The naturalisation interview at the prefecture: how to prepare
Once your naturalisation file is complete, the prefecture invites you to an interview. An agent appointed by the prefect assesses how far you have assimilated into the French community. The Ministry of the Interior says to prepare with the citizen's booklet (livret du citoyen) and the charter of the rights and duties of the French citizen.
Sources: Service-Public, sheet F2213 (checked 16 July 2026, read again on 24 October 2026), and, as read on 20 October 2026, the Ministry of the Interior's naturalisation procedures and citizen's booklet (updated 16 July 2026). The ministry pages refused our script on 24 October, so those lines rest on the 20 October read. Hexaciv is not an official site and gives no legal advice: the prefecture decides what happens to your file. The official pages are in French.
What the official sources say about the interview
Service-Public says, in French: "L'entretien a pour but de vérifier votre assimilation à la communauté française, notamment votre adhésion aux principes et aux valeurs essentiels de la République." In English: the interview's purpose is to check your assimilation into the French community, in particular your adherence to the essential principles and values of the Republic.
The Ministry of the Interior adds that the interview is conducted by an agent appointed by the prefect. The interview report and the documents in your file then let the prefect decide what happens next.
What to bring
Service-Public tells you to bring "les originaux des documents tels qu'ils sont indiqués sur votre convocation", the originals of the documents as listed on your summons. Even if you file online, have these originals ready from the day you file: the sheet says you will need them on the day of the interview.
The ministry singles out the originals of the civil-status documents uploaded to the ANEF site or sent by post. The exact list that applies to you is the one on your summons.
How to prepare: the citizen's booklet and the charter
The ministry says applicants can rely on two documents:
- The citizen's booklet (livret du citoyen). According to the ministry page, it sets out the knowledge and values expected of naturalisation candidates: French history, culture and society, and the principles and values of the Republic. A July 2026 version is published, with the order that approves it.
- The charter of the rights and duties of the French citizen. According to Service-Public, it states the principles and values the interview covers. You must sign it at the end of the interview.
Reading both before your summons is the only preparation these official pages recommend.
Is there a list of interview questions?
We found no list of interview questions on the official pages cited here. Questions you read on forums are personal accounts. They vary from one interview to the next, so we do not repeat them.
Do not confuse this with the civic exam, which does have an official list of knowledge questions. The 12 situational questions are not published, according to the ministry. Our page on the civic exam format explains the difference.
Civic exam and interview: two steps
Service-Public says assimilation into the French community is checked by passing the civic exam and by an interview at the prefecture. The exam is 40 multiple-choice questions, at least 32 correct answers, 45 minutes at most, according to the ministry. Its pass certificate is one of the documents in your file. The Hexaciv mock exam prepares you for the exam. It does not simulate the interview. For who has to take the exam, see who has to take the civic exam.
What if you cannot attend?
Service-Public warns that if you do not attend the interview without a legitimate reason, your application may be closed without further action ("classée sans suite"). If something prevents you from coming, contact the platform that summoned you and keep a written record of your message.
After the interview
The ministry describes what follows: at the end of the investigation, the prefect can take an unfavourable decision (postponement, rejection or inadmissibility) or propose naturalisation. In that case the file goes to the Ministry of the Interior, which assesses the application.
Test yourself: 3 questions
Who conducts the assimilation interview at the prefecture?
Right answer: an agent appointed by the prefect, according to the Ministry of the Interior.
What must you do at the end of the interview, according to Service-Public?
Right answer: sign the charter of the rights and duties of the French citizen (sheet F2213).
What can happen if you do not attend the interview without a legitimate reason?
Right answer: the application may be closed without further action, according to Service-Public.
Frequently asked questions
What is the assimilation interview? It is the interview at the prefecture that checks assimilation into the French community, in particular adherence to the essential principles and values of the Republic, according to Service-Public.
When am I summoned to the interview? When the file is considered complete, according to the Ministry of the Interior. Service-Public writes that you are summoned if your application is admissible.
What do I bring to the interview? The originals of the documents listed on your summons. The ministry mentions the originals of civil-status documents.
How do I prepare? With the citizen's booklet and the charter of the rights and duties of the French citizen, which the ministry names as preparation material.
Does the interview replace the civic exam? No. According to Service-Public, assimilation is checked by passing the civic exam and by an interview at the prefecture.
Can I know the questions in advance? We found no list of interview questions on the official pages. For the civic exam, the list of knowledge questions is published.
Sources
- Service-Public, Naturalisation par décret (F2213), checked 16 July 2026, read 24 October 2026: summons, purpose of the interview, originals, charter, non-attendance.
- Ministry of the Interior, Les procédures d'accès à la nationalité française, read 20 October 2026: agent appointed by the prefect, report, booklet and charter, prefect's decision, civic exam.
- Ministry of the Interior, Livret du citoyen, updated 16 July 2026: content of the booklet.
The interview does not replace the civic exam: naturalisation asks for both. Practise the exam in real conditions.
Take the free mock exam (40 questions, 45 minutes)