The charter of the French citizen's rights and duties
This is the document you sign during naturalisation. It runs to just a few pages and sums up the spirit of French citizenship. Understanding it already means preparing well for the interview.
Last checked: 17 juillet 2026
What is the charter for?
The charter of the French citizen's rights and duties was approved by decree no. 2012-127 of 30 January 2012, pursuant to article 21-24 of the Civil Code. It restates the essential principles, values and symbols of the Republic as well as the citizen's rights and duties, which stem from the Constitution or the law.
You sign it at the end of the entretien d'assimilation (assimilation interview), once your assimilation has been assessed. It is also handed to you at the welcome ceremony into French nationality.
The principles and values of the Republic
The charter recalls that France is a Republic that is « indivisible, secular, democratic and social ». Among the essential landmarks:
- The motto: « Liberté, Égalité, Fraternité » (Liberty, Equality, Fraternity).
- The symbols: the tricolour flag, the national anthem « La Marseillaise » and Marianne.
- Laïcité (secularism): the State is neutral; everyone is free to believe or not to believe.
- Equality: all citizens are equal before the law, without distinction. Equality between women and men is part of it.
- National sovereignty and the language of the Republic, French.
The citizen's rights
Nationality confers rights and fundamental freedoms, among which:
- Freedom of conscience, opinion and expression.
- Equality before the law and the presumption of innocence.
- The protection of private life and the right to property.
- The right to vote and the right to be elected (participation in democratic life).
The citizen's duties
These rights are matched by duties:
- Respecting the laws and principles of the Republic.
- Contributing, according to one's means, to the Nation's expenditure by paying taxes and social contributions.
- Helping to defend and uphold the cohesion of the Nation.
- Serving as a juror if called, and taking part in democratic life.
- Voting: the charter recalls that « voting is a right, it is also a civic duty ».
Rights and duties come up often, at the exam and at the interview
The « rights and duties » theme is one of the five in the examen civique, and the officer often returns to it at the interview. The Naturalisation track trains you on it with explanations at your level and role-play scenarios.
Frequently asked questions about the charter
What is the charter of the French citizen's rights and duties?
It is a document, approved by the decree of 30 January 2012, that restates the essential principles, values and symbols of the Republic, as well as the citizen's rights and duties. It is provided for by article 21-24 of the Civil Code.
When do you sign the charter?
After the assessment of your assimilation, that is, at the end of the interview. The charter is also handed over at the welcome ceremony into French nationality.
Do I have to learn the charter by heart?
No. You are not asked to recite it, but to understand its meaning: the great principles of the Republic and the rights and duties that come with nationality. That is exactly what the interview checks.
Civicap is an independent practice tool, not affiliated with the Ministère de l'Intérieur (French Interior Ministry), France Éducation international or the CCI. This page summarises the charter for information; the reference text is decree no. 2012-127 (Légifrance), also to be consulted on immigration.interieur.gouv.fr.