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French citizenship: language level, examen civique and application

To become French by naturalisation, you need to prove French at level B2 and pass the examen civique (civic exam). These requirements apply to applications filed since 1 January 2026. Here is the path step by step, with links to the official rules.

The path to French citizenship

  1. Check the general conditions

    Naturalisation by decree (naturalisation par décret) has several conditions. For example, you usually need 5 years of residence in France (less, or none, in some cases), a valid residence permit unless you are an EEA or Swiss citizen, stable and sufficient income, and no serious criminal convictions. Service-Public explains them in detail.

    Naturalisation française par décret

  2. Prove your French at level B2

    You must show French at level B2, spoken and written. Accepted proof includes certain French diplomas (for example the diplôme national du brevet), a French language diploma at level B2 or higher, or a TCF or TEF certificate issued less than 2 years before you apply. Our guide to the French language tests compares the options.

    Nationalité française : comment justifier de son niveau en français ?

    Compare the French language tests

  3. Pass the examen civique (naturalisation version)

    The examen civique has 40 multiple-choice questions in French, to answer in 45 minutes at an approved centre. You pass with 32 correct answers. Book the naturalisation version (mention naturalisation). The pass certificate has no expiry date. Other versions of the same exam are required for a first carte de séjour pluriannuelle or carte de résident.

    Naturalisation française : comment passer l'examen civique ?

    Everything about the examen civique

  4. Prepare and file your application

    Gather the documents listed by Service-Public, including your French language proof and your examen civique certificate. You usually apply online on the ANEF website (administration numérique pour les étrangers en France). Paper applications remain in parts of overseas France, and if you live abroad you apply through a French consulate. The application costs €255, paid with a timbre fiscal (tax stamp), or at the consulate if you apply from abroad; a reduced rate applies in French Guiana.

    Naturalisation française par décret

  5. Attend the interview at the prefecture

    Once your file is complete, the naturalisation platform for your area invites you to an interview at the prefecture, which assesses your assimilation into French society. Bring the originals of your civil status documents. The ministry recommends preparing with the livret du citoyen (citizen's booklet) and the charte des droits et devoirs du citoyen français (charter of the rights and duties of French citizens).

    Les procédures d'accès à la nationalité française

  6. Wait for the decision

    The prefect can postpone or reject the application, or propose naturalisation. In that case, the Ministry of the Interior makes the final decision. If it is favourable, a naturalisation decree is published in the Journal officiel.

    Les procédures d'accès à la nationalité française

Official sources