Naturalisation processing time
The 18-month legal deadline, real waiting times, the slowest steps and why naturalisation platforms differ so much: what to know about how long French naturalisation by decree takes.
Updated 19 October 2026
Practical guides
Clear explanations of French immigration procedures, linked to real processing times shared by applicants, prefecture by prefecture.
Steps of naturalisation
Online application, receipt, checks, assimilation interview, transfer to SDANF, decree in the Journal officiel, ceremony: every step of French naturalisation explained simply.
Updated 19 October 2026
Citizenship by marriage
Declaration of French nationality by marriage: 4 or 5 years of marriage, shared life, interview, receipt, one year for registration and the date your nationality takes effect.
Updated 19 October 2026
Residence permit processing time
How long does it take to get or renew a French residence permit (titre de séjour)? ANEF steps, extension certificate, what prefecture silence means, and differences between prefectures.
Updated 19 October 2026
Residence permit renewal
Filing window between 120 and 60 days before expiry, the risk of filing late (€180 regularisation fee), the extension certificate and real waiting times by prefecture.
Updated 19 October 2026
Extension certificate
Filing certificate, extension certificate, favourable decision certificate: what each ANEF document proves, how long it lasts, working and travelling with it.
Updated 19 October 2026
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