Residency
France — Residency: Citizenship
Naturalisation by decree is the usual way for a foreign resident to become French, and it is a favour rather than a right. The standard requirement is five years of residence in France, with shorter periods or exemptions for some groups, for example refugees, people from a francophone country who speak French as their mother tongue, and graduates of a French higher education institution after two years of study. Applicants generally need a valid residence permit when they apply, stable and sufficient income, and must show assimilation into French society; since 1 January 2026 they must show French at B2 level and pass the civic exam. A prison sentence without reprieve of six months or more in France bars the application. The administration has up to 18 months from receipt to respond.
Key facts
- Naturalisation by decree needs five years of residence in France, with shorter periods or exemptions for some groups.
- Applicants generally need a valid residence permit, stable and sufficient income, and must show assimilation into French society.
- Since 1 January 2026, applicants must show French at B2 level and pass the civic exam.
- A prison sentence without reprieve of six months or more in France bars the application.
- The administration has up to 18 months from receipt to respond.
Timelines
- Administration response to a naturalisation application: Up to 18 months
Common mistakes
- Applying with the older B1 language level in mind — B2 applies from 1 January 2026.