A Guide to Obtaining French Nationality through Descent

With the expansion of globalisation, many people seek to obtain dual citizenship, often in a country in which they have a connection. In France, one pathway to citizenship is through descent. France recognises an individual’s citizenship through their French ancestry.

Ordinarily, citizenship is obtained through the country of birth but there are other ways that this can be achieved.

If your ancestors were French citizens or became naturalised before your birth, you may be eligible to apply for French citizenship by descent, provided you meet all the necessary criteria.

Angela Falqui, an Associate, commented “France is a popular country and French citizenship offers a valuable connection to France’s legal and cultural heritage, however, the requirements for an application are a little stricter than those in other European countries.” Angela further commented, “Applications require thorough documentation, often having to prove the continuous transmission of French nationality across generations and involves diligently navigating intricate legal and bureaucratic processes.”

Pathways to French Citizenship by Descent

• Jus sanguinis (Right of Blood. Citizenship can be passed down through lineage if a parent or grandparent is a French citizen.
• If a parent was naturalised as a French citizen before the applicant's birth, this also qualifies as a pathway to citizenship.

Criteria for Eligibility

• A parent or grandparent with French citizenship.
• Being born in wedlock or legally acknowledged by the French parent.
• No convictions for serious crimes.
• No involvement in activities harmful to France.

Documentation required

• Proof of residence, such as utility bill or rental agreement
• Current valid passport
• Your birth certificate indicating the nature of the parent-child relationship with particular attention to the French parent
• Parent(s) birth certificates
• Parent’s marriage certificate if married, or a certificate proving parentage

Unfortunately, citizenship applications are often rejected due to a variety of reasons issues such as incorrect or incomplete documentation, name or date discrepancies, or inconsistencies in your family lineage. For example, if the documents you provide do not match official records, or if there are errors in names or dates on your birth certificates or other key documents, this can lead to a denial of your application. Similarly, if there are inconsistencies in your family history that do not align with the requirements for citizenship by descent, your application may be rejected.

If your application is denied, there are legal remedies available, which our team can assess and pursue on your behalf. This might include providing additional documentation, correcting errors, or filing an appeal to challenge the rejection.

Our lawyers will carefully review your documents to ensure they are accurate and complete, minimising the risk of rejection. Giambrone & Partners' immigration lawyers are here to guide you through every step of the citizenship application process. If your application is denied, you will be informed of the refusal and the reasons why your application was rejected. It is possible to appeal the decision after six months. If it is possible to amend you application and correct the reasons for rejection you are strongly recommended to instruct an expert French immigration lawyer to assist with the process of re-applying. 

Angela Falqui is qualified as a French-Italian legal operator and has a French licence in Italian and French law.

Angela provides valuable support and insights in matters relating to all areas of immigration. She also is experienced in corporate and commercial law specialising international contract law with expertise in comparative procedures between Italy and France, European Law and EU regulations.

Additinally she deals with all aspects of real estate for individuals and organisations. 

If you would like to know more about applying for French citizenship through descent please email Bruno Diniz on bruno.diniz@giambronelaw.com or please click here.