French Citizenship Requirements Application Process

French Citizenship Requirements Application Process

The French government grants foreign nationals who have lived in the country for a certain period of time the right to apply for citizenship. The Méhaignerie laws, which came into effect in 1993, changed the requirements for becoming a French citizen and increased the commitment to the historical system called jus soli, or the right to the land.

Today, foreign nationals who are not citizens of the European Union, the European Economic Area or Switzerland and wish to obtain French citizenship can apply for citizenship after residing in France with a permanent residence permit for 5 years. Although being a citizen of a European Union member state is the most important reason why foreigners prefer to become French citizens, reasons such as France’s strong economy, education and job opportunities also enable foreigners to become French citizens.

How to Get French Citizenship?

Ways to obtain French citizenship are listed below.

  • French citizenship by birth and lineage: Various criteria are taken into account when determining the citizenship of babies born in France. Babies born in France and at least one of their parents is a French citizen automatically become French citizens. If a child born in France has neither parent but is born in France, the baby is considered a French citizen. If neither parent is a French citizen and the baby was not born in France, the baby takes the citizenship of their parents. Babies born in French overseas territories are considered French citizens if they were born before the territories of their birth gained their freedom.
  • French citizenship with a residence permit: People who are 18 years of age or older can apply for French citizenship after residing in France for 5 years with a residence permit. The applicant must have earned all of his/her income in France during the 5-year residence permit. If the applicant is married with children, he/she must reside in France with all members of his/her family. Citizens of the European Union, the European Economic Area or Switzerland can live in France for 5 years without a residence permit.

What are the requirements for becoming a French citizen?

The requirements for becoming a French citizen vary depending on the applicant’s personal situation and the method by which they apply for French citizenship. The requirements for becoming a French citizen for different groups are given below.

What are the requirements for citizenship by birth in France?

In France, the requirements for citizenship by birth apply to people whose parents are not French citizens. Babies born in France to foreign parents who are stateless automatically become French citizens. People born in France who are 18 years old and have resided in France for 5 years after they turned 11 can apply for citizenship. People born in France between the ages of 16 and 18 can apply for citizenship if they have resided in France for 5 years after they turned 11. People born in France between the ages of 13 and 16 can apply for French citizenship by their parents if they have resided in France for 5 years after they turned 8.

What are the requirements for obtaining French citizenship for those of French origin?

It is possible for people of French origin to apply for French citizenship.

The requirements for people of French origin to apply for French citizenship are listed below.

  • Being able to speak French fluently
  • Having lived in France for 5 years
  • Being adapted to French culture and being able to adapt to French social rules
  • Passing the French citizenship interview

Children of French citizens born outside France can apply for French citizenship when they turn 18, provided they have lived in France for 5 years.

It is also possible to apply for French citizenship as a spouse or civil partner.

What are the French Citizenship Requirements for People with French Children or Grandchildren?

The French citizenship requirements for people with French children or grandchildren are listed below.

  • The applicant must be over 65 years of age.
  • The mother, father and another first degree relative of the person who is a French citizen are required.
  • Must be a regular resident of France and have lived in France for 25 years, familiar with its customs.
  • In France, it is required that you have not been sentenced to imprisonment for a period longer than 6 months. People whose sentences were later expunged or amended can apply.
  • Not having been convicted of a crime that violates the fundamental interests of the country.
  • Must not have engaged in terrorist activities.
  • Must not have an ongoing deportation order or entry ban.

What are the conditions for obtaining citizenship from France with a residence permit?

The conditions for obtaining citizenship from France with a residence permit are listed below.

  • You must be over 18 years old.
  • Except for special cases, it is necessary to have resided in France for at least 5 years at the time of application.
  • It is necessary to reside legally in France.
  • It is necessary to demonstrate compliance with France by having sufficient knowledge of the fundamental values ​​and principles of the French state, its history, culture and trade.
  • It is necessary to have sufficient knowledge of French.
  • The applicant must be able to earn a legal living and meet tax obligations during the period of residence in France.
  • There must be no behavior that is contrary to social order.

