Section actions
Duration: Variable preparation according to parts and exams; response at the latest under 18 or 12 months after receipt, plus possible extension of 3 months
Cost: Tax stamp of 255 € (127,50 € in French Guiana); tests, translations and legalization in addition
Possible online
Who this guide is for
Section actions
- Major foreigners considering naturalization by decree
- Persons who must distinguish naturalization from a declaration of nationality by marriage
- Candidates who want to check the official language, examination, rooms and channel
To be prepared in advance
Section actions
- Passport and residence permit in progress when this document is required in your situation
- Civil status, residence, domicile, resources, employment and taxation documents
- Justification for a level of French B2 in oral and written terms according to the official list
- Certificate of civic exam success when applying by decree
- Personalized list of parts to be supplied obtained from the official teleservice
Step-by-step procedure
Section actions
- 1Identify the course first. Naturalization by decree is different from a declaration of nationality by marriage, filiation or other ground; do not mix their conditions.
- 2Check the length of residence and the exceptions in F2213. The general rule is five years, but some situations remove the minimum duration or reduce it to two years.
- 3Check your regular stay and the center of your interests in France. The administration examines occupational integration, resources, taxes and behaviour, not a single proof of salary.
- 4Justify an oral and written French B2 and pass the civic exam separately. The civic examination does not replace the prefecture interview: these are two different stages.
- 5Build the folder according to the custom list of the teleservice. Foreign acts may require translation, apostille or legalization; keep originals and proofs of dispatch.
- 6Apply through the official channel, usually online, and pay the €255 tax stamp (€127.50 in French Guiana). No intermediary can guarantee a favourable decision.
- 7After delivery of the receipt, follow your space and respond to requests. The maximum time limit is 18 months, or 12 months after at least ten years of habitual residence; a reasoned extension of three months is possible once.
Common mistakes
Section actions
- Prepare the B1 level from an old sheet. For naturalization by decree in 2026, check the B2 level and the official list of proofs.
- To believe that five years of residence automatically give citizenship. The administration appreciates the whole situation and can make another decision.
- Consolidate civic examination and interview. The examination certificate is a separate stage of the prefecture's interview.
- To present marriage with a Frenchman as a simple reduction of the naturalization period. The declaration of nationality by marriage follows its own conditions.
- Use the old amount of €55 or pay an intermediary who promises a result. Check the amount and stage of payment on the official form.
- Do not respond to requests for documents or report a change of address, employment or family. The file may be closed without further action or require new evidence.
Official sources
Section actions
Important remark
Naturalization remains an individual administrative decision. Exceptions, vouchers, waivers and deposit method depend on your situation; use the updated official form before sending.
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