French Citizenship by Naturalisation (Décret)
Long-term residents acquiring French nationality by decree after meeting residence and integration tests.
The French Citizenship by Naturalisation (Décret) is a French settlement & citizenship visa. This guide covers who it's for, the key eligibility criteria, the indicative 2025 cost (Free (no government fee for the application)) and processing time (~12-24 months), the route to permanent residence, common pitfalls and FAQs.
Who the French Citizenship by Naturalisation (Décret) is for
Long-term residents acquiring French nationality by decree after meeting residence and integration tests.
Confers full French and EU citizenship, including a French passport.
French Citizenship by Naturalisation (Décret) - eligibility criteria
- Generally 5 years' habitual residence (reduced in some cases)
- French language level at least B1 (oral and written)
- Knowledge of French history, culture and society (civics test)
- Stable resources and tax compliance
- Assimilation into the French community and clean record
French Citizenship by Naturalisation (Décret) cost & processing time (2025)
The indicative government fee for the French Citizenship by Naturalisation (Décret) (France) is Free (no government fee for the application), with an indicative processing time of ~12-24 months. Figures are for 2025 and may change - confirm at France-Visas.
| Type | Citizenship |
|---|---|
| Where you apply | At the prefecture in France (dossier then ministry decision) |
| Length of stay | Permanent (citizenship) |
| Work rights | Full rights as a French citizen |
| Study rights | Full rights as a French citizen |
| Government fee | Free (no government fee for the application) |
| Processing time | ~12-24 months |
| Route to PR | Confers full French and EU citizenship, including a French passport. |
Pathway & next steps
Confers full French and EU citizenship, including a French passport.
Many applicants also compare Déclaration (Mariage) · French Citizenship by Marriage (Déclaration de Nationalité), Carte de Résident · Long-Term Resident Card (Carte de Résident - 10 Years), Résident LD-UE · EU Long-Term Resident Card (Carte de Résident Longue Durée-UE). Run a free VisaChief check to see which French route best fits your profile, then prepare an application reviewed by a registered migration agency in our partner network.
Common French Citizenship by Naturalisation (Décret) pitfalls we fix
French Citizenship by Naturalisation (Décret) - frequently asked questions
How much does the French Citizenship by Naturalisation (Décret) cost?
The French Citizenship by Naturalisation (Décret) government fee is Free (no government fee for the application). Figures are indicative for 2025; always confirm current fees at France-Visas before applying.
How long does the French Citizenship by Naturalisation (Décret) take to process?
Indicative processing time is ~12-24 months. Actual timeframes vary with caseload, completeness and your circumstances.
Does the French Citizenship by Naturalisation (Décret) lead to permanent residence?
Confers full French and EU citizenship, including a French passport.
Can I work on the French Citizenship by Naturalisation (Décret)?
Work rights: Full rights as a French citizen.
Who can apply for the French Citizenship by Naturalisation (Décret)?
Long-term residents acquiring French nationality by decree after meeting residence and integration tests.
Sources & official references
This guide is compiled from official France government sources and is updated periodically. Eligibility, fees and processing times change - always confirm the current rules with the issuing authority before you apply:
- France-Visas - official France immigration authority