High-potential foreign applicants face delays in French naturalisation process
Applicants deemed to have "high potential" for France, like 31-year-old Sara, are experiencing backlogs in their citizenship applications despite recent policy changes.
The May 2025 circular issued by Bruno Retailleau, then minister of the interior, tightens overall naturalisation criteria while carving out an exception for individuals with "high potential" for the country. Sara, a 31-year-old with a master's in engineering and a permanent contract in nuclear project management, applied for French citizenship three years ago and was granted a receipt confirming all required documents in mid-2025.
Under civil code rules, a decision should be issued within eighteen months, or twelve months for residents of over ten years, but her dossier remains stuck in the prefecture and ministry. She lives in France, is in a civil partnership with a French national, and seeks voting rights. Her case reflects a growing backlog for skilled applicants despite the policy’s intent to fast-track such profiles.
Why it matters
Delays undermine a policy aimed at attracting talented foreigners, affecting integration and workforce stability.
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