Important Updates
Important Updates
July 1, 2025 | 🌐Worldwide/Russia: Update on Visa Suspensions for Russian and Belarusian Nationals
July 1, 2025 | 🌐Minimum Salary Changes Announced
July 1, 2025 | PortugalPortugal: Residence Permits Extended
July 1, 2025 | Saudi ArabiaSaudi Arabia: Visit Visa Entry and Exit Restrictions for Select Nationals
July 1, 2025 | Republic of Korea (South Korea)South Korea: Update on In-Country Dependent Visa Applications
July 1, 2025 | 🌐Worldwide/Russia: Update on Visa Suspensions for Russian and Belarusian Nationals
July 1, 2025 | 🌐Minimum Salary Changes Announced
July 1, 2025 | PortugalPortugal: Residence Permits Extended
July 1, 2025 | Saudi ArabiaSaudi Arabia: Visit Visa Entry and Exit Restrictions for Select Nationals
July 1, 2025 | Republic of Korea (South Korea)South Korea: Update on In-Country Dependent Visa Applications
July 1, 2025 | 🌐Worldwide/Russia: Update on Visa Suspensions for Russian and Belarusian Nationals
Subscribe
Fragomen.com home
Select Language
  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German

Select Language

  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German
ContactCareersMedia
Search Fragomen.com
  • Our Services
    For EmployersFor IndividualsBy IndustryCase Studies
  • Our Tech & Innovation
  • Our People
  • Our Insights
    Worldwide Immigration Trends ReportsMagellan SeriesImmigration AlertsEventsMedia MentionsFragomen NewsBlogsPodcasts & Videos
  • Spotlights
    Navigating Immigration Under the Second Trump AdministrationTravel & Mobility Considerations: Situation in the Middle EastImmigration Matters: Your U.S. Compliance RoadmapHumanitarian and Evolving Legal Pathways (HELP)Vietnamese ImmigrationAustralian Immigration: New Skills in Demand Visa
  • About Us
    About FragomenOfficesResponsible Business PracticesFirm GovernanceRecognition

Our Services

  • For Employers
  • For Individuals
  • By Industry
  • Case Studies

Our Tech & Innovation

  • Our Approach

Our People

  • Overview / Directory

Our Insights

  • Worldwide Immigration Trends Reports
  • Magellan Series
  • Immigration Alerts
  • Events
  • Media Mentions
  • Fragomen News
  • Blogs
  • Podcasts & Videos

Spotlights

  • Navigating Immigration Under the Second Trump Administration
  • Travel & Mobility Considerations: Situation in the Middle East
  • Immigration Matters: Your U.S. Compliance Roadmap
  • Humanitarian and Evolving Legal Pathways (HELP)
  • Vietnamese Immigration
  • Australian Immigration: New Skills in Demand Visa

About Us

  • About Fragomen
  • Offices
  • Responsible Business Practices
  • Firm Governance
  • Recognition
Select Language
  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German

Select Language

  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German
ContactCareersMedia
  • Insights

French Citizenship by Decree | Everything You Need to Know

July 1, 2025

insight-video

Country / Territory

  • FranceFrance

Related contacts

Sylvia M. Montan

Counsel

New York, NY, United States

Email

[email protected]

T:+1 212 909 4147

Photo of Elsa Guillais

Elsa Guillais

Director

Paris, France

Email

[email protected]

T:+33 1 86 65 70 34

Related insights

  • La Naturalisation française par Décret : Des règles strictes et une exigence accrue de conformité
  • France Digital Nomad Visa: Visitor Visa | How To Apply
  • How to Stay in France After Graduation: Immigration Options for International Students

Related offices

  • Paris

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Related contacts

Sylvia M. Montan

Counsel

New York, NY, United States

Email

[email protected]

T:+1 212 909 4147

Photo of Elsa Guillais

Elsa Guillais

Director

Paris, France

Email

[email protected]

T:+33 1 86 65 70 34

Related insights

  • La Naturalisation française par Décret : Des règles strictes et une exigence accrue de conformité
  • France Digital Nomad Visa: Visitor Visa | How To Apply
  • How to Stay in France After Graduation: Immigration Options for International Students

Related offices

  • Paris

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Related contacts

Sylvia M. Montan

Counsel

New York, NY, United States

Email

[email protected]

T:+1 212 909 4147

Photo of Elsa Guillais

Elsa Guillais

Director

Paris, France

Email

[email protected]

T:+33 1 86 65 70 34

Related insights

  • La Naturalisation française par Décret : Des règles strictes et une exigence accrue de conformité
  • France Digital Nomad Visa: Visitor Visa | How To Apply
  • How to Stay in France After Graduation: Immigration Options for International Students

Related offices

  • Paris

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

In this video, Immigration Consultant Azela Hadia covers everything you need to know about French citizenship by decree, a legal process through which a foreign national can acquire French nationality. This method is typically used by individuals who have resided in France for a significant period of time and meet specific legal criteria.