Those who will apply for French citizenship can apply for French citizenship through the naturalization platform if they meet the French residence permit requirements.

How to Acquire French Citizenship Through Marriage and What Are the Requirements?

Ways to acquire French citizenship through marriage are listed below.

  • The person being married must have been a French citizen since the date of the marriage.
  • Must be married to a French citizen spouse for at least 4 years.
  • If the wedding took place abroad, it must be recorded in the French civil status records.
  • When applying for citizenship, you must have a French residence permit.
  • There must be no outstanding deportation order.
  • Spouses must live together from the wedding day.
  • Documentation proving sufficient knowledge of French must be submitted.

To go to France through marriage, a French marriage visa must be obtained and the necessary documents must be submitted together with the spouse who is a French citizen.

What are the requirements for French Citizenship by Investment?

In order to obtain French citizenship through investment, an investor visa and an investor residence permit must first be obtained. People who want to come to France to invest must have a talent passport called a business investor. An investor visa is required for personal investors, company owners or all investors who own 30% of a company.

People who want to obtain citizenship through investment must create or maintain employment within 4 years of the investment. Investors must make an investment of at least 300.00 euros in tangible or intangible assets. Investors who only make capital investments cannot apply for French investment citizenship.

Since the investor visa is not VLS-TS specific, investors who enter France with a French investor visa must apply for a residence permit within 2 months. Applications can be made by going to the French embassy or consulate by preparing the necessary documents. Investors who have resided in France for 5 years can apply for French citizenship.

What are the requirements for children to acquire French citizenship?

The conditions for children to acquire French citizenship include clauses regarding the duration of their stay in France and their age. Parents of children born in France who are not French citizens but have a residence permit can apply for French citizenship for their children. In order to acquire French citizenship, the child must be between the ages of 13 and 15 and have generally resided in France since the age of 8.

Parents of children born in France who meet the requirements are required to submit certain documents. In order to apply for French citizenship for children, a declaration of French citizenship signed by the parent or legal representative, a birth certificate, an identity card, a recent photograph, a residence permit, documents proving that the child has resided in France for at least 5 years after the age of 8, and documents proving that the person applying on behalf of the child is the child’s legal parent or guardian are required. All documents must be translated into French. The application process begins by applying to the Ministry of Interior website or the nearest court with the required documents. The application process is completed after attending the interview with the child.

Where to Apply for French Citizenship?

Applications for French citizenship are made in different places depending on the person’s address of residence. In most regions of France, citizenship applications are made through the French Ministry of the Interior website.

How to Apply for French Citizenship?

The place of application for French citizenship varies according to the address of residence, but the region of residence must first be selected via the French Ministry of the Interior website. Applications are made online for the regions available on the website. Applications can be made by uploading the necessary documents to the platform. If the region of residence is not on the list, the citizenship office of that region should be contacted and information about the application process should be obtained.

What are the Required Documents for French Citizenship Application?

The documents required for the French citizenship application are listed below.

  • Citizenship application form: Must be signed with a date and submitted in two copies.
  • Identity document: A photocopy of one of the documents such as passport or identity card must be presented and the original must be presented during the interview.
  • Photograph: Two 35 mm wide and 45 mm long photographs must be taken without accessories such as hats and glasses. Name, surname, and date of birth must be written on the back of the photograph.
  • Electronic tax stamp: A stamp worth 55 euros must be purchased and presented.
  • Stamped envelope: If the application is made by mail, the address should be written and put in a stamped envelope.
  • Birth certificate: A copy of the birth certificate must be submitted to demonstrate family status.
  • Documents belonging to parents: Documents showing the birth dates and places of birth of the parents and, if married, their marriage certificate must be submitted.
  • Criminal record: Criminal records obtained from the competent authorities of the places where you have lived within the last 10 years must be submitted.
  • Accommodation documents: The rental agreement for the house where the accommodation is located, documents showing the rent payment for the last 3 months and the last bill for telephone, internet or energy subscription must be submitted.
  • Tax receipt: Receipts showing that the applicant has paid income tax for the last 3 years must be declared.
  • F237 document: A document showing the tax status for the last 3 years must be submitted.
  • Proof of employment: If possible, documents showing employment status for the last 3 years are required.
  • Employment contract: Documents showing the applicant’s salary and start date of employment must be submitted.
  • Pay slips: Pay slips for the last 3 months must be submitted. Pay slips for November and December of the last 3 years must be submitted.
  • Language exam result: A B1 level exam result must be submitted, demonstrating the applicant’s written and oral French language proficiency.

