🇫🇷 France · Citizenship
Naturalization rules: required residence years, language and civics requirements, and each country's dual-citizenship policy.
Quick answer
French citizenship by naturalization generally requires five years' residence (reduced in some cases), integration, French language ability and stable resources. France allows dual citizenship, and marriage to a French citizen is a separate route.
French nationality by naturalisation (by decree) is generally available after five years' habitual residence in France, with proof of assimilation including — since 1 January 2026 — French at CEFR B2 (raised from B1) and a new civic-knowledge exam, plus stable and sufficient resources and good character. Naturalisation by decree is discretionary, and France permits dual nationality. Service-Public.fr is the official guide.
- Usually five years' habitual residence (shorter for some, e.g. graduates of French institutions); long absences can reset the clock.
- Since 1 Jan 2026, applicants must show French at CEFR B2 and pass a civic-knowledge exam (40 questions, 32 to pass).
- You must show assimilation, stable and sufficient resources, and good character; naturalisation by decree is discretionary.
- France permits dual nationality; check whether your current country does too.
Step-by-step
- 1
Confirm your route and residence
Naturalize by decree after 5 years’ habitual residence in France (reduced for some cases), or by declaration after 4 years of marriage to a French citizen.
- 2
Meet language and knowledge requirements
Prove French at B2 (raised in 2026) and pass the civics knowledge test/interview on French history, culture and values.
- 3
Meet good-character and other conditions
Show good character (assimilation, no serious convictions) and be up to date with taxes; sign the charter of rights and duties.
- 4
Apply to the nationality authority
File the application with the préfecture / online platform with civil-status, residence and income documents.
- 5
Attend interview and complete formalities
Attend the assimilation interview; on approval your naturalization is published by decree.
- 6
Receive citizenship and a passport
You become a French citizen; France permits dual nationality. Apply for a French passport and national ID.
Checklist
- Eligible route + qualifying residence period
- Continuous residence / presence conditions met
- Language + civic knowledge requirement met
- Good character / clean record
- Application + documents + fee
- Interview / formalities completed
- Dual-nationality / renunciation rule handled
- Citizenship confirmed; passport applied
Official authorities
- French naturalisation by decree (Service-Public)
Official guide to naturalisation by decree.
- Proving your level of French (Service-Public)
Accepted French-language certifications for nationality.
Frequently asked questions
How long must I live in France to naturalize?
Generally five years of continuous residence, reduced for graduates of French universities or for exceptional contributions.
Is a language test required?
Yes — you must demonstrate French language ability and knowledge of French society and values.
Does France allow dual citizenship?
Yes — France permits dual or multiple citizenship.
Official-information aggregation, not legal advice. Always verify on the authority's own site.
Government portals
- Government of France — Office of the French Prime Minister — government policies, ministers, and key legislation
- France Public Services (Service-Public) — France's unified administrative services — residence permits, taxes, social security, civil records
- French General Tax Directorate (DGFiP) — French income tax, VAT, wealth tax filing; tax residency determination; French tax number (NIF) application