It is now more tough for immigrants to become citizens of France because of new rules the government has put in place to limit access to French nationality. The new regulations, which take effect on January 1, 2026, place a greater emphasis on “assimilation” and demand that candidates show a deeper bond with French culture and values.
The French interior minister, Bruno Retailleau, stated that “becoming French must be earned, and we must be very, very demanding.” Even if a person has had valid documentation for five years, the minister has directed provincial prefects to be more thorough in their assessment of applicants, including any history of illegal immigration.
New rules have been put in place by the French government to limit access to French nationality, making it more difficult for foreigners to become citizens. Effective January 1, 2026, the new regulations place a greater emphasis on “assimilation” and demand that applicants demonstrate a deeper bond with French culture and values.
In the words of French Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau, “becoming French must be earned, and we must be very, very demanding.” The minister has directed provincial prefects to evaluate applicants more thoroughly, considering any history of illegal immigration, even if the applicant has valid documentation for five years.
Many foreign residents in France who might qualify for naturalization are expected to be impacted by the new regulations. The country is home to more than five million foreign inhabitants, thus people wishing to obtain French citizenship may be impacted by the changes.
More over 1,00,000 persons obtained French citizenship in 2024, the new rules could lower this figure going forward. With a worldwide mobility score of 189, the French passport is highly known and grants visa-free entry into 151 nations and territories, placing it third in the world.
The strengthening of citizenship requirements is a part of a larger European trend in which nations are reconsidering their immigration laws. A more selective approach to citizenship is reflected in France’s new rules, which give preference to candidates who show a deep empathy for French culture and values.
Some have praised the revisions, claiming they will help guarantee that new citizens are genuinely dedicated to French ideals. Others, however, have voiced worries that the new regulations would be overly heavy, possibly turning away worthy candidates who do not fit the more strict requirements.