How Much Is the French Citizenship Fee?

The French citizenship fee is 55 euros.

How Does the Process of Acquiring French Citizenship Work?

The process of becoming a French citizen involves multiple investigations. The level of citizenship duties such as tax payment habits and the applicant’s criminal history during his/her time in France are examined by consulates and social institutions. In order to test compatibility with French culture, the applicant is called for an interview and is tested on the national and cultural values ​​of France. At the end of the interview, the applicant signs the paper stating the rights and obligations of French citizens and the process is completed.

How Long Does It Take to Complete a French Citizenship Application?

Applications for French citizenship are normally finalized within 18 months. Applications for those who can prove that they have resided in France for 10 years are processed within 12 months.

What to Do If Your French Citizenship Application Is Rejected?

If your French citizenship application is rejected, you can write a letter of complaint to the citizenship office. The letter of complaint varies depending on the reason for the rejection. A French citizenship application is rejected in two ways: inadmissible and inappropriate.

Applications marked as unacceptable are for people who do not fully meet the requirements. People who do not meet the requirements can write a complaint letter within 2 months. Once the citizenship office removes the unacceptable statement, the application can be made again.

Applications that are rejected due to reasons such as the applicant’s unstable professional life are rejected as inappropriate and a letter of complaint can be written within 2 months. Applications are re-evaluated according to the letter of complaint and a new application right is offered.

Frequently Asked Questions

The most frequently asked questions regarding French citizenship and application requirements are listed below with their answers.

What are the Exceptions to Becoming a French Citizen?

It is possible to become a citizen of France in exceptional cases, regardless of the marriage or residence period requirements.

Exceptions to French citizenship are listed below.

  • Having served in the French army or the French allied armies during the war
  • Becoming a skilled immigrant
  • Being a citizen of a country where French is the official language and having studied in French high schools for 5 years.
  • French law recognizes the right to dual citizenship.

What are the requirements for French citizenship through asylum?

It is possible to apply for French citizenship with refugee status.

The requirements for applying for a French refugee visa are listed below.

  • Having qualified refugee status
  • Have a valid reason to apply for asylum
  • Be over 18 years old
  • The applicant’s monthly income must be 550 Euros or less.

Asylum applications in France are only accepted by people who have valid reasons.

Does France Grant Dual Citizenship?

France grants dual citizenship. Dual citizenship has been recognized by the French government since January 9, 1973, and having another citizenship does not prevent French citizenship.

What are the Advantages of French Citizenship?

The benefits of French citizenship are listed below.

  • Be a citizen of a European Union member state
  • Benefit from high-level education opportunities
  • Benefit from a top-tier healthcare system
  • Having the right to free movement in other countries within the European Union
  • Easier to obtain a visa to travel to other countries
  • Being part of France’s strong economy

How to Get a French Passport?

To obtain a French passport, a separate application must be made after becoming a citizen and the passport fee must be paid. A French passport can be obtained after the application is made and the necessary fee is paid.

Which Countries Can I Visit Visa-Free with a French Passport?

After obtaining French citizenship, it is possible to enter France and other Schengen countries without a visa.

The countries that you can visit without a visa with French citizenship are listed below.

  • Switzerland
  • Austria
  • Belgium
  • Czech Republic (Czechia)
  • Estonia
  • Finland
  • Germany
  • Greece
  • Hungary
  • Iceland
  • Italy
  • Latvia
  • Liechtenstein
  • Lithuanian
  • Luxembourg
  • Malta
  • Holland
  • Norway
  • Poland
  • Slovakia
  • Slovenia
  • Spain
  • Swedish