1What is required
You need both: the civic exam pass certificate and proof of your French level.
2The steps
- 1
Check the conditions
As a rule, 5 years of residence in France (shorter or none in some cases) and being 18.
- 2
Prove a B2 level
The required level rose from B1 to B2 (decree no. 2025-648 of 15 July 2025), with a diploma or a certification such as the TCF or TEF.
- 3
Pass the civic exam
40 questions in 45 minutes, at least 32 correct answers. Knowledge questions come from the naturalization list.
Free test - 4
Apply online
With the supporting documents, including the civic exam pass certificate, and a €255 tax stamp.
The certificate - 5
Attend the assimilation interview
An individual interview at the prefecture checks your assimilation into the French community.
- 6
Follow your application
You receive a notification at each stage of the processing.
Good to know
A declaration of nationality (for example through marriage to a French citizen) is a different procedure: it does not require the civic exam, but the B2 level is required.
3Compare the 3 procedures
| Multi-year residence permit | Resident card | Naturalization | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Exam format | 40 · 32/40 | 40 · 32/40 | 40 · 32/40 |
| Official list | 191 questions | 209 questions | 244 questions |
| French level | A2 | B1 | B2 |
| Interview | No | No | Yes |
4Revise the official list
Knowledge questions come from the official list of your procedure. The exam adds 12 real-life scenarios, which are not published. Try a question from the list:
Dans quelle ville les rois de France étaient-ils couronnés ?
In which city were the kings of France crowned?
In France, most kings were crowned in Reims, notably in the Cathedral of Notre-Dame de Reims, a tradition that began in the Middle Ages. This symbolic site highlights the central role of monarchy and coronation ceremonies in French national history. Although Versailles became the political center during the Ancien Régime, it was not the location for royal coronations. Paris and Orléans are historically significant cities, but the crowning of kings did not take place there.
Keep going with 10 questions5Frequently asked questions
Do I need the civic exam for naturalization through marriage?
No. The civic exam concerns naturalization by decree and reinstatement. A declaration of nationality through marriage is not concerned, but B2 French is required.
What French level for naturalization?
B2 since 1 January 2026 (it used to be B1).
How much does a naturalization application cost?
A €255 tax stamp (€127.50 in French Guiana), plus the civic exam registration fee set by each centre.
How is it different from the residence permit exams?
The format is the same (40 questions, 32 correct answers), but the question list is specific to naturalization and the syllabus is presented in 4 domains.
Official sources · checked on 3 October 2026
- Service-public.fr — Naturalisation : examen civique
- Service-public.fr — Naturalisation par décret
- Ministère de l'Intérieur — Procédures d'accès à la nationalité
This information does not replace that of the prefecture or the exam centre. Citoyen is an independent app, not affiliated with the French Ministry of the Interior.