The Officer rank requires a minimum of eight years as a Knight, and the Commander, the highest civilian category for a non-French citizen, requires a minimum of five years as an Officer. The Grand Officer and the Grand Cross are awarded only to French citizens, and each requires three years' service in their respective immediately lower rank. The awards are traditionally published and promoted on 14 July.
Specific tenure requirements apply to certain ranks within the Officer category: a minimum of eight years as a Knight is necessary for the Officer rank, while a minimum of five years as an Officer is required for the Commander position. The Grand Officer and Grand Cross awards are reserved for French citizens, who must serve three years in their lower-ranking positions before being considered. These awards are traditionally recognized on 14 July.