What's covered in this video:
✔️ Overview of French citizenship by decree
✔️ Benefits
✔️ Requirements
✔️ How to apply
✔️ How Fragomen can help

Fragomen can help make your citizenship journey to France as smooth and stress-free as possible. Our team of immigration professionals will guide you through the application process, ensuring you avoid common mistakes and delays.

 


Subscribe to Fragomen’s YouTube channel here.


French Citizenship by Decree: Eligibility, Process, and How to Apply 


French citizenship by decree
is a key naturalization pathway for foreign nationals residing in France. If you’ve lived in France for several years and wish to become a French citizen, this detailed guide covers everything you need to know, from eligibility and documentation to language requirements and the civic integration process. 

What Is French Citizenship by Decree? 

French citizenship by decree is a form of naturalization that allows foreign nationals to acquire French nationality after receiving approval from French authorities.  

Unlike citizenship acquired through birth or descent, this pathway requires a formal application and is granted only after a discretionary decision by French authorities. The process involves meeting specific eligibility criteria and demonstrating integration into French society. 

Once granted, applicants become full French citizens and enjoy the same rights and responsibilities as native-born nationals, including the right to vote, work, and access social services. 

Benefits of Becoming a French Citizen 

Choosing to become a French citizen provides long-term security and freedom, including: 

      • Unrestricted access to live, work, and study in France and all EU countries 
      • Eligibility for public healthcare, education, and social protections 
      • The right to vote in national and local French elections 
      • The ability to sponsor family members more easily for residence 
      • A French passport, allowing visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to over 180 countries 
      • Cultural integration and full participation in French civic life 

Who Is Eligible for French Citizenship by Decree? 

To qualify, applicants must generally meet the following core requirements:

1. Age

Applicants must be at least 18 years old at the time of applying.

2. Residency in France

You must have lived in France for five consecutive years before submitting your application. 

      • Exceptions to this rule may apply in certain cases, such as holding a French degree or completing higher education in France. These are reviewed individually. 
      • At the time of your application, you must also demonstrate stable and effective residence—this means your center of life and activities should clearly be in France.

3. Income and Financial Stability

Applicants must prove sufficient and stable income, appropriate for their family and professional circumstances. Financial documents are scrutinized to ensure the applicant can support themselves without relying on public aid.

4. Language Proficiency

You must demonstrate fluency in the French language, both written and spoken. 

      • The current requirement is level B1, based on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). 
      • Beginning January 1, 2026, the minimum requirement will increase to level B2. 
        Accepted certificates include TEF, TCF, or equivalent recognized tests.

5. Civic Integration

You must show integration into French society through: 

      • Participation in French economic and social life 
      • Familiarity with French history, values, and institutions 
      • Success in the “civic knowledge” exam, which tests your understanding of the Republic and your alignment with democratic principles

6. Criminal Record

Applicants must not have a serious criminal record. France reserves the right to reject applications from individuals whose background or behavior is deemed incompatible with national values. 

How to Apply for French Citizenship by Decree 

Step 1: Online Submission 

Applications must be submitted through the ANEF online platform, available to foreign nationals residing in France. This is the official digital gateway to start your application. 

Step 2: Gather Required Documents 

Documentation typically includes: 

      • Valid passport 
      • Current French residence permit 
      • Birth certificate, legalized or apostilled, and translated into French 
      • Proof of address/residence in France (utility bills, lease, etc.) 
      • Proof of income (pay slips, tax declarations) 
      • Language proficiency certificate (B1/B2 level) 
      • Recent criminal background check, also apostilled or legalized and translated 

Ensure all foreign documents are properly translated by a sworn translator and formatted according to French administrative standards. 

Step 3: Civic Knowledge and Language Evaluation 

After submission, your integration and language proficiency will be assessed. This includes: 

  • The civic exam 
  • Oral or written interviews (depending on prefecture) 
  • Additional review of your language certificate and integration record 

Step 4: Application Review by Authorities 

French authorities conduct an in-depth review of your application. This may involve: 

      • Additional document requests 
      • Background verifications 
      • In-person interviews 

They assess not only the completeness of your file but also the authenticity of your documents and the credibility of your integration into French life. 

Step 5: Final Decision 

If approved, your French citizenship is granted by official decree, published in the Journal Officiel de la République Française. 

      • Fee: €55 (non-refundable) 
      • Timeline: Processing may take several months, depending on the region and the complexity of the case. 

Why Work with Fragomen? 

