Naturalisation by residence in France (2026)

Last reviewed: 9 October 2026

In short: Naturalisation by decree needs five years of residence, French at level B2 and a civic exam. French law does not require renouncing the original nationality.

RuleWhat applies
Years of residence requiredOrdinary naturalisation by residence5 years [1]
Shortened residence periodsOrdinary naturalisation by residenceTwo years in some cases, for example after two years of study leading to a diploma from a French higher education institution. No minimum for some groups, such as refugees. [1]
Language level requiredOrdinary naturalisation by residenceB2 (CEFR) [2]
Integration or civic knowledge testOrdinary naturalisation by residenceYes [3]
Giving up previous nationalityOrdinary naturalisation by residenceNot required [4]

Notes

  • Some groups need no minimum period, for example refugees and people from a francophone country with French as mother tongue.
  • The official page gives these as examples, not a full list.
  • Exemptions exist for disability or health reasons, and for refugees and stateless people over 70 who have lived in France for at least 15 years with a valid residence permit.
  • The civic exam applies to nationality by decree, not to acquisition by declaration (for example by marriage). A medical certificate can give an exemption.
  • Other countries may require their nationals to renounce when they acquire another nationality.

Sources

  1. Service-Public.fr (DILA): Naturalisation française par décret (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
  2. Service-Public.fr (DILA): Nationalité française : comment justifier de son niveau en français ? (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
  3. Service-Public.fr (DILA): Naturalisation française : comment passer l'examen civique ? (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
  4. Service-Public.fr (DILA): Peut-on avoir plusieurs nationalités en France ? (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources

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General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.