Become a French citizen: the naturalization interview

On 2 July 2024, a memorable date, I officially "naturalized". The French naturalization interview In the Prefecture, I have no doubt, it was the most feared stage ever!

The constitution of the dossier would also put a strain on expat more patient, but in comparison it seemed like a walk. At least in terms of preparation and, yes, anxiety! Nothing has taken years of experience in taxes, employment contracts, paperwork and tax returns.

The call for the naturalization interview takes place at least 6 months after the date of validation of the dossier. The length of waiting may vary depending on the municipality of residence, your personal situation and much more. After sending the dossier to December 2022, my application was accepted in January 2023, but the call for the interview came only during the summer of 2023. The fateful interview, calmly, took place in late October 2023.

After receiving the convocation, you will then have further months to prepare for the questions that will sanction your being "sufficiently French".

What to expect from the French naturalization interview?

With a good general culture it is nothing insurmountable, but a minimum must be prepared. Its purpose is to understand if you are well integrated into French society, if you respect the values of the Republic, you know French history, typical dishes and the current political situation. But above all, it will serve to understand your motivations, because you want to become French citizens. Giving as motivation "I want to go to vote and stop doing queues to the Italian Consulate" is certainly not the right answer! To become a French citizen requires something more.

French history, politics and geography

These are very important topics for the French, so expect several questions during the naturalization interview. Most likely you will be asked:

• as the last ten presidents of the Republic are called;
• name and surname of the person who wrote the Marseillaise;
• description of the republican values of freedom, fraternity, egality and above all secularity;
• what are the symbols of France;
• what is celebrated on 11 November;
• when slavery in France has been abolished;
• where La Réunion and Guyana are located;
• composition of the French Parliament;
• names of prominent French personalities etc.

Politics and topicality are on the agenda in national media. With a minimum of curiosity it will only take little to give the exact answer. All the most important and frequent topics are reported in Livret du Citoyen, available for free online and that I advise you to study with great care.

Personal motivations, culture and society

Two questions you will almost always be asked is: "Why do you want to naturalize yourself? Why did you choose France? "

Everyone has their own reasons, all very valid: French partner, desire to vote in the presidential and legislative elections, residence in the country for many years now. Whatever your answer is, no one will judge you. But my advice is to add a touch of "feel" to your motivations. You will have to show that you do not want to become French citizens for purely bureaucratic reasons. Be ready to declare, in your own way, a more or less strong bond with the host country, to be grateful for it, to have created a "sociation" with France through years of study, legality and honest work.

Integration, of course, also passes from general culture. They may then also ask you if you know French dishes or artists, what are your favorites, if you have French friends (I hope you always answer yes!) and if you interact with French people in your daily life. You'll have to feel more than just expat, but an integral part of the society in which you have decided to live. You will never be asked to deny your origins, but to show that for so many years you have not always been alone in the "International bubble".

Last but not least: other documents to bring!

Did you really think the paperwork would be limited to the file? In the letter of convocation to the interview you will find a long list of original photocopies or documents to present.

If your situation has changed in the meantime (unemployment, new job, new address), you will be required to update the file on the day of the interview, providing the appropriate evidence. Be careful to bring everything but just everything that is required. A missing document may delay your interview or compromise the result.

In addition to consulting the Livret du Citoyen, I recommend some sources that have been very useful to me:

200 Questions d’entretien de Naturalisation Française 2024

Questions Naturalisation

Guide reussir entretien naturalisation. pdf

Blog | 120 Questions pour l’Entretien de Naturalisation en 2024

In addition to the many free resources available online, you can appeal to my experience "on the field" by booking a Personalized advice. As always I will be happy to guide you in this difficult but exciting experience of French naturalization!