Handling your French naturalization application on your own can be complex, time-consuming, and stressful. At Fragomen, we: 

      • Evaluate your eligibility before you apply 
      • Help you gather and translate all required documentation 
      • Guide you through each step of the process 
      • Prepare you for the civic interview and language evaluation 
      • Communicate directly with French authorities on your behalf 

Our goal is to make your immigration journey clear, efficient, and compliant, reducing the risks of delays or refusals. 

Take the Next Step Toward French Citizenship 

Becoming a French citizen is more than a legal status, it’s a gateway to new opportunities, stability, and cultural belonging. Whether you're early in the process or ready to submit your application, Fragomen can help guide you through every step. 

Check out Fragomen France page to learn more and connect with a member of our team in France. 

Country / Territory

  • FranceFrance

Related contacts

Sylvia M. Montan

Counsel

New York, NY, United States

Email

[email protected]

T:+1 212 909 4147

Photo of Elsa Guillais

Elsa Guillais

Director

Paris, France

Email

[email protected]

T:+33 1 86 65 70 34

Related insights

  • La Naturalisation française par Décret : Des règles strictes et une exigence accrue de conformité
  • France Digital Nomad Visa: Visitor Visa | How To Apply
  • How to Stay in France After Graduation: Immigration Options for International Students

Related offices

  • Paris

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Related contacts

Sylvia M. Montan

Counsel

New York, NY, United States

Email

[email protected]

T:+1 212 909 4147

Photo of Elsa Guillais

Elsa Guillais

Director

Paris, France

Email

[email protected]

T:+33 1 86 65 70 34

Related insights

  • La Naturalisation française par Décret : Des règles strictes et une exigence accrue de conformité
  • France Digital Nomad Visa: Visitor Visa | How To Apply
  • How to Stay in France After Graduation: Immigration Options for International Students

Related offices

  • Paris

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Related contacts

Sylvia M. Montan

Counsel

New York, NY, United States

Email

[email protected]

T:+1 212 909 4147

Photo of Elsa Guillais

Elsa Guillais

Director

Paris, France

Email

[email protected]

T:+33 1 86 65 70 34

Related insights

  • La Naturalisation française par Décret : Des règles strictes et une exigence accrue de conformité
  • France Digital Nomad Visa: Visitor Visa | How To Apply
  • How to Stay in France After Graduation: Immigration Options for International Students

Related offices

  • Paris

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Explore more at Fragomen

Blog post

The Future of Care Work in the UK: Understanding the Latest Immigration Announcements

Partner Siobhan Owers and Senior Associate Asif Hanif discuss the latest UK immigration announcements and their impact on the future of care work.

Learn more

Fragomen news

2025年6月 アメリカ移民法ダイジェストLearn more

Media mentions

Arab News: Growing Saudi Film Industry Driving Job Creation, Economic Growth

Partner Abeer Al Husseini highlights how Saudi Arabia’s growing film industry is creating jobs, attracting global talent and supporting economic diversification.

Learn more

Awards

Silicon Valley Business Journal Recognizes Partner Cindy Jen Among 2025 Women of Influence

Partner Cindy Jen is recognized as a 2025 “Woman of Influence” by the Silicon Valley Business Journal.

Learn more

Blog post

2025 LAR and Canada Immigration Trends: Balancing Control and Opportunity

This blog highlights the most significant immigration developments shaping Canada and Latin America in 2025. Drawing from Fragomen’s upcoming 2025 Regional Immigration Overviews—available mid-July—it provides actionable insights and strategic guidance to help businesses and individuals navigate the region’s dynamic immigration landscape.

Learn more

Media mentions

Global Mobility Lawyer: DOL Plans “Emergency Agency” to Approve H-2A Visas

Partner Rachel Beardsley highlights how employment-based immigration supports the US agricultural sector amid labor shortages and evolving policies.

Learn more

Media mentions

Global Mobility Lawyer: Middle East Tensions Show Importance of Caring for Mobile Talent

Partner Abeer Al Husseini shares how employers can support mobile talent through travel readiness, immigration awareness and a people-focused approach.

Learn more

Blog post

The EB-1C Green Card for Multinational Managers and Executives: Exploring Non-Traditional Pathways to Permanent Residency

Associate Whitney Luman discusses the EB-1C Green Card for multinational managers and executives, exploring non-traditional pathways to permanent residency.

Learn more

Video

Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) | Staying in Canada Post-Graduation

Partner Jack Kim discusses one of many immigration pathways for staying in Canada post-graduation, the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP).

Learn more

Blog post

A New Beginning: The Rise of Highly Skilled Visa and Digital Nomad Visa Options in APAC

Practice Leader Kate Praphakornphiphat, Senior Manager Amy Zhang, Immigration Program Manager Melissa Ngeow and Senior Knowledge Management Specialist Faye Amorado discuss the increasing popularity of highly skilled visas and digital nomad visas in the Asia-Pacific region.

