French Citizenship: Requirements and Benefits of Obtaining It

Obtaining French citizenship is possible in several ways: by birth, through marriage, adoption, or naturalization for special merits. In order to use the last option, one must live in the country for at least five years on the basis of a residence permit.

According to EU legislation, the passport of the French Republic is equal in rights to any other passport of a country that is a member of the European Union. With a French passport, one can freely reside both in France and in any other European country—study, work, use health care services, open bank accounts, and so on. Children of a citizen receive a similar status at birth.  

It is comfortable to live in France, not only in big cities but also in other beautiful regions. France is among the top five countries with excellent environmental conditions.

In the new review we will talk about the advantages of French citizenship, on what basis you can get a passport, the necessary documents and discuss other issues.  

7 Advantages of French citizenship 

By issuing a French passport, a new citizen of the Republic will have access to a number of privileges:

1. The opportunity not to give up their native passport. The Republic of France allows its citizens to hold more than one nationality. It is important that this does not contradict the laws of the citizen's second country. 
2. Life in Europe. French citizens can live, work, study, and do business not only in the Republic but also on the territory of any EU country. Unlike residents living with the status of residence permit, citizens will simply need to register with the police or the mayor's office 3 months after entering the country.
3. Freedom of movement around the world. The French passport is ranked 3rd in the world in 2024 according to the Passport Index. French passport holders have visa-free entry to 192 countries, but a visa may be required to enter 37 countries. French citizenship also allows free travel within the European Union and Schengen countries.
4. Citizenship for the whole family. The French passport can be issued together with the naturalized applicant by his relatives - spouse, children, parents, sisters, and brothers. Citizenship status can be inherited.
5. High level of economic development and life. France ranks second in Europe in terms of economic indicators. The average salary level in the Republic is 3500 €. This is one of the highest indicators in the whole European Union. The infrastructure of the cities is designed for a comfortable life. Stores, pharmacies, banks, clinics - all this is as close to home as possible. Public transportation runs constantly, it is available to different categories of the population. 
6. Assistance from the state. Citizens of the country can count on state support in difficult life situations - in case of unemployment or reduction of income. The state offers social tariffs for water, electricity, housing, and childcare allowances. Parents of a child under 3 years of age receive monthly support in the amount of 92-183 € (the final amount is calculated based on the family income).
7. Travel and recreation. France is a wonderful country not only for living but also for rest. The landscape and climate of France is incredibly diverse. On the territory of one country at different times of the year, you can ride down the mountains, enjoy a vacation on the sea coast, walk through lavender fields, explore vineyards, and at the same time enjoy exquisite local cuisine.

How to get French citizenship?

There are several ways to obtain a French passport. Below we will consider each of them in more detail. 

Citizenship through marriage

The spouse of a French citizen can apply for a passport of the Republic in 4 years from the date of marriage while living in France for 3 years. If the candidate has lived less than the conditional period, he or she can apply for citizenship 5 years after the marriage is formalized.

The country where the marriage was solemnized does not affect citizenship, but the marriage certificate must be certified by the French civil registry office. The spouses will need to be tested and prove that they live and live together. If the family spends a significant part of the time apart, you need to justify it - long business trips of one of the spouses, frequent passage of a long course of treatment in a specialized institution, and others. 

The standard package of documents must be attached to the form № 15277, certified by the second spouse. Also, the French citizen spouse attaches documents confirming the fact of his citizenship.

French citizenship through naturalization

An adult applicant without a criminal record, a citizen of a third country, who lives in France, pays taxes, works and lives in the Republic legally for at least 5 years, can apply for French citizenship.

The first step on the way to a French passport is to obtain a residence status (residence permit). With a residence permit, you can stay in France, study, work and do other things. Everyone who stays in France for more than 90 days must obtain a residence permit. RESIDENCE PERMIT. Issued status for a period of 1 to 4 years, but residency can be extended.

In order to apply for citizenship, you must have an income of at least the minimum wage (Smic). From 01.01.2024 the minimum wage is 1766.92 € (gross) and 1398.69 € (net). It is necessary to pay taxes regularly and to have own or rented housing: the minimum living area for two people is 16 m2 plus 9 m2 for each family member.

In order to prove integration into the local community, it is necessary to pass a test of knowledge of history, culture, society, and language proficiency test not lower than level B1.

Another important condition is the presence of certificates of no criminal record in the country of citizenship, residence, and in France for the last 10 years. Applicants for citizenship can not travel outside the country for more than 6 months out of 10. 

French citizenship by birth

A child automatically becomes a French citizen if one of the parents is a citizen of France. The Republic has a “right of blood” - children inherit the citizenship of their parents, regardless of where they were born.

Children of naturalized citizens receive status if they:

• have not reached the age of majority;
• live with their parents;
• are added by their parents to their citizenship application.

Adult children obtain citizenship status by naturalization after they have lived in France for 5 years. 

If a foreign national child was born in France, he or she can apply for citizenship as soon as he or she reaches the age of 13. 

Citizenship by adoption

The adoption process can be divided into simple and full. The procedures differ between themselves in the scope of parental rights, the preservation of the link with the biological family, and obligations for alimony.

If the process of simple adoption is applied, the citizenship of the child does not change - it is necessary to submit an application. A child under the age of 18 permanently residing in France can become a citizen through adoption.

