French naturalisation timeline simulator: how long until your decree?
How long does it take to become a French citizen in 2026? The timeline depends on the route (decree, declaration through marriage, anticipated declaration) and on how busy your prefecture is. This simulator reconstructs the key stages of your procedure and gives an indicative range, from filing your application to publication in the Official Journal.
Your estimated timeline
Estimated total delay
12 to 31 months
Key stages of your procedure
- 1Filing the application1 to 3 months
Assembling the complete file and filing it on the platform (ANEF) or with the prefecture. The delay depends on how long it takes to gather all supporting documents.
- 2Complete-file receipt2 to 6 months
The prefecture checks that your file is complete and issues a receipt. This receipt starts the official processing deadlines.
- 3Assimilation interview4 to 9 months
Summons to an individual interview at the prefecture to assess your assimilation into the French community (language, values of the Republic, knowledge of rights and duties).
This is where our service helps: interview and prefecture appointment slots are scarce and fill up fast. Our alert notifies you the moment a slot opens up.
- 4Decision and favourable opinion3 to 7 months
Final review of the file, then transmission of a favourable opinion to the ministry in charge of naturalisations. The decision may be an adjournment, a rejection or an approval.
- 5Decree and publication in the Official Journal2 to 6 months
The ministry signs the naturalisation decree, which is then published in the Official Journal. Citizenship is officially acquired as of the publication date.
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Create my appointment alertFrequently asked questions
What is the average naturalisation-by-decree timeline in 2026?
Expect roughly 12 to 24 months, sometimes more, between filing the application and publication of the decree in the Official Journal. The delay depends on the prefecture, the completeness of your file and the wait for the assimilation interview.
How long for a declaration of nationality through marriage?
The procedure often takes 12 to 24 months. After the complete-file receipt, the government has up to one year to object. Without objection, the declaration is registered and citizenship acquired.
Why is my naturalisation delay longer than average?
Delays vary greatly with the prefecture's workload, the availability of interview slots, requests for additional documents and your personal situation. A very busy prefecture can noticeably lengthen each stage.
How can I get an assimilation-interview appointment faster?
Prefecture appointment slots are limited and fill up very fast. Our service continuously monitors availability and alerts you the moment a slot opens, so you avoid refreshing the site manually.
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