Applying for French citizenship in 2026: conditions, documents and steps

Becoming French through naturalisation happens by decree, after an online application and an interview at the prefecture. Since 2026, two proofs have been added to the file: B2 French and a civic exam pass. Here are the conditions and steps, based on the official page on service-public.gouv.fr.

Conditions

• Age: 18 (you can apply from 17);
• Residence: normally 5 years living in France, with the centre of your life (work, family) in France;
• a valid residence permit when you apply (except EU/EEA and Swiss nationals);
• stable and sufficient income for you and your household;
• B2 French, spoken and written (see accepted proofs);
• a civic exam pass (at least 32/40);
• no conviction of 6 months’ prison or more, nor for offences against the fundamental interests of the Nation or terrorism (unless rehabilitated).

When the 5 years are reduced

• 2 years: a French higher-education diploma after 2 years of study, important services to France, or an exceptional integration record;
• No minimum: refugees, native French speakers from a French-speaking country, 5 years of schooling in French in a French-speaking country, service in the French army, among others.

Steps

1. 1Get the two new proofs: a B2 French certificate (TCF or TEF under 2 years old, or an accepted diploma) and the civic exam pass certificate;
2. 2Gather the documents: residence permit, ID, civil status records (translated by a certified translator if needed), proof of address, income and taxes, family situation, and a foreign criminal record if you have lived in France for less than 10 years;
3. 3Apply online on the « Demande en ligne de naturalisation française » service. A €255 tax stamp is required (€127.50 in French Guiana);
4. 4Attend the assimilation interview at the prefecture, where you sign the charter of rights and duties of the French citizen. Missing it without a valid reason can close your file;
5. 5Wait for the decision: up to 18 months after the receipt, or 12 months if you have lived in France for at least 10 years (extendable once by 3 months);
6. 6Publication in the Journal officiel: you are notified by email or letter. The decree takes effect on the date it is signed, followed by the citizenship welcome ceremony.

Mistakes that delay a file

• An expired language certificate: the TCF or TEF must be under 2 years old when you apply;
• An old B1 certificate: since 2026, B2 is required;
• Untranslated records, or missing legalisation or apostille when required;
• Taking the civic exam too late: the certificate is part of the file, not of the interview.