Naturalisation decree and JORF: how to find your name in the Official Journal
Nearing the end of your naturalisation application? The final step is the publication of your naturalisation decree in the Official Journal of the French Republic (JORF). This guide explains what the decree is, how to check for your name on Légifrance, how often decrees are published, and what to do once you are officially French.
Check your naturalisation in the Official Journal
Naturalisation decrees are published in the JORF and free to consult on Légifrance. Search for your name in the latest published decree.
Open the Official Journal (Légifrance)What is the naturalisation decree?
Naturalisation by decree is the main route to French nationality for a foreign resident. Once the Ministry of the Interior accepts your file, your name is included in a collective decree signed by the Prime Minister.
Publication of this decree in the Official Journal (JORF) is what makes you officially French. Until it is published, you have not yet acquired nationality, even with a favourable opinion.
How to find your name in the Official Journal (Légifrance)
Naturalisation decrees are public and free to consult on the official Légifrance website, in the Official Journal section. To check whether you are naturalised:
- Go to Légifrance, "Journal Officiel" then "JORF".
- Look for recent decrees on "naturalisation, réintégration, perte, déchéance et francisation".
- Open the decree and search for your name (Ctrl+F / Cmd+F).
- People are listed by department of residence, with name, first name and date of birth.
How often are naturalisation decrees published?
There is no fixed schedule: decrees appear in the JORF regularly, usually several times a month. The delay between the prefecture's favourable opinion and publication often ranges from a few weeks to a few months.
If your name is not there yet, don't worry: accepted files are included in the following decrees as they are signed.
What to do once your decree is published?
As soon as your decree appears in the JORF, you are French. The main steps are:
- Keep the decree reference and its publication date.
- Attend the citizenship welcome ceremony organised by the prefecture.
- Apply for a first French ID card and passport.
- If needed, obtain a French birth certificate from the central civil registry in Nantes.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if I am a naturalised French citizen?
You are naturalised when your name appears in a naturalisation decree published in the Official Journal (JORF). Consult recent decrees for free on Légifrance and search for your name, listed by department of residence.
Where can I find the naturalisation decree in the Official Journal?
Decrees are published on Légifrance (legifrance.gouv.fr), in the Official Journal (JORF) section, under "naturalisation, réintégration, perte, déchéance et francisation".
How long between approval and publication of the decree?
The delay usually ranges from a few weeks to several months between the favourable opinion and publication in the JORF. There is no fixed schedule; decrees appear several times a month.
What do I do after my naturalisation decree is published?
Once published, you are French. You can apply for an ID card and passport, attend the welcome ceremony, and obtain a French birth certificate if needed.
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