Becoming French in 2026: The Tougher Road to Naturalisation Explained

For many people who have built their lives in France, becoming French is the final step: the right to vote, a French passport and the feeling of truly belonging. In 2026, that step has become harder to reach.

Three changes stand out. Since 1 January 2026, applicants need French at B2 level and a civic exam pass. Since a ministerial instruction in May 2025, prefectures look closely at whether your income comes from France. And since 1 May 2026, the application fee has risen to 255 euros. Here is what each change means for you.

What Has Changed

The Income Rule

Applicants must show stable and sufficient income. Under the May 2025 instruction, most of that income should come from France. In practice, this has hit two groups hard: retirees living mainly on a foreign pension, and people working remotely for a company abroad. Some applications filed long before the instruction were refused in 2025 because the rule applied straight away.

If your income mainly comes from outside France, speak to a qualified adviser before applying. A refused application costs time and the stamp fee.

The Numbers Behind the Change

Official figures show that 62,235 people acquired French nationality in 2025, down 6.8 percent from 2024. Naturalisation by decree, the route based on residence, fell more sharply, by about 13.5 percent, to 42,246. Routes by declaration, such as marriage to a French citizen, were less affected.

Other Routes to French Nationality

• Declaration after marriage to a French citizen, with its own conditions on time and shared life.
• Declaration for people born in France to foreign parents, under set conditions.
• Declaration for brothers and sisters of French citizens in some cases.
• Naturalisation by decree after usually five years of regular residence, shorter in some cases such as successful study in France.

Each route has its own conditions and its own language rules, so check which one fits your situation.

How to Prepare a Strong File

1. Check your residence history and make sure there are no gaps in your permits.
2. Reach B2 French and get an approved certificate.
3. Pass the civic exam and keep the certificate.
4. Gather proof of stable income earned in France, tax notices and housing.
5. Submit your application online and prepare for the assimilation interview.

The Interview and the Wait

After you submit your file, the prefecture checks your documents and invites you to an interview. The officer looks at your knowledge of France, your daily life, your integration and your attachment to French values. Answer honestly and in your own words. Bring originals of the documents you uploaded, as you may be asked to show them.

The wait after the interview can be long, often more than a year in busy areas. During this time, keep your residence card valid and inform the authorities of any important change, such as a new address, job or family situation. If your application is refused or postponed, the letter explains why and gives the deadline to challenge it.

A refusal is not always final. Many people apply again later once they have reached the required French level, built more income in France or completed more years of residence. Understanding the reason is the key to a stronger second attempt.

Remember that nationality is a long term project. Start early by keeping every residence card, tax notice and payslip in one folder. When the time comes, a well organised file makes the process calmer and shows the prefecture that you take it seriously.

Before You Rely on Any Figure

This reflects official rules and published figures as of October 2026. Prefectures apply some criteria with discretion. Rules, fees and dates change, so check the official government website on the day you act. For questions about your own case, speak to a licensed immigration lawyer or an authorised representative. World Visa Academy is a training academy; it does not file applications or guarantee any visa or outcome.

The Honest Summary

Becoming French is still possible, but it now demands more: B2 French, a civic exam, income mainly from France and a 255 euro fee. Prepare carefully, check which route fits you, and seek qualified advice if your situation is unusual.

Key takeaways

• Applicants for naturalisation by decree now need French at B2 level and must pass a civic exam.
• Since a May 2025 instruction, most of your income should come from France.
• The application stamp rose to 255 euros on 1 May 2026.
• Naturalisations by decree fell by about 13.5 percent in 2025.