La naturalization by decree is the acquisition of French nationality by decision of the public authority at the request of the foreigner.
This procedure is not automatic. In other words, the foreigner must meet certain conditions for the application for naturalization by decree is admissible.
What conditions must be met to benefit from naturalization by decree?
To be of age
First of all, the foreigner must be of legal age.
However, he can apply from the age of 17. In the event of a favorable response, the foreigner can thus obtain naturalization from the age of 18.
Place of residence
The foreigner must reside in France at the time of signing the naturalization decree.
Duration of residence in France
You must have habitually and continuously resided in France for at least 5 years.
In certain cases, this duration is 2 years, in particular:
- You have obtained a diploma from a French higher education establishment after 2 years of Master's degree studies;
- You can provide or have provided important services to France given your abilities and talents;
- You have made an exceptional journey of integration. For example, activities or actions carried out in the civic, scientific, economic, cultural or sporting fields.
The length of residence in France is not required in the following situations:
- You have refugee status;
- You come from a French-speaking country and have been educated for 5 years or more in a French-language teaching establishment;
- You did your military service in the French army;
- You joined the French army or an allied army in time of war;
- You have rendered exceptional services to France.
Valid residence permit
You must have a valid residence permit when you submit your application.
Knowledge of the French language
You must also have sufficient knowledge of the French language. In particular, you must demonstrate knowledge of the French language, both oral and written, at least equal to level B1. However, some people are exempt.
You do not have to prove your knowledge of the French language if you find yourself in one of the following cases:
- You have a French diploma;
- You are a political refugee or stateless person;
- You are over 70 years old;
- You have lived in France for at least 15 years with a valid residence permit;
- Your state of health does not allow you to assess your language level. In such a case, a medical certificate must be provided.
Occupational integration
You must have stable and sufficient income to support yourself and your family. tax household.
Family ties and material interests
You must have the center of your family ties (spouse, partner, partner and children) and your material interests (professional activity and origin of your resources).
Morality
You must behave loyally towards our institutions.
Assimilation into the French community
You must have sufficient knowledge of French history, culture and society, the rights and duties conferred by French nationality as well as adherence to the essential principles and values of the Republic.
Where should you submit the naturalization application by decree?
You must submit your request for naturalization by decree to the naturalization platform to which the department of the person concerned depends.
From now on, the request for naturalization by decree is made exclusively on the website of the nave.
What documents are needed to compile your file?
You must prepare the following documents to constitute your file, in particular:
- Tax stamp at €55;
- Valid residence permit;
- Passport ;
- Proof of your marital status and nationality;
- Proof of your address;
- Proof of your resources and taxes;
- Diploma or certificate justifying your level of knowledge of the French language;
- Supporting documents if you live as a couple;
- Supporting documents if you have already been married (divorce or widowhood);
- Supporting documents if you have dependent children.
In addition, you must attach a sworn translation of each document written in a foreign language and provide the original translation.
Depending on your situation, the administration may ask you to present other documents.
The process of the assimilation interview to obtain naturalization by decree
When your application is examined, you will be invited to an interview at the prefecture.
Generally, the interview is conducted by an agent from the prefecture.
This interview allows you to check your assimilation into the French community.
In reality, you must prove your assimilation into the French community. In other words, you must agree with the essential principles and values of the Republic, and you must have knowledge of French history, culture and society.
During the interview, you present the originals of the documents necessary for the examination of your application.
At the end of the interview, you must sign the charter of rights and duties of French citizens.
The outcome of the naturalization procedure by decree
Once the assimilation interview is completed, either you quickly receive the decision from the prefecture, which means that it is negative, or your file is sent to the Ministry of the Interior for further documentary verification.
Processing time for the naturalization file by decree
Regarding the processing time for your file, the deadlines are approximately 18 months.
In what cases can the administration refuse my request for naturalization by decree?
Several decisions can be adopted:
- A decision of inadmissibility if the file is incomplete or if the basic conditions are not met;
- A postponement decision which implies the impossibility of submitting a new file for a period of 1 to 3 years. In such a case, you can submit a new application once the deadline has expired.
- A rejection decision if it is a refusal by which the administration refuses your naturalization even if the applicant meets all the conditions.
Is it possible to appeal against a negative decision?
You have 2 months from the notification to make an administrative appeal to the Minister responsible for naturalizations.
First, you must make this administrative appeal before the litigation appeal.
However, if you have not received the answer within 4 months, this means that your appeal has been refused.
You can then file a contentious appeal before the Administrative Court of Nantes. In such a case, you have a period of 2 months from the date of refusal.
The entire team of the firm is at your disposal to answer your questions regarding the naturalization procedure.