Apply for French citizenship (naturalisation)

Understand and prepare your French naturalisation application.

For: Long-term residents who want to apply for French nationality by naturalisation or by marriage.

Overview

Becoming French through naturalisation is a long, document-heavy process with strict conditions on residence, integration and language. There are different routes, including by decree (residence) and by marriage. The assistant helps you understand which route fits you, the residence and language requirements, how to build a strong dossier and what to expect from the interview and the long processing times.

The steps

1
Choose your route
By decree (residence) or by marriage to a French citizen, with different rules.
2
Check the conditions
Years of residence, stable resources, integration and criminal record.
3
Meet the language level
Obtain the required French language certificate (level as currently set).
4
Build your dossier
Birth certificate, residence proof, tax and income documents, translations.
5
Submit your application
File on the official platform or with your préfecture.
6
Interview and decision
Prepare for the assimilation interview and follow the long decision process.

Documents you will typically need

Full birth certificate with sworn translation
Proof of continuous residence in France
Tax notices and proof of stable resources
French language certificate at the required level
Clean criminal record documents where required

Your personal assistant

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Frequently asked questions

How many years of residence do I need?

Usually several years of continuous residence for naturalisation by decree, with reductions in some cases, and different rules by marriage. The assistant checks which applies to you.

What French level is required?

A minimum spoken and written level proven by an approved certificate; the required level can change. The assistant tells you how to confirm the current requirement.

How long does it take?

Naturalisation is slow, often well over a year, and varies by préfecture. A complete, well-prepared dossier is the best way to avoid extra delays.

Demarches-Simplifiees.co is an independent service and is not affiliated with the French government or any administration. The assistant provides practical guidance, not personalised legal advice. Always confirm details, fees and deadlines on the official government websites.