There are several ways to acquire French nationality. The most common are by decree or by declaration. Naturalization by decree : in principle, the applicant must have resided habitually and regularly in France for at least five years, demonstrate integration into French society, and present a stable personal and professional situation. Numerous exceptions exist, particularly regarding the required period of habitual residence, known as the "probationary period" (shorter for those with a Master's degree or for Tunisians, for example, etc.). After submitting the complete application, the applicant is summoned to a naturalization interview to assess their knowledge of French society and the adequacy of their French language skills. Certain exceptions are made depending on the applicant's situation. Note : in 2026, a new "civic examination" will be introduced for all applications. It is strongly recommended to consult a lawyer before beginning the process. Naturalization by declaration : this mainly concerns applications through marriage or applications from children born in France who have completed their schooling in France.

A personalized checklist will be provided to you on ANEF. The application file always includes: your up-to-date civil status documents, your residence permit, proof of income and housing, a language proficiency certificate, a criminal record check, a P237 form to request from the tax authorities, and, if applicable, documents relating to your family situation. Please note : if your civil status documents are in a foreign language, you will need not only to have them translated by a certified translator but also, depending on the circumstances, to request legalization or an apostille. Do not hesitate to consult your lawyer to clarify any doubts about the validity of the documents you possess.

The processing time varies depending on the type of application (declaration or decree), the prefecture, and the complexity of the case. On average, the procedure takes between 7 and 18 months in Paris. However, this timeframe is frequently exceeded in practice in the Île-de-France region.

The most frequent refusals are based on perceived incomplete integration, unstable resources, or a criminal record incompatible with acquiring citizenship (public order). Each reason is assessed on a case-by-case basis, which allows for the possibility of appealing the refusal. Be aware : the Administration is increasingly applying the concept of public order broadly. Administrative courts very often challenge this overzealousness. Do not let your rights be jeopardized; consult a lawyer.

A refusal or postponement must be appealed through a preliminary administrative appeal (RAPO) to the Minister responsible for naturalizations within two months of notification of the refusal. If there is no response or a negative response within four months, a legal appeal may be filed with the Administrative Court of Nantes. The deadline for filing an appeal with the Administrative Court is two months after the official or implied refusal decision. Please note : this procedure is complex, and it is strongly recommended to seek legal counsel. In many cases, the application can be resolved immediately after the RAPO is filed with the Minister if it is sufficiently substantiated.