French Naturalization Decree Search
Free service, no registration required. Check if your naturalization decree has been published in the Official Journal.
Decrees recorded
551 267
Last update
5/25/2026
Our free service allows you to instantly search if your French naturalization decree has been published in the Official Journal (JORF). No registration or account required. Simply enter your prefectoral number to check the status of your French nationality application.
Check your naturalization decree online
Information: This free service allows you to check if your naturalization decree has been published. We regularly update our database from official publications of the Official Journal of the French Republic (JORF).
Frequently Asked Questions about French Naturalization
What is a naturalization decree?
A naturalization decree is an official act published in the Official Journal of the French Republic (JORF) that grants French nationality to a foreign person. This decree is signed by the Prime Minister and marks the completion of the naturalization process.
Where can I find my prefectoral number?
The prefectoral number can be found on the receipt of your naturalization application issued by the prefecture. It follows the format YYYYX followed by 6 digits (example: 2026X 045678). The 'X' may be replaced by another letter depending on your prefecture.
How long after submitting my application is the decree published?
The average time between submitting your application and the publication of the decree is 12 to 18 months. This delay may vary depending on the complexity of your case and the workload of the prefectural services. Publication in the Official Journal typically occurs a few weeks after the decree is signed.
What should I do after my decree is published?
After your decree is published in the Official Journal, you must go to the prefecture to participate in the French citizenship welcome ceremony. You will then receive your certificate of French nationality and can apply for your French ID card and passport.
Find your prefecture →What is the difference between the prefectoral number and the ministerial number (REZE)?
The prefectoral number is assigned by the prefecture when you submit your naturalization application. It follows the format YYYYX followed by 6 digits. The ministerial number (or REZE number) is assigned by the Ministry of the Interior when your file is transferred to the SDANF (Sub-Directorate for Access to French Nationality). Both numbers can be used to track your application, but our tool uses the prefectoral number for decree searches.
How can I track my naturalization application on ANEF?
You can track your application progress on the ANEF (Digital Administration for Foreigners in France) platform through your personal account. The platform displays a timeline with 13 steps. However, you are not automatically notified of updates — you need to log in regularly to check. Our decree search tool is complementary: it lets you instantly verify whether your decree has been published in the Official Journal.
Access the ANEF platform →How much does French naturalization cost in 2026?
Starting May 1, 2026, the fiscal stamp for a naturalization application increases from €55 to €255 (€127.50 in French Guiana), as per the 2026 Finance Act. This fee applies to decree-based procedures (naturalization, reinstatement) and declarative procedures (marriage, ascendant). Searching for your decree on our website remains completely free.
What is the difference between naturalization and reinstatement?
Naturalization applies to foreign nationals who wish to acquire French nationality for the first time. Reinstatement is for people who lost their French nationality and wish to regain it. In both cases, a decree is published in the Official Journal and can be searched using our tool.
What do the labels NAT, EFF, and REI mean in a decree?
In naturalization decrees published in the Official Journal, three labels may appear: NAT (naturalization by decree) for people acquiring French nationality for the first time, EFF (collective effect) for minor children who automatically benefit from a parent's naturalization, and REI (reinstatement) for people regaining French nationality they had previously lost.
Can I receive an alert when my decree is published?
Yes! If your decree has not been published yet, you can set up an alert. As soon as your prefectoral number appears in a new Official Journal decree, you will receive a notification by SMS and email. No more manually checking each JORF publication.