The application for citizenship is considered in a judicial procedure. It is allowed to submit documents independently after the age of 16. Until then, the interests of the child are represented and protected by a legal guardian. 

In case of full adoption, the child can become a French citizen after 3 years of life in the family that adopted him.

Citizenship for special merits

In some cases, foreign citizens can obtain a French passport in a shorter period of time. At the same time, they do not always live permanently on the territory of France. They need to:

• Know the national language at a minimum B1 level.
• Make a significant contribution to the development of the Republic and its economy.

Approval of a passport for special merit is an exceptional procedure. The candidate will be nominated by the Minister of the Interior. Most often these are athletes, entrepreneurs, and creative artists. Also, citizenship of France on more loyal conditions can be obtained by foreign citizens who served in the armed forces of France. Before submitting a petition, they need to receive confirmation from the Minister of Defense of the country.

Which residence permits can reduce the period of obtaining citizenship?

Some types of residence permits allow you to significantly reduce the migration path to citizenship:

1. For outstanding merits in sports achievements, scientific research, arts, and economy, it is possible to shorten the period to 2 years.
2. For family reunification. If the applicant has family members living in France, he can apply as at naturalization, but after 3 years of residence in the country.
3. Service in the army. Men aged 18-40, after serving in the French Foreign Legion, can apply after 3 years of service.  
4. Study at a higher education institution. A residence permit for study is issued for 1 year with the right to prolongation. Graduates of French universities can apply for permanent residence or citizenship after 5 years in the country (period of study). The term can be reduced to 2 years if the student has proven himself during the training and constantly participated in public educational projects. 

What documents are required to apply for French citizenship

Regardless of which type of residence permit you are applying for and through which method of citizenship you are acting, you will need these papers:

1. 2 copies of the application form, dated and signed by the applicant.
2. 2 photos for documents, made not more than half a year ago, format 34*45 mm.
3. Original passport + notarized copy of the passport.
4. Original resident's passport + notarized copy of the passport.
5. Birth certificate.
6. Copy of the resident's certificate in France.
7. Documents relating to marriage/divorce (if relevant).
8. Documents confirming that you have no criminal record in your home country, your country of last residence, and in France.
9. Document confirming long-term lease or purchase of real estate.
10. Copies of rent receipts for the last 3 months (if relevant).
11. Copies of last month's bills and receipts for communication, internet, gas and electricity.
12. Certificate proving proficiency in French at least B1 level.
13. A stamp for the state duty of 55 €.
14. A stamped envelope of the application with documents will be sent by post.

All documents received outside France must be translated into French - a specialized translator should be involved in the task. Documents for obtaining citizenship are notarized, and an apostille is affixed. 

Applying for French citizenship

The application package and the citizenship application are uploaded to the prefecture's online platform. You can check the website of the Ministry of the Interior to find out which online platform the selected prefecture is connected to. 

Some prefectures allow you to make an appointment online to submit your dossier and complete the required interview. Others allow you to apply through an agency. A prefectural officer handles the interview, verifies the documents submitted, and forwards the file to the Ministry of the Interior for review.

After receiving the client's case, the Ministry of the Interior reviews the application for 1.5 to 2 years. In case of a positive verdict, the resident receives a certificate of naturalization and then applies for a passport. The fee for the issuance of the main document of the citizen is 155 €. The new citizen of the Republic signs the Charter of Rights and Duties of French Citizens, takes the oath of allegiance, and receives a passport.

Refusal or revocation of French citizenship

If the Commission refuses to grant citizenship to an applicant, it explains its decision in writing.

The most common reasons for refusal are:

• The application form or related documents are filled out/certified with errors.
• The attached copies are of inadequate quality or the documents provided are not valid.
• Citizenship test not passed at the required level.
• Naturalization requirements have not been fully met.
• Failed to provide additional documents at the request of the commission within the specified timeframe or in an inadequate amount.
• The applicant is found to have been convicted of a crime against the interests of the nation or terrorism.

Any refusal is accompanied by an explanatory note and a note - within what period of time the applicant may appeal the decision. If all deficiencies are taken into account and eliminated in a timely manner, the applicant may reapply.

Passport revocation - the main reasons:

1. Citizenship is obtained fraudulently through the conclusion of a fake marriage, execution of invalid documents, and others;
2. serious offenses of the current legislation have been recorded;
3. it has been proved that the citizen is involved in a crime related to terrorist acts;
4. a French citizen has entered the military or civil service in another state.

The decision on revocation will be taken by the Council of State. If the French citizen does not agree with this decision, he/she can appeal and appeal the verdict.

Dual and second citizenship in France - yes or no?

Dual and second citizenship are different concepts. The French Republic has a treaty on dual citizenship only with the Kingdom of Spain. Under such an agreement, compulsory military service, for example, would be counted in both states. If there were no agreement, the citizen would have to serve in the army of one side and the other.

Current French law does not prohibit its citizens from holding a second nationality. A foreign citizen can keep his or her native passport if it is not against the laws of his or her country.

Friends, if you still have questions concerning obtaining French citizenship or need qualified legal assistance, the specialists of the licensed agency GARANT.in invite you for a consultation. We will help you to obtain/extend your residence permit status, collect and submit documents for citizenship, apply for TIN, open a bank account, re-issue a driver's license, and much more. With our support, your questions will be solved instantly, without costing you time and effort.