The decree of July 15, 2025, significantly amends Decree No. 93-1362 of December 30, 1993, on procedures for acquiring French nationality. Enacted to implement Law No. 2024-42 of January 26, 2024, to control immigration and improve integration, this text marks a major shift in the linguistic, civic, and procedural requirements imposed on foreigners wishing to acquire French nationality.

1. Raising the required language level: from B1 to B2

The decree raises the required level of proficiency in French, both spoken and written, to level B2 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). This requirement applies to:

naturalization;
reintegration into French nationality;
acquisition of nationality by declaration on the basis of marriage.

Proof of language proficiency can still be provided by a French diploma or a certificate from a recognized language test dating back less than two years. However, the decree removes the possibility of exemption based on a certificate of comparability of a foreign diploma, even when the studies were conducted in French.

However, exemptions remain in place for people whose disability or chronic health condition makes it impossible to assess their language skills, according to procedures that will be specified by joint ministerial order.

2. Introduction of a compulsory civics exam

The most significant reform is the creation of a civics exam designed to assess applicants’ knowledge of:

French history;
culture;
society;
the principles and values of the Republic.

Until now, this knowledge has been assessed more subjectively during the assimilation interview. From now on, it will be subject to a standardized assessment, organized in the form of an exam, for which:

the organizational procedures;
the conditions for the approval of examining bodies;
the pass mark, will be set by order of the Minister responsible for naturalizations.

Passing this exam will become a mandatory part of the application, except in cases of medical exemption or disability that makes it impossible to assess civic knowledge.

The civic exam will come into effect on January 1, 2026 for new applications.

3. Reform of the assimilation interview

The decree redefines the role of the assimilation interview. It is now focused on assessing:

the applicant’s adherence to the essential principles and values of the Republic;
their understanding of the rights and duties attached to French nationality.

Above all, the interview is no longer systematic. It is reserved for cases that are admissible and likely to receive a favorable decision, reflecting a clear desire for administrative streamlining.

4. Strengthening the powers of the administration

The text gives the administration several additional levers:

the minister responsible for naturalizations may now order any additional investigation he or she deems useful into the applicant’s situation;
the prefect may declare an application inadmissible without an interview if the legal conditions are clearly not met;
in the event of an insufficient or inappropriate application, a decision to dismiss the case may be taken without a prior interview.

These provisions reflect a more selective and efficient approach to the processing of applications for nationality.

5. Procedural changes in the area of appeals

The decree also modifies the administrative appeals system:

mandatory preliminary administrative appeals are no longer required against certain decisions to dismiss an application without further action;
when the application for naturalization or reinstatement has been submitted via an online service, the appeal must be lodged via the same online service, otherwise it will be deemed inadmissible, unless this is technically impossible and duly justified.

6. Entry into force and scope of application

The decree entered into force on the day after its publication, with the exception of:

the increase in the language level;
the civic exam, which apply to applications and declarations submitted on or after January 1, 2026. It is applicable throughout the territory of the Republic.

Conclusion

This decree of July 15, 2025, represents a deliberate tightening of the requirements for obtaining French nationality. By strengthening language requirements, objectifying assimilation through a civic exam, and streamlining the application process, the government intends to make French nationality the culmination of a demanding, measurable, and controlled integration process.

In this context, the preparation of naturalization, reinstatement, or declaration of nationality applications is becoming more technical and strategic than ever. FB Avocat supports foreigners at every stage of their journey toward French nationality, both in anticipating new requirements and in securing procedures and appeals.

Our contact details:
Address: 11 rue Galin, 33100 – Bordeaux
Email: contact@legalfb-avocat.com
Phone: +33 9 85 40 18 64
Website: www.fb-avocat.net

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