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Understanding the cost of applying for French citizenship
The cost of applying for French citizenship varies depending on the route chosen. Discover how much the French citizenship application costs and how lawyers can help.
As the UK’s closest European neighbour, France is a popular destination for British nationals, with a society rich in culture, cuisine, art, and beautiful scenery. Every year, thousands of foreign nationals apply for French citizenship through various routes, including by descent and by marriage to a French citizen. However, the cross-border citizenship laws and costs always changing, knowing how to navigate the application process can be challenging.
This guide will explore how much the application process costs for French citizenship, and how cross-border immigration lawyers (Avocats) can assist.
Click on the links below to jump to that section:
Discover the requirements for French citizenship and factors to consider.
Browse the different paths to French citizenship and the financial requirements involved.
Extra fees that may arise when applying for French citizenship.
Learn about our cross-border immigration services and how our lawyers can help you gain French citizenship.
Read the most common queries on applying for French citizenship.
What are the eligibility criteria for the French citizenship application?
Many foreign nationals may choose to seek dual nationality with France due to the many benefits of relocating. The eligibility criteria for French citizenship varies depending on the route you intend to take to obtain it.
It is vital to prove you have a strong connection to France and have the right to citizenship. This can be shown in many ways, including long-term residency, marriage to a resident, and integration into French culture and society.
Applicants choosing the naturalisation and marriage path, will also require a French language certificate, which can be obtained at a government-approved language centre. You must obtain and pass a level B1 (determined by the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages—CEFR), representing an intermediate level of French language proficiency. The language test demonstrates your exceptional level of integration, testing your knowledge of the French language, culture, history, and society.
Other eligibility includes:
- A clean criminal record
- Evidence of your income and tax payments
- Proof of your marital status and nationality
For more information, please read our guide on the requirements for French citizenship here.
What is the cost for each path when applying for French citizenship?
Below are the pathways through which you can apply for French citizenship, and each comes with its own set of requirements and associated costs:
By marriage
If you have been married to a French spouse for at least four years, you can apply for citizenship through marriage; this is increased to five years if you have lived abroad. The citizenship application costs €55 and must be supplied along with the required documents, which include a valid marriage certificate, proof of cohabitation, and the spouse’s French citizenship.
By residency
If you have lived in France for an uninterrupted period of at least five years, you can apply for citizenship by naturalisation. This is one of the most common routes to citizenship for foreign nationals. The application costs €55.
By investing
Although France does not have an investment scheme like the Golden Visa, the country offers a residence permit programme. The “Talent Passport” allows foreign investors to apply for long-term residency in France, leading to citizenship after five years. This path requires substantial financial investments of over €300,000. Once the residency requirements are met, the application fee to apply for French citizenship is €55. There is also the French Tech Visa for investors, which is designed for foreign managers to carry out investment projects in France.
Are there any additional costs to consider?
In addition to the standard application fee, which is around €55, there are other costs during the French citizenship application process that foreign nationals may encounter.
- French language test: If you require a French language certificate, the test costs between €150 and €200 depending on the course and testing centre. For example, the TCF IRN (Intégration, Résidence et Nationalité) costs £199 in 2024, and £205 in 2025, composed of four sections including listening, reading, speaking and writing.
- French passport processing fee: If your citizenship application is approved, you can apply for a French passport. The cost ranges depending on the passport type; a standard adult French passport costs €86.
- Assembling and translating documents: British nationals require certain documentation, such as a marriage or birth certificate, when applying for French citizenship. This may involve travelling to different countries. These documents must be translated into French by a certified translator, which may also incur fees.
- Legal fees: Though an immigration lawyer is not mandatory, applicants should consider seeking legal advice when applying for French citizenship . Once the application has been submitted, French immigration authorities will scrutinise all information and evidence to determine the validity of the citizenship claim. Immigration lawyers can help gather and analyse these documents beforehand to ensure everything is in order.
How can Giambrone & Partners help?
Giambrone & Partners is a highly respected international law firm that specialises in cross-border cases. If you are looking to apply to become a French citizen, our French lawyers (Avocats) can help you through the process. Our multijurisdictional and multilingual lawyers can assist you in navigating the complexities of French law, helping you gather the necessary documents, and ensuring all legal requirements are met.
By instructing our expert immigration lawyers, you can reduce the risk of French authorities rejecting your citizenship application due to avoidable errors or delays. Consider seeking legal advice if your application has previously been rejected, or if you are looking to pursue more complex routes to citizenship.
For more information, contact Giambrone & Partners today to request a callback.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to get French citizenship?
The time frame for gaining French citizenship varies on several factors, including the strength of your claim and the route chosen. For example, citizenship by naturalisation takes approximately 18 months and you must attend an interview. In contrast, citizenship through descent (Jus sanguinis) may take as little as six months, depending on how much time you have spent living in France.
For more information, read our expert guide on how long it takes to apply for French citizenship here.
What happens if your citizenship application is rejected in France?
There are many reasons for your citizenship application to be rejected, including previous criminal convictions and a lack of supporting documentation, such as your parent’s French nationality. You may receive either an “inadmissible” response, where you have not met the legal requirements, or an “inappropriate” one where you have met the eligibility criteria, but your circumstances can be improved.
If your French citizenship application has been rejected, you can appeal the decision provided it is made within two months. Your appeal should be made at the Ministry of the Interior.