How to Obtain French Citizenship (Nationalité Française) in 2026
You may obtain French nationality by birth, by descent, or through the naturalisation pathway (including marriage). The eligibility requirements and application process vary based on your chosen route to acquire citizenship in France.
A French citizenship application may be a meticulous and time-consuming process depending on your circumstances. Seeking legal support is strongly advised as a qualified immigration lawyer can help increase your chances of receiving a positive decision. Speak to our French immigration specialist lawyers to explore your options and get tailored legal advice. Call us today at +44 (0) 333 305 9375 or message us online.
Ways To Obtain French Citizenship
France’s citizenship laws allow both citizenship by birth (‘jus soli’) and citizenship by descent (‘jus sanguinis’). Foreign nationals can also become French citizens by naturalisation or through marriage to a French national. You may become a French national if you have:
- Been born in France or in a French overseas territory
- Have at least one French parent, biological or adoptive
- Been married to a French citizen
- Been eligible to naturalise as a citizen in France through residency
Page Contents
- Ways to Obtain French Citizenship
- French Citizenship by Birth
- French Citizenship by Residence or Naturalisation
- French Citizenship by Marriage
- French Citizenship by Descent
- French Citizenship by Adoption
- Benefits of Obtaining French Citizenship
- Required Documents for French Nationality Application
- How to Apply for French Citizenship
- French Citizenship Language and Civics Test Requirements
- French Citizenship Application Processing Time and Costs
- What Happens When the Application Is Successful?
- What If Citizenship Application Is Refused?
- How Can Total Law Help?
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Obtaining French Citizenship: Routes and Eligibility Criteria
Each route to French citizenship comes with their own conditions and eligibility requirements. In this section, we have provided a brief overview of each of the primary routes to obtaining French citizenship along with their relevant eligibility criteria and additional requirements, if any.
French Citizenship By Birth
Children born in France or any of its overseas territories may automatically become French citizens if:
- At least one of their parents is a French national or born in France even if they are not a French citizen
- At least one parent was born in Algeria before 3 July 1962, and the child was born in France after 1 January 1963
- At least one parent was born in a former French overseas territory prior to independence while the child was born in France before 1 January 1994
- They are born stateless because their parents are unknown, or have no legal nationality themselves, or they come from a country where citizenship can be obtained only if you are born there
A child born in France to foreigner parents may also become a French national by making a statement, unless the parents are there on a diplomatic or consular mission. The eligibility requirements vary depending on the child’s age at the time of their application for French citizenship:
- If the child is aged 13-15 years, they must be a usual resident in France since they were 8 and must still live in the country
- If the child is 16-17, they must habitually be living in France for at least 5 years since they were 11 and must still reside in the country
- The child must explicitly indicate if they agree to obtain French nationality unless they are under guardianship or cannot express their will due to a disability
The child will automatically obtain French nationality when they turn 18.
French Citizenship by Residence or Naturalisation
Adult applicants meeting any of the following conditions may apply for French citizenship by naturalisation:
- They have legally lived in France continuously for five years or more
- They have refugee status in France
- They come from a French-speaking country and French is their mother tongue, or they have been enrolled 5+ years in a French language school
- They served in the French army, or joined the French army or an allied army in wartime
- They have rendered (or can render) exceptional services to France given their abilities and talents
- They have obtained a diploma from a French higher education institution after two years of study
- They have accomplished an exceptional integration path
You must also meet the following requirements to be eligible to apply:
- Have a valid French residence permit
- Are not currently subject to a deportation order or prohibited from French territory
- Can prove your integration into French community
- Have stable and sufficient income to support you and your family
- Have no serious criminal convictions
- Possess French language knowledge at CEFR B2 level or above
French Citizenship by Marriage
If you are a foreign national married to a French citizen, you may apply to become a French citizen yourself by declaration if you meet certain specific conditions. These conditions may vary depending on how long you have been married to your French citizen spouse and how long you have been residing (or have resided in the past) in France with them.
You must meet the following requirements to claim French nationality through marriage:
- Your spouse was already a French citizen on the date of your marriage and have retained their French citizenship since
- You have been married for at least four years (or five years if you do not meet either of the following residency conditions)
- You must have lived together continuously in France for at least three years since your marriage, or lived abroad with your French spouse registered on the consular registers as a French citizen living abroad
- You got married in France (the marriage must have been transcribed to the French civil registration system if it took place outside France)
- You have a valid residence permit unless you are an EEA or Swiss citizen
- You are not subject to a deportation order or a current prohibition of French territory (ITF) order
- You do not have a serious criminal conviction in France
- You possess French language knowledge at least at the CEFR B2 level
- You demonstrate a sufficient level of integration into French culture and society
French Citizenship by Descent
French citizenship by descent allows a person to become French if at least one of their parents is a French citizen at the time of their birth. This is based on the principle of ‘jus sanguinis’ or right of blood, and it applies to children of French parent(s) regardless of where the child was born or where they currently live (i.e., in France or abroad).
