France is further tightening its immigration policies, with Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau issuing new directives focused on naturalization. Following previous measures to restrict prefectural operations and limit regularization for undocumented migrants, Retailleau’s latest instructions, outlined in a May 2 directive, emphasize a stricter approach to granting French nationality.
“I stand by tightening the criteria,” Retailleau stated during a visit to Créteil, claiming a “break” from past practices.
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In 2024, approximately 67,000 people obtained French nationality through Interior Ministry procedures, including naturalization by decree or declaration (excluding birthright citizenship, which is under the Justice Ministry). Retailleau’s directive instructs prefects to more rigorously evaluate naturalization requests based on assimilation, employment, and respect for the law.
Current requirements for naturalization include at least five years of legal residency in France, professional integration, a B1 level of French proficiency, and no prior prison sentence exceeding six months.
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