20 Most Common Questions in the French Naturalization Interview

The 20 Most Common Questions

Based on feedback from thousands of candidates, here are the questions you're most likely to encounter during your naturalization interview:

Personal Questions

1. Why do you want to become French? - Be sincere and specific about your connection to France.
2. How long have you lived in France? - Know your exact dates of arrival and residency.
3. What is your profession? - Explain your work and contribution to French society.
4. Do you have family in France? - Discuss your family ties and social integration.

French Values Questions

5. What is the motto of France? - "Liberté, Égalité, Fraternité"
6. What does laïcité mean? - The separation of church and state, religious neutrality of public institutions.
7. What are the symbols of France? - The tricolor flag, Marianne, the rooster, La Marseillaise.
8. What does Liberté, Égalité, Fraternité mean to you? - Personal interpretation showing understanding.

Institutional Questions

9. Who is the President of France? - Know the current president's name.
10. Who is the Prime Minister? - Stay updated on current government.
11. How is the President elected? - Universal direct suffrage for 5 years.
12. What is the National Assembly? - The lower house of Parliament, 577 deputies.
13. What is the Senate? - The upper house, represents territorial collectivities.

Historical Questions

14. When was the French Revolution? - 1789
15. What is the Declaration of the Rights of Man? - 1789 document establishing fundamental rights.
16. When was the Fifth Republic established? - 1958, by Charles de Gaulle.
17. What is Bastille Day? - July 14th, commemorating the storming of the Bastille in 1789.

Rights and Duties Questions

18. What are the duties of a French citizen? - Voting, paying taxes, respecting laws, defending the nation.
19. What are the rights of a French citizen? - Vote, work, education, healthcare, equality before the law.
20. Would you defend France if needed? - Show commitment to your future country.

Practice answering these questions out loud in French. Use our oral interview simulator to get comfortable with the format and timing.