There are multiple legal options to obtain French citizenship, depending on certain factors, such as: descent, birth, marriage or naturalization. Our lawyers in France can assess whether you are eligible for acquiring French citizenship and help you understand which requirements must be met in order to achieve this goal.
| Quick Facts | |
|---|---|
| Minimum time in the country before applying for citizenship | 5 years, less in some cases |
Citizenship for investors | Subject to the minimum lawful stay |
Citizenship for children | – for a child who is born in France and is living in the country at least since the age of 8, the parents can claim French nationality on his/her behalf between 13 and 16 years of age; – after 16 years of age, chilren can apply for French nationality if the habitual residence was in the country for at least 5 years since the age of 11 |
| Citizenship by descent | When at least one parent is French |
| Citizenship by adoption | Subject to fulfilling the conditions of full adoption by a French parent |
| Residence requirements for citizenship applications | – minimum lawful and continous stay of 5 years prior to application; – valid residence permit at the time of the application |
| Minimum age for citizenship applications | 18 years |
| Citizenship for dependents who join the permit holder to France | The dependents are subject to citizenship by naturalization |
| Citizenship for foreign nationals married to a French citizen | They can apply for citizenship after 4 years, as opposed to the regular 5 years |
| Regaining citizenship | Reintegration is possible by decree or declaration |
| Language knowledge for naturalization | Yes |
| History/law knowledge for naturalization | Yes |
| Ceremony | Yes |
| Loss of citizenship | – through voluntary action; – through a public official’s decision |
| Dual citizenship allowed | Yes |
Table of Contents
How can your lawyers help with the French citizenship application?
Our legal team assists you during all the stages of obtaining French citizenship, including:
- evaluation of your eligibility;
- preparation and verification of all necessary documents;
- helping with getting legalized civil status documents issued in foreign countries;
- legal assistance in connection with your citizenship or immigration application.
How can I get citizenship in France in 2026?
We present the following ways to acquire French citizenship:
- by descent: the applicant has at least one parent who is a French citizen; alternatively, he may also apply in case of full adoption;
- by birth: when the applicant was born in the country and one or both parents were also French;
- by marriage: when a foreign national marries a French national, he or she may apply for French citizenship by marriage after four years;
- by naturalization: a common manner to obtain citizenship that is available to all other applicants (who are not married to a national or are not born to parents of French descent). One can apply for French citizenship by naturalization after having lived in the country lawfully and continuously for minimum five years. Lawfully living in the country implies having a valid residence permit in France at all times.
Below, find more practical information on the ways to obtain French citizenship, from this infographic:
What are the criteria for acquiring citizenship by naturalization in France?
For foreign nationals wishing to obtain French citizenship by naturalization, the following criteria should be satisfied:
- Age: applicants must typically be above the age of majority when making the application;
- Residence requirement: applicants must have lived in France lawfully and continuously for at least five years before applying;
- French language proficiency: applicants must show French language competence at B1 level or higher based on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR);
- Good character: the criminal background of the applicant and his/her conduct regarding French law are taken into account by the authorities;
- Stable financial circumstances: proof of economic integration may be asked as part of the examination of the application.
What are the requirements for French citizenship by descent?
Individuals applying for French citizenship by descent should keep in mind the following requirements:
- Parental relationship: French citizenship by descent usually requires having at least one parent who is a French citizen at the time of the child’s birth;
- Filiation documentation: proof of the familial bond needs to be provided via civil status documents, for example, birth certificates;
- Nationality of the French parent: French nationality of the parent should be proven with appropriate documents, like a French passport or national identity card;
- Verification of transmission of French nationality: under certain circumstances, additional documents may be requested by the authorities in order to prove transmission of French citizenship.
What are the conditions for citizenship by marriage applicants in 2026?
In the case of citizenship by marriage, the following are important:
- Minimum consortium: the two individuals need to have been in a matrimonial relationship and cohabiting for minimum five years and the foreign spouse needs to have lived in France continuously for three years at the time of the marriage;
- Joint presence: the married couple is to appear in person, together, to sign the documents with the French authorities;
- French language skills: the foreign spouse must have a good command of the French language, both written and spoken;
- Others: a fee is payable upon submitting the request and additional documents, such as the police record.
We invite you to watch a video about obtaining French citizenship:
How citizenship by birth can be acquired?
As previously stated, there are multiple scenarios in which a child can acquire French citizenship by birth. We list these below:
- When one of the parents is French at the time of birth, irrespective of where the child was born. It does not matter if the parents are married, as long as the parentage is clear for the parent who is a French national;
- When one of the parents becomes French after the child is born, if the child has his or her habitual residence with the parent who is a citizen (or alternatively with that parent if they are divorced or separated);
- When adopted by a French citizen; in this case, the initial nationality of the child is changed;
- When the child was born in France to foreign parents.
What is the advantage of having French citizenship?
French citizenship enables individuals the opportunity of:
- residing in France without any immigration barriers;
- voting rights and running in French elections;
- getting a French passport;
- enjoying the citizenship rights of the European Union member states, such as the liberty of residing and working in other member states of the European Union.
Please contact our French immigration lawyers and solicit legal advice.
