#JUST2606796ADecree of 26 March 2026 establishing an automated personal data processing system for the management of individual nationality files submitted to the Ministry of Justice
AI-generated summary for informational purposes only. Not legal advice. See the original source for the authoritative text.
This French decree creates a new national automated database called "NATACHA" managed by the Ministry of Justice. It centralizes all individual nationality case files for judicial nationality disputes, appeals against refusal of French nationality certificates, nationality declarations under the Minister's competence, and official consultations on nationality matters. The system records extensive personal data on the main applicant including identity, family situation, education, finances, health, criminal records, and judicial procedures, as well as data on family members and third parties mentioned in the files. Access is strictly limited to authorized judges, court clerks, and specific civil servants in nationality services. Data is retained for 10 years from file opening, followed by 65 years in intermediate archives before transfer to the French National Archives.
AI-generated summary. May contain errors. Refer to official sources for legal decisions.
Key Changes
- Creation of new centralized database named NATACHA replacing the 1994 system
- 10-year active retention period from file opening, followed by 65 years in intermediate archives
- Extensive data categories collected including health, criminal records, financial situation and family data
+ 3 more changes with Pro
Obligations
What this law requires
Ministry of Justice must create and operate the automated personal data processing system 'NATACHA' for management of individual nationality case files
Restrict access to the NATACHA system exclusively to authorized judges, court clerks, civil servants in nationality services, and other specified personnel, each individually authorized by the Director of Civil Affairs and the Seal
Record all operations (creation, modification, deletion, consultation) in the system with logs indicating the person/authority performing the operation, date, time, and object of the operation, retained for six months
Retain personal data in the NATACHA system for ten years from file opening; transfer closed files to intermediate archives for 65 years; then transfer to French National Archives
Limit the right of rectification to identity and contact data only; data subjects may exercise rectification rights with the Direction of Civil Affairs and the Seal