Naturalization in France is becoming more difficult: Details of the decisions
French Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau issued a new administrative circular on May 2, 2025, tightening the conditions for obtaining French citizenship through naturalization. This decision comes after months of another circular that reduced the conditions for regularizing the status of undocumented migrants.
The new regulations require applicants for citizenship to demonstrate a B2 level in the French language, instead of the previous B1 level, starting from January 1, 2026. They must also pass a civic exam to assess their knowledge of France's history, culture, and values, as well as verify their commitment to the principles of the republic, such as gender equality and secularism.
According to Articles 21-24 of the French Civil Code, the applicant must demonstrate full integration into French society, and proficiency in the French language is considered the key to this integration. The publication also emphasizes that obtaining citizenship should be the culmination of a long process of integration and embodying French values.
The procedures also include a strict review of the applicants' behavior, as applications are automatically rejected in the presence of criminal convictions or illegal residency. Additionally, providing assistance to illegal immigrants is now included among the reasons for rejection. Governors are asked to reject or postpone any application that shows negative information about the applicant's behavior.
To prove financial independence and professional stability, applicants must provide a permanent employment contract (CDI) for more than one year or several temporary contracts covering at least two years, in addition to a stable income that does not primarily rely on social assistance or funds transferred from abroad.