How long does naturalisation take?
For naturalisation by decree, the authorities in principle have eighteen months to decide, starting from the receipt confirming that your file is complete. This is reduced to twelve months if you have habitually lived in France for at least ten years.
In practice, add the time needed to get an appointment or complete the file, the assimilation interview, then publication of the decree in the Journal officiel. For a declaration by marriage, the registration period is one year.
Read the guide on naturalisation by decree (in French) →
Do I have to take the civic exam?
Since 1 January 2026, you must pass the civic exam before applying for a first multi-year residence permit, a resident card or naturalisation. The pass certificate is part of the file.
Exempt cases include renewing a multi-year permit or a resident card, and beneficiaries of international protection. Other exemptions exist for citizenship.
Everything about the civic exam →
Multi-year permit or resident card?
The multi-year residence permit is generally issued after a first temporary permit, for up to four years. It remains tied to the reason for your stay (family, work, etc.).
The resident card is valid for ten years and renewable. It is usually obtained after several years of lawful residence, with stricter integration, income and language requirements. It gives more stability: you no longer have to justify the reason for your stay every year.
See all residence permits (in French) →
What should I do after a refusal?
First read the decision: it states the reasons for the refusal, the possible appeals and the deadlines. Without an order to leave France, the appeal deadline is in principle two months. With an OQTF (order to leave France), it is much shorter: see a lawyer straight away.
If the prefecture does not reply within four months, as a rule, the application is deemed refused, and this implicit refusal can also be challenged.
Read the guide on refusals and appeals (in French) →
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