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France Implements Stricter Naturalization Criteria Under New Circular

Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau formalizes higher language, values, and economic standards for citizenship, emphasizing state discretion over naturalization.

Le ministre de l'Intérieur, Bruno Retailleau présente les nouvelles orientations en matière de naturalisation des étrangers à la préfecture de Créteil, dans le Val-de-Marne, le 5 mai 2025
Le ministre de l’Intérieur souhaite que les étrangers naturalisés puissent « justifier d’une autonomie financière pérenne ».
Dans un document de cinq pages, Bruno Retailleau, ministre de l’intérieur, insiste sur un renforcement des conditions pour obtenir la nationalité française.
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Overview

  • Bruno Retailleau, France's Interior Minister, has issued a new circular tightening naturalization requirements for foreign nationals, effective immediately.
  • Applicants must now demonstrate advanced French language proficiency, adherence to republican values, financial independence, and a five-year professional integration record.
  • The circular reaffirms that naturalization is a discretionary state decision, not an inherent right, aligning with the government's broader immigration control agenda.
  • This policy shift follows an 8.3% rise in French citizenship acquisitions in 2024, which the government attributes to a backlog resolution from prior administrative delays.
  • Prefects are tasked with implementing these measures and must submit a progress report within three months, detailing the application of the new criteria.