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It's French citizenship by naturalisation after meeting residence, language, integration and civic requirements. The standard residence requirement is five years, reduced to two for certain graduates and high-value profiles.
Naturalisation by Decree (Naturalisation par decret) is the main route to French citizenship for long-term legal residents. The standard requirement is at least five years of legal habitual residence, reduced to two years in certain cases — for example some graduates of French institutions and high-value profiles. You also need French language proficiency at the required level (raised to B2 from 2026), a pass in the civic examination, and stable, sufficient income with genuine professional integration.
Because naturalisation assesses your overall integration into French society, the file looks at your residence history, your French, your civic knowledge and your financial stability together. The application fee is EUR 255.
The language bar in particular has risen, so it is important to confirm the current requirements on service-public.gouv.fr before applying. Naturalisation is a significant step that often follows years on a Talent card, a standard permit, or a long-term resident card, and ACME can help you assess whether your residence history and profile line up with the requirements.
Get a free, personalised assessment from a licensed ACME advisor, or ask Acey.
Guidance only, not legal advice. ACME is an independent consultancy, not affiliated with any government. Rules change, confirm details with official sources.