Eligibility depends entirely on the nationality of the parent(s). If you are eligible to French citizenship by descent, the process focuses on proving your existing right to French nationality through official records rather than your application for French nationality.
Unlike citizenship by naturalisation, a minimum residency period in France or knowledge of French language is not relevant. Nor will you have to pass a civics test or prove your integration with French society. If, however, you were born to unmarried parents, your French parent(s) must recognise your birth and accept the parentage.
Having a grandparent or great-grandparent does not directly qualify you for French citizenship by descent. If your French grandparent(s) passed their nationality to your French parent(s), you could claim citizenship by descent in France through your French parent(s).
Citizenship by descent principle is applicable in cases even if the French parent(s) never registered their French nationality. However, if your parent naturalised as a French national after you were born, you will not be eligible for French citizenship through the descent pathway.
French Citizenship by Adoption
French Civil Code recognises two types of adoption, a simple adoption and a plenary adoption. A simple adoption enables the child to stay linked with their biological family whereas a plenary adoption severs all contact.
Children adopted through the plenary adoption process automatically become French citizens if at least one of the adoptive parents is a French national. However, in case of a simple adoption, the adopted child may obtain French nationality through declaration. Adult adoptees must take the naturalisation route to citizenship in France.
Benefits of Obtaining French Citizenship
A citizenship in France comes with many benefits, such as:
- Freedom to live, work, study or do business in France as well as in any of the EU Member States
- Free entry into, and exit from, France
- Freedom of movement within the EU
- Access to high-standard public services, e.g., healthcare and education as well as social benefits where applicable
- Right to vote and take part in elections in France or hold a public office
- A French passport
- French diplomatic protection while traveling abroad
Required Documents for French Nationality Application
The supporting documents required for French citizenship applications depend on the route that the applicant is taking to obtain citizenship. Document requirements for French citizenship by descent will substantially vary from that for citizenship through naturalisation, for example.
We have provided a list of usual supporting documents in this section, but French Ministry of Justice may ask you for additional evidence. All supporting documents must be in French. If not, certified translated copies prepared by a registered translator must be provided. You must submit all documents in original.
Documents Required for French Citizenship by Birth or Adoption
Applicants claiming French nationality by birth or adoption must submit the following documents along with their citizenship application:
- Proof of ID, such as an ID card or passport
- A birth certificate or decree for adoption
- Proof of a parent’s French citizenship or their residency in France
- If the individual is born outside of France, proof of the parent’s French nationality when they were born
Documents Required for French Citizenship by Naturalisation
To be eligible to apply for French citizenship by naturalisation, an applicant will usually have to provide the following supporting documents:
- Proof of ID, such as an ID card or valid passport
- Proof of residency in France, such as a rental contract or utility bills.
- French language proficiency certificate
- Criminal record check certificate
- Proof of integration into French society (e.g., an employment contract, proof of volunteer work, community involvement, etc.)
Documents Required for French Citizenship by Marriage
To claim French nationality through the marriage pathway you must submit the following documents along with your citizenship application:
- Your valid passport or equivalent
- A passport photo
- Two signed copies of the declaration form
- Your marriage certificate
- Your French Spouse’s citizenship evidence
- Proof of your shared residency, such as utility bills or a rental contract in both your names
- Proof of your French language proficiency
- Your criminal record check certificate
- Documents proving that your or your French spouse’s any previous marriage(s) were dissolved (if applicable)
Documents Required for French Citizenship by Descent
An applicant for French citizenship by descent must submit the following documents to claim French nationality:
- Their French parent’s birth certificate
- Their birth certificate
- The marriage certificate of their parents
- Proof of the French parent’s nationality
- Evidence of the French parent’s residency if living abroad
- Any other relevant documents, such as a divorce decree or adoption papers, where applicable
How to Apply for French Citizenship
The process for obtaining French nationality will vary depending on the specific citizenship pathway you have chosen.
For example, for a child applying for French citizenship by birth, the supporting documents will have to be submitted, either by the parent(s)/legal guardian of the child (if aged 13-15) or by the applicant themselves, at the local judicial court of the area where they reside in France. The applicant will be given a receipt after submitting their documents.
After reviewing their application, the judicial authorities will schedule an interview with the child and their parents to verify whether the child has given their consent.
On the other hand, you will have to take the following steps to apply for French citizenship by marriage:
Prepare a Dossier
You must put together a dossier with all the required information and documents. Arrange the documents in the same order as referred to in the official instructions. While preparing your dossier, check whether the official documents from your home country should be legalised or require an apostille.
Submit Your Application
You must submit your completed and signed application form along with the required supporting documents at a French government centre, known as a platform. You will have to submit your documents either in person or send via post if your platform offers that facility.
If you are outside France, get in touch with your local French embassy/consulate to submit your documents.
