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What are the requirements when applying for French citizenship? Application and documentation
Obtaining citizenship is a significant and life-changing step for many foreign nationals living in France. Many who want to become French nationals may be attracted to the country’s many benefits, including the advantages of becoming an EU citizen and access to a rich culture and healthcare system. There are different ways to apply for French citizenship, which vary in the requirements and the necessary documentation. This process can be complex, particularly when navigating cross-border laws and the eligibility criteria depending on the chosen path.
This guide will explore what is required from foreign nationals when applying for French citizenship, including the documentation and how immigration lawyers can help with any potential issues.
Click on the links below to jump to that section:
Find out the requirements for becoming a French citizen by different routes.
Discover how foreign nationals can become French citizens through residency and what will be required from them.
Discover the required documentation to become a French citizen, and how these are obtained.
Find out the potential challenges of the application process, and how citizenship lawyers can assist.
Read the most common queries on applying to become a French citizen.
What are the eligibility criteria for French citizenship?
To become a French citizen, there are multiple paths to citizenship in France, each with its own criteria a foreign national must meet. The French government has established several avenues to citizenship, including by birth, marriage, residency and descent.
In 2023, almost 40,000 British nationals acquired French citizenship by naturalisation. Studies show also that 32,000 British citizens obtained French citizenship by declaration of citizenship (for example, by descent).
By naturalisation
Naturalisation is one of the most common routes for foreign nationals, and it requires the applicant to have resided in France for a certain period of time, exhibit a sufficient level of integration into French society and demonstrate a commitment to the principles and values of the country.
To be eligible for this path to French citizenship, foreign nationals should be over 18 and have legally lived in France for an uninterrupted five years. This may vary depending on specifications. The eligibility criteria for French citizenship by naturalisation include:
Knowledge of the French language
Proven knowledge of French customs, history, culture and business
A sufficient and stable income
A clean criminal record
If you are looking to buy a house in France or permanently reside in the country, it is important to seek legal advice due to the varying cross-border citizenship laws.
For more guidance, contact Giambrone & Partners’ international citizenship lawyers (avocates) below.
By declaration of citizenship (descent or birth)
Other paths to French citizenship involve declaring a connection to the country and proving a strong link, such as Jus Soli (citizenship by birth) and Jus Sanguinis (citizenship by descent). In France, though the country’s citizenship laws allow birthright citizenship (Jus Soli), the law states babies born in France automatically receive their parents’ nationality. If their parents are foreign nationals, these children must apply if they would like to assume French citizenship.
For individuals wishing to apply for citizenship by birth, applicants will be eligible if they have lived in France for a specific period. This depends on their age; for example, those over 18 can apply for citizenship as long as they meet the following criteria:
Lived in France since they were six years old
Attended French school
Have a sibling with French citizenship
By descent (Jus Sanguinis) primarily has one requirement for foreign nationals seeking French citizenship. Children with at least one French parent or grandparent may apply to become a French citizen, as long as they can prove their lineage with appropriate documentation, such as birth or marriage certificates.
By marriage to a French national
Marriage to a French citizen offers another pathway. Individuals married to a French citizen for at least four years can apply for citizenship, provided they have lived in France continuously for at least three years. Foreign nationals must still meet certain eligibility, including:
Your spouse is a French national
You both live together and have done so continuously since your marriage
You have sufficient knowledge of French
A clean criminal record
Each of these pathways requires careful consideration of individual circumstances, and legal advice may be necessary to determine which route is most appropriate. An immigration lawyer (avocate) can help evaluate eligibility based on specific personal and familial details and ensure the right pathway is chosen from the outset.
Residency requirements for French citizenship
The residency requirement is critical in applying for French citizenship, particularly for those seeking naturalisation. In most cases, applicants must have resided in France for at least five consecutive years before submitting their application. This period can be reduced to two years if the applicant has completed postgraduate studies in France or has provided exceptional service to the country.
During the residency period, applicants are expected to fully integrate into French society, including demonstrating knowledge of French customs, culture, and the political system.
Since January 2024, France’s immigration laws have been updated to raise the required level of French language proficiency. These new laws are in place for non-EU citizens looking to move to France for work and family purposes for long periods. To obtain French citizenship, applicants must understand complex topics, interact fluently with native speakers, and write detailed texts on certain topics; this accumulates in the upper intermediate level B2 (raised from the previous level B1).
Navigating these requirements is challenging, particularly if you are unaware of France’s changing citizenship laws. Legal professionals can be crucial in advising on residency issues regarding the citizenship application. Lawyers can help build a case for how the individual has remained connected to France, address any challenges that may arise regarding continuous residency, and help ensure that all requirements are met.
Find out more about our cross-border immigration and citizenship services here, or contact our expert lawyers for a callback.
What documents are required for a French citizenship application?
The documentation required for a French citizenship application is extensive, and ensuring that all paperwork is accurate is vital for the application's success. These essentials may vary depending on the chosen citizenship path, so it is important to communicate with your lawyer to ensure you have met all requirements.
Generally, applicants must submit proof of identity, residency, and integration into French society, with documents such as:
Passport or photo ID
Recent passport photograph
Proof of address
Your birth certificate
Two signed copies of the application form in French (if applying by naturalisation)
Copy of French residency permit (if applying by naturalisation)
Two signed copies of citizenship declaration in French
Proof of nationality or immigration status of parents (if applying by descent or by birth) (if declaring citizenship or by marriage)
If you are married to a French national, additional documents will be required. These include a marriage certificate, birth certificates of yourself and any children, proof that you live together as a marriage couple (for example, joint bank accounts or tenancy agreements), and proof of your spouse’s French nationality.
Common mistakes to avoid during the application process
One of the most frequent errors is failing to meet the continuous residency requirement. Even short trips abroad, if not properly documented, can disrupt the required residency period. French authorities are strict about the accuracy of the application, and even small mistakes can result in the application being returned or denied.
Other common mistakes include:
Failing to demonstrate sufficient French language skills (now at a level B2)
Insufficient proof of financial stability
Not translating the documents into French
French citizenship lawyers (Avocates) can assist applicants in avoiding these pitfalls; ensuring that every aspect of the application meets the required standards. With a strong track record, Giambrone & Partners’ immigration and citizenship lawyers will advise on the necessary evidence to support the claim. They can also help applicants navigate any rejections or appeals should issues arise.
Contact the Giambrone & Partners’ team of expert citizenship lawyers today for more guidance or to request a callback.
Frequently asked questions
How long does the French citizenship application process take?
The processing time for a French citizenship application can range from 12 to 18 months. The exact timing depends on the case's complexity and the relevant authorities' workload.