French naturalisation application: the document checklist and mistakes that cause delays

Updated 29 October 2026

An incomplete file does more than block the application: as long as a document is missing, you get no receipt, and the legal response deadline does not start. Here is the list common to all applicants, based on Service-Public. Your situation (couple, children, divorce) adds documents; ANEF asks for them as you fill in the form.

Documents everyone provides

€255 tax stamp (€127.50 in French Guiana), bought online on the official tax stamp site.
Residence permit, valid, both sides (except EU, EEA, Swiss nationals).
Identity document: passport or residence permit.
Civil status records and proof of nationality: usually the full copy of your birth certificate, in the original language.
Proof of address.
Proof of income and tax notices.
French diploma or certificate (B2, see the requirements).
Civic exam pass certificate.
Foreign criminal record if you have lived in France for less than 10 years (except refugees and stateless people protected by Ofpra).
Your passport or Schengen visa if you made trips of less than 3 months outside the Schengen area in the last 5 years.

Depending on your situation: proof of living as a couple, divorce judgment or spouse’s death certificate, birth certificates of minor children.

Translations, legalisation, apostille

Foreign documents must be translated into French by a sworn translator (or one authorised in another European country).
Depending on the country, they must be legalised or carry an apostille.
A French civil status record must be less than 3 months old.

Online or by post

On ANEF you upload copies. Bring the originals to the interview, so keep them together. Paper filing (cerfa form no. 12753 in two copies, two 35 x 45 mm photos, a tracked 500 g envelope) only exists when the online service cannot be used.

Mistakes that cost months

A TCF or TEF certificate older than 2 years on the filing date.
A non-sworn translation, or a document without legalisation or apostille where one is required.
Missing tax notices for one or more years.
Late replies to a request for additional documents: without a reply by the deadline, the file can be closed.

How long after filing?

The wait for the receipt, then for the interview, varies a lot by platform. On Dossiermap, each platform has its own page with the times shared by applicants.

See times by platform · Share my dates

Sources

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.

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