Naturalisation · French nationality by decree

Where to applyPréfectureThe administration has up to 18 months from the receipt to answer (12 months if you have lived 10+ years in France); one 3-month extension possible.

Exam parts3· 45 minNiveau de langue B2 · Examen civique · Entretien d’assimilation

Cost€255

French nationality by decree (B2, Ministère de l’Intérieur · préfecture) has 3 parts: Niveau de langue B2, Examen civique, Entretien d’assimilation. Cost: €255 tax stamp (€127.50 in French Guiana). Decision: The administration has up to 18 months from the receipt to answer (12 months if you have lived 10+ years in France); one 3-month extension possible. Checked 2026-09-29.

Dates, places and waiting times

No exam dates: apply online via ANEF (or on paper) once you have your B2 proof and civic-exam pass. Requirements include 5 years of residence (with exceptions). source

1Check the conditionsresidence, language level and civic exam: see the rules below
2ProofsFrench B2 diploma or test + examen civique
3Applyonline via ANEF (€255 stamp), then an interview at the préfecture
4French citizenFrench nationality is permanent.

Where

Online via ANEF; the interview takes place at your prefecture. source

Waiting & results

Plan time for the B2 test result and the civic exam before you apply; TCF/TEF results must be under 2 years old. source

The administration has up to 18 months from the receipt to answer (12 months if you have lived 10+ years in France); one 3-month extension possible. source

Cost & retakes

€255 tax stamp (€127.50 in French Guiana). Language test and civic exam fees come on top (set by centres). source

No separate exam: you submit a B2 proof and your civic-exam pass; both tests can be retaken before you apply. source

At a glance

ResidenceAt least 5 years in France; 2 years or none in some cases[1]

LanguageB2 spoken and written (CEFR)[2]

Civic examPass the naturalisation mention (32 of 40) before applying[3]

InterviewAt the prefecture, if your application is admissible[4]

Cost€255 tax stamp (€127.50 in French Guiana)[4]

ApplyOnline via ANEF (paper still possible)[5]

Decision18 months max. after the receipt; 12 months if you have lived 10+ years in France[4]

Exam parts45 min in total

Niveau de langue B2—

Examen civique45 min

Entretien d’assimilationNot stated on the pages we could read

Niveau de langue B2Knowledge · 1 proof

—

Format: Proof by diploma or test
Questions / tasks: 1 proof
Task types: Brevet; French diplomas or RNCP certifications from level 3; any diploma showing at least B2; TCF or TEF result less than 2 years old.
Scoring: B2 in both spoken and written French
Allowed aids: —[2]

Examen civique (mention naturalisation)Knowledge · 40 questions

45 min max.

Format: 40 multiple-choice questions, digital
Questions / tasks: 40 questions
Task types: Knowledge and situation questions: history of France, principles, symbols and institutions, citizenship, France in Europe and the world.
Scoring: Pass with 32 correct answers
Allowed aids: None[3]

Entretien d’assimilationSpeaking · Not stated on the pages we could read

Not stated on the pages we could read

Format: Interview with a prefecture agent
Questions / tasks: Not stated on the pages we could read
Task types: Checks your assimilation into the French community and adherence to the principles of the Republic. At the end you sign the Charte des droits et devoirs du citoyen français.
Scoring: Part of the prefecture’s assessment, no score
Allowed aids: —[4]

Scoring, results and retakes

No single exam

Naturalisation is a decision by the administration, not a test. Your file must meet every condition: residence, language, civic exam, resources, conduct and interview.[1]

Decision time

The administration has 18 months at most from the receipt (récépissé) to answer; 12 months if you have lived in France for 10+ years. It can be extended once by 3 months with reasons.[4]

Tests expire for this purpose

A TCF or TEF result must have been issued less than 2 years before. Diplomas have no such limit.[2]

What is really tested

Derived from the official task descriptions and level descriptions — not from leaked questions.

B2 French: plan the proof

B2 is required for both spoken and written French.
TCF or TEF: the result must be less than 2 years old when you apply.
Enic-Naric comparability certificates are no longer valid after 2025-12-31.

Source [6]

Civic exam: naturalisation mention

40 questions in French, 45 minutes, 32 correct to pass.
The ministry publishes the official knowledge questions for the naturalisation mention (2026-01-12).
Use the Livret du citoyen and the exam framework.

Source [7]

Interview: show your integration

The agent checks your assimilation into the French community and adherence to the Republic’s principles.
Read the citizen’s handbook and the Charter of rights and duties before the interview.
You sign the Charter at the end of the interview.

Source [5]

Rules you need to know

Routes & levels3

5 years of residence

A minimum of 5 years of residence in France is required, with exceptions.[1]

B2 French

Since 2026-01-01 you must prove B2 in spoken and written French. It also applies to incomplete files submitted before that date.[6]

Civic exam first

Pass the civic exam (naturalisation mention) before you submit your application.[8]

Registration1

Apply online (ANEF)

Apply through ANEF (Administration numérique pour les étrangers en France); a paper application is still possible.[5]

Costs & payment1

€255 tax stamp

The application costs €255 (€127.50 in French Guiana), paid with a timbre fiscal (tax stamp).[4]

Deadlines & fines1

18-month decision period

Up to 18 months after the receipt; 12 months if you have lived in France for 10+ years; one extension of 3 months possible.[4]

Exemptions3

2 years instead of 5

2 years if you completed 2 years of higher education in France with a diploma, rendered important services to France through your talents, or show exceptional integration (civic, scientific, economic, cultural or sports).[1]

No minimum duration

No minimum period for, among others, refugees and people who served in the French army or allied forces; Service-Public.fr also lists some cases linked to French-speaking countries.[1]

Language exemptions

Exempt: people whose health or disability makes assessment impossible (medical certificate); and political refugees or stateless people aged over 70 who have lived in France for at least 15 years with a valid permit.[2]

Good to know1

Other conditions

Stable and sufficient income from work, a valid residence permit (EU/Swiss citizens excepted), good conduct without disqualifying convictions, and integration of your household.[4]

On the exam day

1
Interview invitation
If your application is admissible, you are invited to an interview at the prefecture.[4]
2
Sign the Charter
At the end of the interview you sign the Charte des droits et devoirs du citoyen français.[4]

Recent and planned changes

2026-01-01
In forceB2 and civic exam
Décret 2025-648 of 2025-07-15 raised the language level to B2 and introduced the civic exam for naturalisation, from 2026-01-01.[6]
2025-12-31
In forceEnic-Naric certificates end
Enic-Naric stopped issuing comparability certificates on 2025-10-01; they are no longer accepted after 2025-12-31.[6]

Frequently asked questions

What are the parts of French nationality by decree?

Niveau de langue B2 (—) · Examen civique (mention naturalisation) (45 min max.) · Entretien d’assimilation (Not stated on the pages we could read).

How much does French nationality by decree cost?