The French Ministry of the Interior has relaxed its approach to reviewing citizenship applications from foreign retirees who reside permanently in the country but receive pension payments from abroad. The source of income is no longer considered grounds in and of itself for denying naturalization, The Connexion reported on November 11, 2026.
French Interior Minister Laurent Nunez provided the relevant clarification in a letter to Senator Nicole Bonnefoy of the Charente department, who had previously drawn the government’s attention to the difficulties foreign retirees face in obtaining French citizenship. Under the new approach, applications from retirees whose primary income comes from other countries may be considered favorably, provided they declare that income in France and demonstrate strong ties to the local community.
Such evidence may include, in particular, ownership of a primary residence in France for more than five years, active participation in community life, or experience working in local government.
However, owning real estate is not a mandatory requirement for naturalization and does not guarantee citizenship. This is one of several possible ways to demonstrate long-term residence and integration into society.
As Nunez noted, French authorities are already applying a more flexible approach. This has allowed them to approve several applications that had previously remained pending or were the subject of appeals.
The issue arose following the introduction of stricter administrative requirements for naturalization in May 2025 under former Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau. The circular dated May 2, 2025, provided for enhanced verification of applicants’ economic integration and the location of the center of their material interests.
In practice, this led to denials for foreign retirees who had lived in France for a long time but received the bulk of their income in the form of pensions from other countries.
The problem particularly affected British citizens who, after Brexit, continued to live in France and receive pensions from the United Kingdom.
During parliamentary debates, Senator Nicole Bonnefoy pointed out that such foreign nationals pay local taxes, use the services of French businesses, own real estate, and participate in community life, yet may be denied residency due to the foreign origin of their income.
The Ministry of the Interior agreed on the need to take into account the individual circumstances of retirees, particularly the length of residence and actual integration.
At the same time, the current circular has not been repealed. The changes primarily concern how it is applied by French prefectures, rather than the introduction of a separate, simplified procedure for obtaining citizenship.
The standard naturalization procedure in France generally requires at least five years of continuous residence in the country, a legal basis for residence, proof of integration, and fulfillment of other requirements established by law.
As of January 1, 2026, France has tightened its French language proficiency requirements. To qualify for naturalization, applicants must demonstrate language proficiency at a level no lower than B2 according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages.
A mandatory civics exam has also been introduced, consisting of 40 questions on history, culture, the political system, and the rights and obligations of citizens. To pass, applicants must answer at least 32 questions correctly.
For individuals who, due to health reasons or a disability, are unable to take the relevant tests, special accommodations or exemptions from certain tests may be granted upon presentation of medical documentation.
The new clarifications regarding foreign pensions do not override these general requirements. At the same time, foreign nationals who were previously denied citizenship specifically because they received pensions from abroad may consider resubmitting their applications in light of the new approach to assessing integration.
For foreign pensioners, particularly Ukrainian citizens, who are legally and permanently residing in France, this change in administrative practice may expand opportunities for naturalization. However, it does not create an automatic right to French citizenship.
Sources: The Connexion, November 11, 2026; French Senate, parliamentary inquiry on the naturalization of foreign retirees; French Ministry of the Interior, official rules for obtaining citizenship.
