-France, the delays generally hover around 10 months.

Fastest prefecture for naturalization

Ranking of prefectures by delays

On easytrangers.com, the fastest prefectures for naturalization have been noted. The ranking is based on the role of prefectures in processing files:

1. Toulouse Prefecture (31): 0 months waiting time between file submission and interview
2. Bobigny Prefecture (93): 0 months waiting time between file submission and interview
3. Île-de-France prefectures (except Bobigny): less than 10 months waiting time on average
4. Lille Prefecture (59): 16 months waiting time between submission and interview
5. Lyon Prefecture (69): 20 months waiting time between submission and interview
6. Montpellier Prefecture (34): more than 24 months waiting time between submission and interview

Factors influencing delays

Several factors affect waiting times for naturalization:

• The number of applications received
• The resources allocated to naturalization services, such as personnel and funding
• The speed of the methods used to process applications
• The priority given by the prefecture to these files
• The geographical situation and the number of people in the department

Steps in the naturalization process

File submission

The submission of the file to become a citizen can be done online or at the prefecture. One can submit it online by following a procedure on the ministry's website. Otherwise, it can be brought directly to the prefecture of one's residence. Once the file is complete, an appointment is set for an interview.

Interview at the prefecture

At the prefecture, an agent checks that all documents are present and reviews your situation. This interview is also there to see if you share the values of France. After the interview, your file is sent to the Ministry of the Interior.

Processing by the ministry (REZE and SCEC)

Once at the ministry, your file is processed by REZE. Then, it is sent to SCEC for a final verification. After review, SCEC gives its opinion and the file returns to REZE. Then, it prepares the publication of the decision in the Official Journal.

Publication in the Official Journal

Once REZE is ready, your file is published in the Official Journal. This marks the end of the process, which lasts about 2 weeks. From this moment on, you can request your identity card or your French passport.

Tips to expedite your application

For your naturalization application, it is important to prepare your file well from the start.

Assemble a complete file

Make sure you have all the necessary supporting documents. Provide all requested documents to avoid delays.

Track the progress of your file

After submitting your file, keep an eye on its progress. You can do this by contacting the prefecture or using your online space.

If your file is delayed, do not hesitate to ask for updates. Contact the services to know the status of your application.

Regular follow-up will help you be ready for any additional requests. This will facilitate the process.

Make an appointment at the prefecture

Since February 6, 2023, there are new rules for naturalization applications. You now need to make an appointment for this. You have two different ways to do it:

If you want to apply for naturalization by decree, you can do it online. Use the teleprocedure set up by the Ministry of the Interior.

For an application by declaration (marriage, parents, or siblings who are French), it is a bit different. You must go to the sub-prefecture of Torcy in Seine-et-Marne to make an appointment.

Facilitated naturalization

By marriage to a French citizen

Marrying a French citizen makes naturalization easier. Certain conditions must be met. For example:

• Being together for 4 years with a French citizen
• Legally residing in France for at least 1 year
• Demonstrating good integration into French culture

As a parent or sibling of a French citizen

It is also easier to obtain nationality for parents, grandparents, or siblings of French citizens. For example, parents must be the parent of a French citizen and legally reside in France.

• Having a French child is a requirement
• Residence in France must be stable

For siblings, here is what is required:

• Having a French brother or sister
• Legally residing in France
• Demonstrating integration into French society

Naturalization statistics by department

Naturalization figures vary between departments. In 2019, several cities, including Bouaké, saw more people naturalize, partly due to the infrastructure in Bouaké:

The reason for these variations is the density of foreigners in each department.

Regional variations in delays

Delays to become a citizen through naturalization change according to the region. Generally, the Île-de-France departments process applications faster. It often takes less than 10 months to go from submission to interview at the prefecture.

However, some regions like Montpellier, Lyon, or Lille are slower. They can take more than 20 months to finalize files. The cause of these differences is the number of applications received and the resources available to process them, just like the Shonan beaches that attract many visitors during the summer.

User feedback

Users share their experiences on easytrangers.com. They reveal huge differences in processing times by prefectures.

In Toulouse (31) and Bobigny (93), people note very short delays. They can submit their file and have an interview on the same day.

However, others speak of extremely long delays. For example, it can take more than 24 months to get an interview in Montpellier (34), Lyon (69), and Lille (59).

It is therefore crucial to gather information about the delays before making your application. This will avoid unexpected waits. The experiences of other users can be very helpful.

Common mistakes to avoid

It is vital not to make certain mistakes for a quick naturalization process. Here is what to keep in mind:

• Not assembling a complete file from the start, leading to requests for additional documents
• Not regularly tracking the progress of your file with the prefecture
• Submitting a new application online when you already have a file number, creating duplicates
• Not respecting the deadlines indicated by the prefecture for providing additional documents

It is crucial to follow these tips to avoid delays in processing your file.

Delegate your application to a professional

You can delegate the management of your naturalization application. A specialized law firm would be ideal for this.

They will help you prepare your file. They will also guide you step by step and handle the procedures for you.

This option has an additional cost. But if you are not well acquainted with the steps to follow, it is very useful.

Resources and support

If you are having trouble with your naturalization application, you are not alone. Many resources and support services can help you.

Websites

On the Service-Public.fr website, there is a tool that helps you know which documents are needed. It depends on your situation. You will also find precise information about naturalization.

Easytrangers.com allows you to see how long each prefecture takes to process applications. This can help you choose the best prefecture for your file, taking into account the role of the prefect in the process.

If you have problems completing your procedures online, the Citizen Contact Center can help you. It is a team that is there to answer your questions. You can contact them by phone or through a contact form.