How to obtain French citizenship

In accordance with the provisions of French legislation, including the Civil Code, it is possible to obtain French citizenship and a French passport

by descent, if one or both parents are French citizens;

on the basis of birth in France.

A minor child born in France to foreign parents may apply for French citizenship at the age of sixteen, provided that he or she has been residing in France for at least 5 years out of the age of eleven.

by virtue of marriage to a French citizen.

The right to obtain citizenship is acquired after four years of marriage, provided that at the date of application, family life has not been terminated between the spouses and that the French spouse has retained his or her nationality.

The period of cohabitation is extended to five years if, at the time of application, the foreigner has not resided in France for less than three years since the marriage.

on the basis of service in the French foreign legion.

by naturalization - in general, it is possible after 5 years of legal residence in France and with evidence of integration into French society.

What documents will be needed

 For any method of acquiring French citizenship, you need:

1.  Two copies of the application form with the date and signature of the applicant.
2.  Two 35×45 mm photographs.
3.  Original passports and notarized and translated copies of passports of all family members.
4.  Birth certificate.
5.  A copy of the residence permit in France.
6.  Documents of previous marriage and divorce.
7.  Police clearance certificates for all family members in France.
8.  Police clearance certificates for the last ten years in each country of residence and country of citizenship.
9.  A copy of the lease or ownership agreement for the housing.
10.  Copies of the last three rent receipts for the property.
11.  Copies of the latest utility bill: telephone, internet, electricity or gas.
12.  A certificate of French language proficiency at B1 level only.
13.  State duty stamp of €55.
14.  A stamped envelope if the application is sent by mail.