Decree No. 2025-648 of July 15, 2025, which modifies Decree No. 93-1362 of December 30, 1993, introduces several significant changes concerning the procedures for acquiring, naturalizing, and reinstating French nationality. These new provisions aim to raise the required language and knowledge levels, as well as to improve the efficiency of application processing
Language Level: B2 Becomes the Standard, and End of Exemptions for Certain Foreign Diplomas
From January 1, 2026, the required level of French language proficiency, both oral and written, will be raised to level B2 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). This requirement applies to procedures for acquiring French nationality by declaration due to marriage, as well as to naturalization or reinstatement procedures
It remains possible for foreigners to prove their language level by presenting a French diploma, or a certificate issued less than two years ago following a certified or internationally recognized language test. However, the decree abolishes the possibility of being exempt from taking a language test for holders of foreign diplomas obtained after studies conducted in French, who previously justified their level with a comparability certificate
Introduction of a Civic Examination Separate from the Assimilation Interview
Another major innovation is the modification of the assessment method for knowledge of French history, culture, and society
These will now be verified during a specific civic examination, and no longer during the assimilation interview.
The certificate of success in this civic examination will become a condition for the admissibility of naturalization applications by decree starting from January 1, 2026.
Procedural Simplification and Restrictions
The decree also introduces new procedural provisions aimed at improving the efficiency of processing French nationality applications. Among these, there is a narrowing of the scope of the assimilation interview, which will now be reserved only for applications meeting the admissibility conditions and for which the prefectural authority deems it appropriate to grant naturalization or reinstatement
Furthermore, the prior administrative appeal lodged with the minister in charge of naturalizations against decisions of administrative closure is abolished. Conversely, the mandatory prior administrative appeal (RAPO) provided for in Article 45 must now be submitted via the online service used to file the application for naturalization or reinstatement in French nationality. The decree generalizes rejections for inadmissibility without an assimilation interview
Finally, the decree reintroduces the possibility for the minister in charge of naturalizations to conduct any additional inquiry deemed useful regarding the applicant’s situation in relation to the grounds for opposing the acquisition of French nationality
Entry into Force
The text comes into force the day after its publication, with the exception of the provisions relating to the increased language level and the civic examination, which will come into force on January 1, 2026. This decree is notably adopted for the application of Article 20 of Law No. 2024-42 of January 26, 2024, aiming to control immigration and improve integration.
