Nationality of France: all obtaining pathways
French naturalization requires five years of regular residence — two for graduates of French higher education — and the 2025 Retailleau circular hardens the criteria with mandatory B2 French, irregular stay an automatic disqualifier and income without welfare benefits. Marriage to a French national opens it at four or five years.
1Naturalization by residence
Naturalization by residence
Requirements
- 5 years of regular and uninterrupted residence in France (2 years with a French higher-education degree)
- Minimum age of 18
- Social integration and assimilation into the French community
- Knowledge of the French language at minimum level B1
- Adherence to the essential principles and values of the Republic
- No serious criminal record
- Professional stability and sufficient resources
- Naturalization by decree (justice.fr, Civil Code arts. 21-18 and 21-20): 5 years of residence; 2 years with a French higher-education diploma after 2 years of study; no minimum for francophones, refugees, French military service or exceptional services.
Documentation
- Valid passport
- Residence certificate or residence permit
- French B1 language certificate
- Fulfilled Reception and Integration Contract (CIR)
- Criminal record certificates from France and the country of origin
- Tax returns for the last 3 years
- Proof of professional activity or resources
2Naturalization through marriage to a French national
Naturalization through marriage to a French national
Requirements
- 5 years of marriage to a French citizen (4 years if residing in France with a shared life for at least 3 years)
- Material and emotional community of life demonstrated
- Knowledge of French at minimum level B1
- Minimum age of 18
- No serious criminal record
- Adherence to the principles of the Republic
- Civil Code art. 21-2 (service-public F2726): declaration by marriage with 4 years of union if residing in France without interruption since the wedding; 5 years otherwise; continuous community of life and French language required.
Documentation
- French marriage certificate (or transcription into the French civil registry)
- Proof of community of life (cohabitation certificate, joint accounts, etc.)
- French B1 language certificate
- Criminal record certificate
- Valid passport
3Nationality by descent (ius sanguinis)
Nationality by descent (ius sanguinis)
Requirements
- At least one parent is a French citizen at the time of birth
- Nationality is transmitted with no generational limit
- For descendants born outside France: nationality may be claimed at any time
Documentation
- Birth certificate of the French parent
- Birth certificate of the applicant
- French civil registry documents
- Where applicable, documents from the French consulate
4Nationality by birth in the territory (ius soli)
Nationality by birth in the territory (ius soli)
Requirements
- Born in France to foreign parents
- Customary residence in France from age 8
- Automatic acquisition at 18 if resident in France since age 8
- May be claimed from age 13 if resident in France since age 8
- If born in France and resident in France for at least 5 years since age 11: may be claimed from age 16
Documentation
- French birth certificate
- Proof of residence in France since age 8
- Schooling certificate
- Parents' passports
Frequently asked questions about the nationality of France
How many years of residence does France require to naturalize?
According to the main pathway of France (Naturalization by residence), the term is 5 years of residence (2 years with a French diploma obtained after 2 years of study in France; exemption for francophones, refugees and exceptional services). The complete details of requirements and exceptions appear in the fact sheet.
Can the nationality of France be obtained by marriage?
Yes, through the Naturalization through marriage to a French national pathway (4 years of marriage residing in France (or with 3+ years of continuous post-wedding residence); 5 years if the French spouse is not registered with consulates (declaration, Civil Code art. 21-2)). The complete requirements appear in the fact sheet of that pathway.
What documentation does naturalization in France require?
The Naturalization by residence pathway requires: Valid passport; Residence certificate or residence permit; French B1 language certificate; Fulfilled Reception and Integration Contract (CIR); Criminal record certificates from France and the country of origin; among 2 more documents.
What pathways exist to obtain the nationality of France?
France provides 4 pathways: Naturalization by residence, Naturalization through marriage to a French national, Nationality by descent, Nationality by birth in the territory.
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