Prefecture

The prefecture is the institution that represents the State in each French department. Led by the prefect, who is appointed by the President of the Republic, it ensures compliance with laws, coordinates the actions of State services, and maintains public order. The prefecture plays an essential role in immigration procedures: it receives residence permit applications, processes naturalization files, and organizes assimilation interviews. Each department has a prefecture, generally located in the main city (chef-lieu), as well as sub-prefectures in the arrondissements.