France: Certain Citizenship Applications to be Filed Online Through ANEF

The French government is now requiring applications for naturalization by decree to be filed online via the government platform, “ANEF”, except for those filed by individuals in French Polynesia, French Guiana, St. Martin, St. Barths, New Caledonia and Wallis and Futuna. For an individual to be eligible for citizenship by naturalization, they must be: at least 18 years of age; resident in France for at least five consecutive years in a legal status and they must still reside in France during the application process; prove assimilation in the French community and knowledge of the French language; meet morality requirements; and not have any criminal convictions. These are the most common eligibility criteria, although the law provides for some specific situations allowing for more favorable eligibility rules. Applicants can file their applications online by creating an account, filing online forms and uploading support documents, paying the tax stamps (currently EUR 55) and submitting the file online. A filing receipt will be issued once the file is complete and, after a check by authorities, the individual will be summoned for an in-person interview where it is likely that they will have to bring their original supporting documents. The rest of the process remains unchanged: the file will then be checked again by authorities and a decision will be rendered. It is expected that more citizenship-related processes will be progressively added to the “ANEF” platform.