France Introduces New Rules: Long-Term Residency No Longer Ensures Citizenship

France is set to implement stricter naturalization rules that could significantly impact foreign residents. Under the new guidelines, citizenship applications may be denied based on any prior illegal immigration, regardless of current legal status. This shift emphasizes the need for deeper assimilation and a clean immigration history.

Starting January 1, 2026, foreign residents who once entered France illegally may face challenges in obtaining citizenship, even after five years of legal residency. French Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau expressed pride in this new “assimilation circular,” highlighting a shift towards stricter standards.

What’s Changing in the French Citizenship Process?

Historically, foreign nationals could apply for French nationality after five years of legal residence, or just two years if they graduated from a French university. To qualify, applicants needed to demonstrate:

• Basic proficiency in French (minimum B1 level)
• Knowledge of French culture and values
• A clean criminal record
• Proof of social integration

However, the new policy now allows authorities to deny citizenship even for applicants who meet these criteria if they have a history of illegal entry or overstaying. Retailleau stated, “Becoming French must be earned… It’s about a sense of belonging.”

Why the Sudden Change?

This policy shift aims to redefine the naturalization process and increase accountability. Retailleau argues that naturalization should no longer be viewed as a mere bureaucratic checkbox. He stated, “French citizenship should not be a reward for time served.” While the law itself remains unchanged, its application will be more stringent, particularly by local prefectures.

Key Features of the New Assimilation Circular

• Illegal Immigration History: Any previous undocumented stay can disqualify an applicant.
• Stricter Evaluation: Authorities will assess applicants more rigorously to determine who deserves citizenship.
• New Civics Test: This links to multi-year residence permits and influenced by the Darmanin Law.
• Language Requirements: The French language requirement reinforced to a B2 level.

How the Process Works

Prefectures will evaluate initial applications to determine eligibility. Only selected applications get to the Ministry of the Interior for final approval. Applications deemed “undesirable” filter out early, preventing them from reaching the national level.

Who Will Be Affected Most?

This reform will significantly impact:

• Long-term residents who entered France without documentation
• Asylum seekers who later regularized their status
• Workers who obtained legal status through job contracts under previous lenient policies

With over five million foreign residents in France and more than 100,000 naturalizations in 2024, these changes could affect thousands annually.

What This Means for Future Applicants

Prospective citizens must now:

• Show a strong understanding of French history and values
• Maintain a flawless immigration record
• Prove integration through cultural and civic engagement, beyond just language skills

Even if applicants currently hold legal documents, a past episode of illegal residence may lead to rejection.

Why Is This Change Happening Now?

This tightening reflects broader immigration control efforts in France. Earlier in 2024, Retailleau sought to reduce “regularizations,” the process allowing undocumented workers to legalize their stay. Instead of changing the law, authorities are reinterpreting it more strictly to limit access to French nationality.

France’s Passport Power Still Remains Strong

Despite the new restrictions, French citizenship continues to offer significant benefits:

• France ranks third globally in passport strength
• Visa-free access to 151 countries
• A mobility score of 189

However, these advantages now come with heightened scrutiny.

Conclusion

France’s new citizenship approach signifies a pivotal change in immigration policy. By prioritizing assimilation and penalizing past illegal immigration, the government sends a clear message: citizenship remains earned, not simply granted.

For those aspiring to naturalize, understanding these evolving expectations and preparing thoroughly is more crucial than ever.