Learn more

Fragomen news

Canada's Semiconductor Council: Strengthening Canada’s Semiconductor Talent Pipeline for Global Competitiveness

Partner Cosmina Morariu contributed to Canada’s Semiconductor Council 2025 Talent & Workforce Development report, highlighting immigration’s role in closing talent gaps.

Learn more

Awards

Fragomen Recognized with Community Service Award at Woori Center 2025 Gala

Fragomen was honored with the Community Service Award at the Woori Center 2025 Gala on June 21, 2025 in Philadelphia.

Learn more

Blog post

The Future of Care Work in the UK: Understanding the Latest Immigration Announcements

Partner Siobhan Owers and Senior Associate Asif Hanif discuss the latest UK immigration announcements and their impact on the future of care work.

Learn more

Fragomen news

2025年6月 アメリカ移民法ダイジェストLearn more

Media mentions

Arab News: Growing Saudi Film Industry Driving Job Creation, Economic Growth

Partner Abeer Al Husseini highlights how Saudi Arabia’s growing film industry is creating jobs, attracting global talent and supporting economic diversification.

Learn more

Awards

Silicon Valley Business Journal Recognizes Partner Cindy Jen Among 2025 Women of Influence

Partner Cindy Jen is recognized as a 2025 “Woman of Influence” by the Silicon Valley Business Journal.

Learn more

Blog post

2025 LAR and Canada Immigration Trends: Balancing Control and Opportunity

This blog highlights the most significant immigration developments shaping Canada and Latin America in 2025. Drawing from Fragomen’s upcoming 2025 Regional Immigration Overviews—available mid-July—it provides actionable insights and strategic guidance to help businesses and individuals navigate the region’s dynamic immigration landscape.

Learn more

Media mentions

Global Mobility Lawyer: DOL Plans “Emergency Agency” to Approve H-2A Visas

Partner Rachel Beardsley highlights how employment-based immigration supports the US agricultural sector amid labor shortages and evolving policies.

Learn more

Media mentions

Global Mobility Lawyer: Middle East Tensions Show Importance of Caring for Mobile Talent

Partner Abeer Al Husseini shares how employers can support mobile talent through travel readiness, immigration awareness and a people-focused approach.

Learn more

Blog post

The EB-1C Green Card for Multinational Managers and Executives: Exploring Non-Traditional Pathways to Permanent Residency

Associate Whitney Luman discusses the EB-1C Green Card for multinational managers and executives, exploring non-traditional pathways to permanent residency.

Learn more

Video

Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) | Staying in Canada Post-Graduation

Partner Jack Kim discusses one of many immigration pathways for staying in Canada post-graduation, the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP).

Learn more

Blog post

A New Beginning: The Rise of Highly Skilled Visa and Digital Nomad Visa Options in APAC

Practice Leader Kate Praphakornphiphat, Senior Manager Amy Zhang, Immigration Program Manager Melissa Ngeow and Senior Knowledge Management Specialist Faye Amorado discuss the increasing popularity of highly skilled visas and digital nomad visas in the Asia-Pacific region.

Learn more

Fragomen news

Canada's Semiconductor Council: Strengthening Canada’s Semiconductor Talent Pipeline for Global Competitiveness

Partner Cosmina Morariu contributed to Canada’s Semiconductor Council 2025 Talent & Workforce Development report, highlighting immigration’s role in closing talent gaps.

Learn more

Awards

Fragomen Recognized with Community Service Award at Woori Center 2025 Gala

Fragomen was honored with the Community Service Award at the Woori Center 2025 Gala on June 21, 2025 in Philadelphia.

Learn more

Stay in touch

Subscribe to receive our latest immigration alerts

Subscribe

Our firm

  • About
  • Careers
  • Firm Governance
  • Media Inquiries
  • Recognition

Information

  • Attorney Advertising
  • Legal Notices
  • Privacy Policies
  • UK Regulatory Requirements

Our firm

  • About
  • Careers
  • Firm Governance
  • Media Inquiries
  • Recognition

Information

  • Attorney Advertising
  • Legal Notices
  • Privacy Policies
  • UK Regulatory Requirements

Have a question?

Contact Us
  • LinkedIn
  • Youtube
  • Instagram
  • Facebook
  • Twitter

© 2025 Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP, Fragomen Global LLP and affiliates. All Rights Reserved.

Please note that the content made available on this site is not intended for visitors / customers located in the province of Quebec, and the information provided is not applicable to the Quebec market. To access relevant information that applies to the Quebec market, please click here.