Critical points on how to acquire French citizenship

For British nationals, obtaining French nationality offers a unique opportunity: a French passport not only allows easier residence and travel in France, but also access to the wider EU, benefiting from the economic and mobility opportunities that Brexit has made more complex. France itself is a country of remarkable diversity, offering everything from the stunning Mediterranean coast to the majestic Alps, and provides a strategic foothold in Europe for work, study, or business.

French citizenship can be obtained by various routes, depending on the status of the applicant.

Citizenship by naturalisation (most common route)

This applies to foreign nationals who have been long term residents in France. It should be noted that granting of naturalisation is discretionary and not automatic. The key points are:

• Minimum residence requirements are usually five years legal residence or less if you have a French Master degree or made an exceptional contribution to either science, culture, sport or the French economy.
• Continuous valid residence permits.
• Full integration into French society with B2 level French language and knowledge of French history, values and understanding of French institutions.
• Financial stability, with employment and regular income which can include pensions or self-employment.
• A clean criminal record, with the exception of minor transgressions.
• A high regard for French law and commitment to tax obligations.

Citizenship by Marriage This does not automatically provide French citizenship.

The key points are:

• A foreign spouse must have been married for four years (five years without having lived continuously in France)
• The French spouse must still have retained their French citizenship
• The marriage must be continuous and may not have experienced any separations
• B2 proficiency in French.
• A clean criminal record

Citizenship by birth-right (jus soli) this applies to individuals who were born in France.

The key points are:

• Individuals born in France have the automatic right to French citizenship on achieving the age of 18 years provided they have lived in France for at least five years over the age of 11 years.
• Automatic citizenship if you were born to foreign parents in France under certain conditions.
• It is possible to obtain citizenship earlier with a parental request and proof of residence.

Citizenship by descent (Jus sanguinis). This applies providing one parent is French.

Key points are:

• Proof of the parents’ nationality at the time of the child’s birth.
• For an adult applicant, a Certificat de nationalité française (CNF) could be required.
• If the underage child was born abroad, registration with the French civil authorities is required.

Angela Falqui, an Associate in the Lyon office, commented, “Applications can be made with local French authorities in the case of naturalisation or through the French consulate, for those individuals who are living overseas. France also permits dual nationality so an applicant does not have to revoke their nationality of birth. Angela further pointed out that, considering the lengthy processing times for such applications, and the possibility of requests for additional documentation that may further extend the timeframe, it is therefore important to build a solid and well-prepared dossier from the outset."

Giambrone and Partners immigration lawyers can assist applicants wishing to obtain French nationality at all stages of their application. Our lawyers will ensure that no inadvertent errors or incorrect documentation will slow down or cause your application to fail. 

Angela Falqui is an Associate in the Lyon office. She graduated in law in 2013, followed a Master’s degree 2016. In the same year, she also completed a Master II in International Law and now specialises in international law.

Additionally, Angela has been an Italian lawyer registered with the Sassari Bar since 2022 and further enhanced her academic credentials by obtaining a Master I and II in French Private Law.

Angela is highly respected for her cutting-edge abilities when managing cross-border matters involving immigration law, family law, succession, and real estate law.

If you would like to know more about how you can obtain French citizenship, please email us at clientservices@giambronelaw.com, or click here.