Attend an Assimilation Interview
You will have to attend an assimilation interview along with your French spouse. This interview will be conducted at your regional platform by prior appointment, and you must bring your ID documents to the interview.
An interviewer will thoroughly check your credentials and ask you various questions regarding your life in France and why you want to become a French citizen. The goal is to ascertain the level of your integration into French society and culture. The interview will be conducted in French, and you will not be allowed an interpreter.
You must prepare well for your interview as the assimilation interview can be a rigorous process and may last up to 90 minutes. Your local gendarmes or police may also pay you a visit at this stage, which may or may not be by appointment.
French Citizenship Language and Civics Test Requirements
French citizenship applicants through naturalisation or marriage route must prove that they have a sufficient level of French language ability.
Since 1 January 2026, the minimum required level is B2 on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). This means that the applicants should be able to understand everyday conversations, express opinions, and communicate in routine social and professional situations.
In addition, applicants must pass a civic exam on the values of the French Republic. During this exam, officials assess the applicant’s integration, testing their knowledge of French history, culture, and republican values such as liberty, equality, and secularism.
French Citizenship Application Processing Time and Costs
Legally, the French authorities are expected to process a citizenship application in 18 months from the application receipt date. In practice, they may take anywhere from 12 to 24 months to respond.
Processing timeline also varies depending on prefecture or consulates if applying from abroad.
The standard fee for applying for French citizenship is €255.
This fee is paid using a fiscal stamp (timbre fiscal), which can be purchased online or from authorized sellers in France. The payment is required when submitting the application dossier.
Although the government fee is relatively low compared with many countries, applicants often face additional indirect costs. These may include costs for:
- Translation of official documents not in French
- Certification or legalisation of foreign records
- Language and civics tests
- Any legal or administrative assistance
As a result, the total cost of the French citizenship application process may vary widely depending on individual circumstances.
What Happens When The Application Is Successful?
If your French citizenship application is successful, your approval will be published in the Official Journal of the French Republic.
The Ministry of the Interior or your local prefecture will also send you an official letter or email confirming your approval. You will then be invited to your local prefecture or town hall for a formal citizenship ceremony. During the event, you will receive your official naturalisation certificate or declaration of nationality.
Following the ceremony, you can apply for a French National Identity Card (Carte Nationale d’Identité) and a French Passport (Passeport).
What If My French Citizenship Application Is Refused?
If your citizenship application does not meet the necessary conditions, French authorities can refuse your application. They may also postpone it if they feel that it is not appropriate at the time. In the latter case, they will inform you of the reason(s) behind this decision and provide a timeline for resubmitting a revised application.
If your application is refused, you can lodge an appeal through two distinct legal channels. First, you can take the ‘recours gracieux’ route, where you write directly to the authority that issued the refusal asking them formally to reconsider their decision. It is the faster and less costly route than the ‘recours contentieux’ or the formal judicial route. You should take this route if the refusal resulted from a factual error or if new supporting evidence can strengthen your application.
If your administrative appeal is rejected or your application refusal involves a more serious legal error that asks for a judicial review, you can lodge an appeal before the ‘tribunal administratif’. It is France’s administrative court of first instance for nationality matters. If your case is not resolved at the tribunal, you may escalate the same to the Conseil d’État, which is France’s highest administrative court.
Regardless of whether you are choosing the ‘recours gracieux’ or the ‘recours contentieux’ route, you will require expert legal help to ensure a strong application.
How Can Total Law Help?
Regardless of which route applies to you, a French citizenship application can be a complex process involving collecting several supporting documents to prove the genuineness of your claim. Even if the procedure may sound like a straightforward one, complications may emerge depending on your circumstances.
It is, therefore, recommended to seek legal help to increase your chances of success if you are planning to obtain French citizenship in 2026. In the unfortunate case of an application refusal, hiring a lawyer is obligatory to go through the appeal procedure.
Total Law can help. Our team of competent and experienced immigration lawyers can assist you, regardless of your immigration circumstances or the complexities involved. For legal information and advice regarding your French citizenship application or to have an immigration advisor complete your application on your behalf, reach out to us today. We also offer document and application checking services if you just need a final check to confirm that your documents and application adhere to French citizenship rules and requirements.
We can help with any stage of your application. Call us today at +44 (0) 333 305 9375 or message us online to get started with your French citizenship application.
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Frequently Asked Questions
France does not have a citizenship by investment programme. However, you may qualify first for French residence through routes such as the Talent Passport or business investment permissions.. After living in France as a resident for five years or more, you may apply to become a citizen by naturalisation.
Possible. France allows dual citizenship. However, you home country must also allow dual nationality so that you are able to keep your previous citizenship after becoming a French national.
In some cases, descendants may qualify for reintegration or may already hold nationality automatically. This depends primarily on lineage records and whether nationality transmission was interrupted.
