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What is the French citizenship application process?
France is a very popular destination for British nationals to reside and work. Known for its rich history and culture, France boasts an extremely high standard of living, such as a precedent on work-life balance and enjoying the finer things. France offers the opportunity for foreign nationals to apply for French citizenship after residing in the country for five years, with the option for dual citizenship. In 2022, just under 115,000 foreign nationals obtained French citizenship, according to statistics published by Statista.
This guide will explore the application process for becoming a French citizen, including the documents required, and how immigration lawyers (Avvocats) can help.
Click on the links below to jump to that section:
Discover the biggest advantages of applying for French citizenship.
Browse the different routes a foreign national can take to become a French citizen.
Discover the documentation needed when applying to be a French citizen.
Find out the steps of applying to be a French citizen, and the importance of citizenship lawyers.
Discover who Giambrone & Partners are, and the citizenship services they provide.
Read the most common queries on the French citizenship application process.
What are the benefits of living in France?
Living in France is an attractive prospect for many due to its rich culture, robust economy, and high quality of life. Foreign nationals in France often explore options to extend their stay, including obtaining a residence permit (carte de séjour) for periods longer than three months. However, after a certain period of continuous residence, applying for French citizenship becomes an appealing option due to its numerous benefits.
Benefits of becoming a French citizen include:
Access to French education and healthcare systems
The right to vote in France
Travel freely in the Schengen area (rest of the EU)
Strong cultural and historical identity
For more information, read our guide on the benefits and legal framework of moving to France here.
Ways to become a French citizen
Foreign nationals can apply for French citizenship either by declaration (claiming citizenship that you are legally entitled to) or by decree (you aren’t legally entitled but are asking to become French).
There are several pathways to French citizenship, each with its own set of criteria and processes:
By birth (jus soli): If you were born in France to foreign parents, you may be eligible for French citizenship. Due to new immigration laws, this has since been restricted and will not be automatically granted. Instead, foreign nationals will apply for French citizenship between the ages of 16 and 18.
By descent (jus sanguinis): As long as a strong connection to the country can be proven, children with at least one French parent will receive citizenship. This applies to those born abroad to a French parent or those adopted by a French citizen.
By marriage: If you are married to a French citizen, you can apply for citizenship after four years of marriage, provided you have lived together continuously, and your marriage is still valid at the time of application.
By naturalisation (or by décret): After living in France for an uninterrupted five years, foreign nationals can apply for French citizenship by naturalisation or residence.
Unlike in Spain and Portugal, there is currently no Golden Visa investment programme in France. However, in its place, there is the French Tech Visa to consider, which offers similar opportunities for foreign nationals.
The French Tech Visa is designed to attract employees and investors in the tech industry to come and live and work in France. It also provides a streamlined application process for a residence permit, which can then lead to citizenship.
What documents are required when applying for French citizenship?
Applying for French citizenship requires careful preparation and submitting various documents to support your application. These documents may vary depending on the path to citizenship chosen, but will mainly include:
Two signed copies of the application form in French
Two recent passport photos
Valid passport
If by naturalisation, a copy of the French residence permit
Proof of address
Certificate of French language skills (at least level B1)
Marriage certificate (if you are married to a French national)
Proof of a clean criminal record
All documents submitted when applying for citizenship must be translated into French. New immigration laws have tightened measures regarding foreign nationals in France. This includes those with criminal convictions being deported regardless of how long they have lived in the country.
To assess your eligibility for French citizenship, you are advised to instruct immigration lawyers who will be able to guide you through the process and navigate the cross-border laws.
For more information, request a callback with Giambrone & Partners’ citizenship lawyers today.
What is the French citizenship application process?
The application process for French citizenship, particularly through naturalisation, is detailed and requires thorough preparation. Foreign nationals over the age of 18, who have lived in France for an uninterrupted period of five years, must gather all required documentation as aforementioned. These can be submitted online or with your local préfecture.
After submitting your application, you will typically be required to attend an interview. During this interview, you will also take a French language test to demonstrate at least a B1 (intermediate) level of proficiency. Additionally, you may need to show your knowledge of culture, history, and society, although there is no formal citizenship test.
Once the interview and French language test are completed, the approval period may vary in length due to specifications and how long it takes the government to process the citizenship application.
Upon approval, you will be invited to a citizenship ceremony where you will take an oath of allegiance to France. This ceremony marks the official granting of citizenship in France, allowing you to enjoy all the rights and privileges it entails.
To ensure a smooth and successful application process, it is strongly advised that you consult immigration lawyers. These professionals can provide valuable guidance, help you navigate the complexities of the application process, and increase your chances of success.
How Giambrone & Partners can help
Giambrone & Partners specialise in various fields and operate in a multijurisdictional capacity. This includes supporting immigration and citizenship cases in Spain, Portugal, Italy, and France. If you are aiming to obtain French citizenship, our expert lawyers can guide you through the application process and support the gathering of the necessary documentation. They will also be able to explain new immigration laws and how they may affect your citizenship application in France.
Contact Giambrone & Partners below to find out more.
Frequently asked questions
What are the benefits of having a French residence permit?
A French residence permit (carte de séjour) allows foreign nationals to live and work in France legally for an extended period, typically beyond three months. Residence permit holders can open bank accounts, buy French real estate, and enjoy certain social security benefits.
While it does not confer the right to vote or the ability to travel freely within the Schengen area, it is an essential step towards naturalisation and potentially obtaining citizenship in France.
What happens if your French citizenship application is rejected?
If your citizenship application is rejected, you will receive a notification explaining the reasons for the decision. Once rejected, you can appeal the decision within a specified period, usually two months, by addressing the issues raised in the rejection notice.
Common reasons for rejection include incomplete documentation, failure to meet residency requirements, insufficient language proficiency, or concerns about your financial stability or criminal record. Consult with immigration lawyers, who will help gather necessary documentation and inform you of French nationality laws, to ensure your citizenship application is not rejected based on an error or omission.