French naturalisation refused, postponed or inadmissible: what to do and by when
Updated 29 October 2026
An unfavourable decision is not always final. The most important thing is not to miss the 2-month deadline to challenge it. This guide describes the possible decisions and appeals; for a specific case, a lawyer or a specialised association can help.
The four unfavourable decisions
- Inadmissibility (irrecevabilité): a legal condition is not met (residence, language, lawful stay…). You can reapply as soon as the reason no longer applies.
- Postponement (ajournement): naturalisation is considered inappropriate for now, with a waiting period (for example to stabilise your income). An application filed before the period ends can be closed without review.
- Rejection (rejet): naturalisation is considered inappropriate. A new application within 5 years of notification can be closed without review, unless circumstances have changed.
- Closure (classement sans suite): the file was not examined, because documents were not provided in time or you missed the interview without good reason.
Read the reasons
The decision gives reasons. Read them carefully: they tell you what to fix and whether to appeal or reapply later. A factually wrong reason (income miscounted, a conviction that is not yours) is worth challenging; a short postponement can sometimes simply be waited out.
Appeal to the minister (2 months)
The administrative appeal is mandatory before going to court (except after a closure).
- Online application: the decision appears under “Mes notifications” in your ANEF space, and the appeal must be filed through the form in that space.
- Paper application or from abroad: the decision arrives by registered letter or at an appointment, and the appeal is filed by post.
In both cases: 2 months from notification. Attach documents that answer the reason given.
The Nantes administrative court
If the minister rejects your appeal, or does not reply within 4 months, you have 2 months to go to the Nantes administrative court, which handles these cases for all of France.
Reapply rather than appeal?
After a postponement, reapplying at the end of the period with a stronger file is often faster than litigation. Mind the calendar: a new file starts from scratch, with a new wait for the receipt and the interview.
Real waiting times
How long does the platform take to decide? On Dossiermap, the times shared by applicants are shown by platform. If you received a decision, add it: even an unfavourable outcome helps measure waiting times.
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.
Something wrong or out of date? Let us know