French citizenship can be applied for on the basis of naturalisation, marriage or birth.

Conditions
In most cases you must be over 18 and currently living in France in order to apply. It may be possible to apply abroad but you must be able to show proof of regular residence in France during the preceding five years. The five-year period can be reduced to 2 years however, if you have studied in a French university, completed military service in the French army, are obtaining refugee status in France or have made an important contribution to the country.

An important change in recent years is the necessity to prove integration into the local community. This can include achieving a certain proficiency in the French language and demonstrating knowledge of French culture, society and the rights and obligations of French citizens. This type of information is contained in the Charter of the Rights and Duties of French Citizens, which is presented to naturalised citizens at the citizenship ceremony.

You may also apply for French citizenship on the basis of marriage, provided the marriage is at least 4 years old. However, if you have not lived with your spouse for part of this time the requisite period can increase to 5 years. To apply for French citizenship on the basis of marriage you must declare:

• That the marriage is an active one both emotionally and materially;
• The French spouse has retained their French citizenship.

• Proof of identity
• Credentials of the French spouse
• Proof of address
• Copy of birth certificate
• Diploma or certificate proving knowledge of the French language
• Proof of not having committed a crime
• Copy of marriage certificate (application on the basis of marriage)
• Evidence of married life e.g. copy of children’s birth certificate, joint tax notice, joint property deeds etc. (application on the basis of marriage)

Your application will then be assessed by the gendarmes, police and the mayor’s office. In addition, the Departmental Office of Social Affairs may also be contacted to provide an insight into your family situation. In the prefect’s final report is included an assessment of the political, demographic and professional characteristics you, as an applicant. If the chief clerk or Department Prefect approves the application it is sent to the Minister of the Interior. The application time is often quite slow - up to 18 months from the initial submission.

If an application for naturalisation is approved the person will be informed of the opinion in principle. The naturalisation decree is then signed and published in the Official Journal, at which point the decree becomes effective. The newly naturalised citizen will then receive an extract of the decree together with a copy of the proceedings of the French registry. Within six months a naturalisation ceremony will be held.

Costs
Applications for French nationality are subject to stamp duty of EUR 55. However those who are in financial need may be given an exemption.

Consequences
As a French national you can claim a national identity card and a French passport. You can also vote in elections and may be required to undertake national service, if you are 26 or under. When a parent becomes naturalised their unmarried dependants automatically become French if they reside with the parent and are mentioned in the naturalisation decree.

Expatica

Photo credit: remiforall (head/hot photo)