French Naturalization
The three main ways in which French nationality can be gained are:
- Naturalization: The granting of nationality to people who have reached their majority (18 years) and have lived in France for at least five years;
- Acquisition: For 18-year-old children of foreigners born in France and resident there for at least five years between the ages of 11 and 18 (under Article 44). Although between 1993 (Act of 22 July) and 1998 (Act of 16 March) applicants had to “manifest a desire” to become French in order to enjoy this right, this is no longer required;
- Declaration: Following marriage to a French man or woman (the marriage must have lasted at least one year).
Marriage
Spouses of French citizens have a right to a long stay visa and a family stay card as of right, absent fraud, and for spouses from visa waiver countries, no long stay visa is required. The spouse can acquire a right to permanent residence, provided the marriage was celebrated at least two years prior to the permanent residency request.
Since 26 November, 2003, a foreigner living in France, married to a French citizen for two years can acquire French citizenship by declaration, so long as they have resided in France for one year uninterrupted. If the couple is living outside of France, a five year waiting period is required. In addition to the many documents required to prove both the applicant’s nationality and the spouse’s French nationality, there is a requirement for competency in the French language. The laws changed in September 2006, so that even married foreigners must wait four years before they can apply for citizenship - if they live outside of France.
Naturalization ‘par déclaration’ is possible if you have legal status and have been married to and continuously living with a French citizen for 2 years (without delay if you have a child with this spouse). Children under 18 can be naturalized at the same time as their parents.
Non-Marriage
In France, naturalization ‘par décret’ is possible for people aged 18 or more who have legal immigrant status (‘titre de séjour’) and habitually resided (‘residence habituelle et continue’) in France continuously for 5 years (2 years for students who succeeded in two years university courses). Applicants must show assimilation (ability in French, showing they adopted French habits and customs…), and good moral character. They must also prove that they have stable own income (either from their occupation or from their family) in France to support themselves, and show that all their family attachments are in France.
For non-married foreigners, the wait is five years, but you have to have proof that you have a steady income and are reasonably integrated into French life (among other things, of course). The wait can also sometimes be shortened for those who have completed at least two years of higher education here.
