French naturalisation requirements in 2026: residence, B2 French, civic exam

Updated 29 October 2026

Before applying, check that you meet every condition below. An application that misses one is declared inadmissible, after months of waiting. This guide summarises the official page; if in doubt, the official page prevails.

1. Age and residence

• Be 18 (you can apply from 17).
• Live in France when the decree is signed, with the centre of your material and family interests in France. If your spouse or children live abroad, naturalisation may be refused.
• Be lawfully resident when you apply: a valid residence permit (except EU, EEA and Swiss nationals).

2. Five years of residence, sometimes less

The general rule is 5 years of residence in France. It drops to 2 years if you earned a French higher-education degree after two years of study, rendered important services to France, or followed an exceptional integration path.

No minimum period applies in particular to refugees, people from a French-speaking country whose mother tongue is French or who studied in French there for at least 5 years, and some members of the French armed forces.

3. French at B2 level

You must prove spoken and written French at least at B2 of the European framework. Accepted proof: the diplôme national du brevet, a level 3 or higher diploma or certification, any diploma certifying B2, or a TCF or TEF certificate less than 2 years old. Exemptions exist for health or disability reasons, and for some refugees or stateless people over 70 who have lived in France for 15 years.

4. Civic exam and interview

Since 2026 you must have passed the civic exam before applying (see our civic exam guide). Assimilation is then assessed at the prefecture interview.

5. Work and income

You need stable and sufficient income for yourself and your tax household. The official page sets no amount: the platform looks at your situation as a whole (contract, length of employment, type of income). Up-to-date tax returns and payments count too.

6. Criminal record and conduct

No sentence of 6 months or more of prison (not suspended) in France, and no conviction for a serious crime, terrorism or an offence against the fundamental interests of the nation, unless rehabilitated or removed from bulletin no. 2.

Next

If everything is in order, prepare the list of documents and follow the steps of naturalisation. Real waiting times, platform by platform, are on Dossiermap.

See times by platform · Share my dates

Sources

• Service-Public: French naturalisation by decree (checked 16 July 2026)
• Service-Public: French nationality, how to prove your level of French (checked 1 January 2026)
• Order of 22 December 2025 on proof of French language level

This guide is for information only and does not replace official texts or legal advice. Check your situation on service-public.gouv.fr or with your prefecture.

Something wrong or out of date? Let us know