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How long does it take to get French citizenship?
Becoming a French citizen offers numerous benefits, particularly for British nationals who wish to live and work in France after Brexit. With French citizenship, foreign nationals have the right to reside in the country permanently, as well as the ability to vote in French elections, access to public services, and the opportunity to enjoy visa-free travel throughout the European Union and the Schengen Area.
This guide will explore how long the French citizenship application process typically takes, the factors influencing this timeline, and the benefits of French immigration lawyers.
Click on the links below to jump to that section:
Browse different factors that may alter the time it may take for a citizenship application in France.
Discover how long an application for French citizenship takes and what happens after the application is successful.
Find out the benefits of a French passport, and how to acquire one after gaining citizenship.
Discover how our cross-border lawyers can help you gain citizenship in France.
Read common queries on the French citizenship application.
What factors can affect the application time for French citizenship?
The process of applying for French citizenship can be lengthy and complex, with timescales varying widely depending on several factors:
Path to apply for French citizenship
To become a French citizen, there are various routes for foreign nationals to follow. The path you choose can significantly affect how long the application process takes:
Strength of application
The quality of your citizenship application can also greatly influence how long the application process takes. A strong application will include all required documents, which must be translated into French and will demonstrate your integration into French society. Missing paperwork or incomplete applications can result in delays.
Waiting on residency or visas
For those applying for French citizenship through naturalisation, the time you have spent living in France on a valid visa or residence permit plays a critical role in the application process. To apply for naturalisation, you must have lived in France for five years with a residence permit. However, if there are any gaps in your residency or if your visa has not been continuously valid, this could prolong the process.
Dual citizenship
While France permits dual citizenship, some countries, like the Netherlands, do not. If your home country requires you to renounce your existing nationality before becoming a French citizen, this may lengthen the overall process. This does not apply to British citizens, as the UK allows dual citizenship with France.
To navigate these issues, consider seeking legal aid. Our immigration lawyers (Avocates) will assist in gathering documentation, assessing your eligibility and their expertise will determine how strong your case for French citizenship is.
- By birth: If you were born in France to foreign parents, you might be eligible for French citizenship upon reaching adulthood. The formalities for this process can take between 12 and 18 months, depending on how quickly documents are gathered and processed.
By descent: If you are the child or grandchild of a French citizen, you can apply for citizenship through descent. This route typically takes between six to 18 months, as your eligibility needs to be confirmed through family records and documents proving your ancestry.
By marriage: If you are married to a French national, you may apply for citizenship after four years of marriage. The timeline varies but can take anywhere from 12 months to two years, depending on your circumstances and the strength of your application.
By naturalisation: This is the most common route for foreigners who have lived in France for at least four years, or five if you have lived in France for less than three years. The application process takes up to 18 months.
For more information, contact Giambrone & Partners today to request a call back.
How long does it take to obtain French citizenship?
Once you have gathered the necessary documents and submitted your application, the process can take between six to 18 months, depending on the complexity of your case. After submitting your application to the relevant French authorities, you must attend an interview and a French language test to assess your knowledge of French culture, history, and values, at least according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages. The interview is conducted in French and can last up to 90 minutes.
Following the interview, the local préfecture (administrative office) will decide whether your application is ‘recevable’ (acceptable) or ‘irrecevable’ (non-acceptable). If accepted, your dossier will be passed on to the Sous-direction de l’accès à la nationalité française (SDANF). This stage can take several months, as the SDANF may request additional documents or conduct further checks.
If your application for French citizenship is denied, our cross-border lawyers will assess and pursue the reasons on your behalf. This might lead to filing an appeal to the Administrative Court to challenge the rejection, which is possible after six months.
Find out more about when you will require a French citizenship lawyer during the application process with our guide.
When can you expect to receive a French passport?
After your application for French citizenship is approved, you can apply for a French passport at any time. A French passport allows you to travel freely within the European Union and the Schengen Area, offering significant advantages, particularly for former UK nationals who lost this right following Brexit.
It’s important to note that you will not automatically receive a French passport once your citizenship application is approved.; you must apply and pay a fee (€86 for a standard, adult French passport). The application can be made at your local mairie (town hall) or a French embassy or consulate if you live abroad. To apply for a passport, you will need to provide:
Proof of French citizenship (French ID card or citizenship certificate)
Recent photograph
Biometric data
Proof of residence
Passport fee (Varies depending on the type)
The passport application process typically takes a few days, and you can track the progress of your application online.
How can Giambrone & Partners’ immigration lawyers help?
Applying for French citizenship can be complex and time-consuming, particularly for those unfamiliar with French bureaucracy. Giambrone & Partners’ immigration lawyers can assist you at every stage, from gathering and translating documents to preparing you for an interview and ensuring that your application meets the typical eligibility criteria and is complete and accurate.
Instructing experienced lawyers can help you avoid common mistakes that may lead to delays or rejection. Our French lawyers have extensive experience in handling citizenship applications. They can guide you through the legal process in your own language, ensuring you meet all the requirements and deadlines.
To request a callback from our French immigration lawyers or for more information, contact Giambrone & Partners here.
Frequently asked questions
Can you fast-track the application for French citizenship?
Though the standard application process takes up to 18 months in France, this rule has certain exceptions. This includes foreign nationals who have served in the French military or are recognised as refugees, which may be applicable for a quicker route to French citizenship.
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Applying for French citizenship