Updated October 2026
Becoming French is the last step of your path in France. The two main routes are naturalisation by decree, after 5 years in France, and the declaration by marriage to a French citizen. Since 2026, the French level required is higher. Here are the rules in force, explained simply.
In short
- Naturalisation: usually after 5 years of residence in France.
- French level B2, written and oral, since 2026.
- The civic exam and an interview at the prefecture.
- Fee of €255, and a decision within 18 months at most.
Do you meet the conditions to become French? Take the free eligibility test
Naturalisation by decree: the conditions
- Residence: at least 5 years in France. Only 2 years if you obtained a French higher education diploma after 2 years of study. No minimum for refugees.
- French language: level B2, written and oral, proven by a TCF or TEF certificate less than 2 years old, or by an accepted French diploma.
- Civic exam and interview: you must pass the civic exam, then the prefecture interviews you about your integration. You sign the charter of the rights and duties of the French citizen.
- Resources: stable and sufficient income for you and your family.
- Your situation: a valid residence permit when you apply, and you must be at least 18 (you can file from 17).
- Good conduct: no prison sentence of 6 months or more without reprieve, and no expulsion order in force.
Naturalisation is not a right: the administration decides case by case.
B2French level required, written and oral, since 2026
€255tax stamp for a naturalisation application
18 monthsmaximum time for the decision (12 months after 10 years in France)
How to apply for naturalisation
- Application: online on the official naturalisation service, or on paper with the cerfa form 12753.
- Fee: €255 in tax stamps. The procedure itself is free.
- Interview: if your file is admissible, the prefecture calls you for an interview.
- Delay: 18 months at most after your complete file is received, or 12 months if you have lived in France for 10 years. One extension of 3 months is possible.
Start early: B2 is a high level. A TCF or TEF certificate is valid for 2 years, so plan your test before you apply. Our TSA Academy prepares you.
French nationality by marriage
- When: after 4 years of marriage to a French citizen, with a real life together.
- 5 years: if you cannot prove 3 years of continuous legal residence in France since your marriage.
- French level: B2, written and oral, as for naturalisation.
- Marriage abroad: it must be transcribed in the French civil registry.
- Opposition: the government can oppose your acquisition within 2 years, for example for lack of integration.
Other ways to become French
- By birth: a child with at least one French parent is French.
- Born in France: a child of foreign parents born in France can become French, under conditions of residence in France.
- Declaration: some people can become French by declaration, for example people aged 65 or over, with at least 25 years of legal residence, who are the parent or grandparent of a French citizen.
Can you keep your nationality?
France allows dual nationality. But some countries do not. For example, India does not allow dual citizenship: Indian nationals who become French lose their Indian citizenship, but they can apply for an OCI card (Overseas Citizen of India). Check the rules of your country before you apply.
How TSA helps you
- We check if you meet the conditions, and the right moment to apply
- We help you prepare the B2 test with TSA Academy, and the civic exam
- We prepare your naturalisation or marriage file with you, in your language
- We prepare you for the interview at the prefecture
- In case of refusal, our partner lawyers take over
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Talk to us in your language
Our Paris team supports people from all over Asia, from the first visa to French nationality. We speak English, French, Tamil, Hindi, Sinhala and other Asian languages.
Official sources: Service-public.fr, naturalisation by decree (checked 16 July 2026) and Service-public.fr, French level for nationality (checked 1 January 2026)
