Naturalization in France

Naturalization is a process by which a foreigner can acquire French nationality. This procedure grants the naturalized person the same rights and duties as any French citizen, including the right to vote, access to public sector jobs, and diplomatic protection. Naturalization can occur either by decree or through marriage, each with its own specific conditions and procedures.

What is Naturalization?

Naturalization is a way of acquiring French nationality by a decision of the State, after the foreigner has proven their attachment to France and integration into society. Unlike other ways of acquiring nationality, such as by descent or birth in France, naturalization is a voluntary act that requires an official application.

Naturalization by Decree

Naturalization by decree is the most common process for obtaining French nationality. This procedure is subject to several strict conditions, and the decision to grant or deny nationality rests with the French State, based on the application submitted.

Conditions for Naturalization by Decree

To be eligible for naturalization by decree, several conditions must be met:

• Legal residence in France: The applicant must have been residing in France legally and continuously for at least 5 years.
• Integration in France: The applicant must demonstrate good integration into French society, notably by mastering the French language, adhering to republican values, and having knowledge of French culture.
• Clean criminal record: The applicant must not have committed any serious or recent offenses.
• Sufficient resources: The applicant must prove that they have stable and sufficient resources to support themselves in France.

Procedure for Naturalization by Decree

The naturalization by decree procedure involves several steps:

• Submission of the application: The applicant must submit a complete application to the prefecture of their place of residence. This application includes various documents, such as a passport, proof of residence, pay slips, etc.
• Assimilation interview: The applicant attends an interview to assess their level of French language proficiency and adherence to the values of the Republic.
• Application review: The application is reviewed by the prefecture, which may conduct further investigations. It is then forwarded to the Ministry of the Interior for a decision.
• Decision: If naturalization is granted, a decree is published in the Official Journal, officially confirming the acquisition of French nationality.
• Citizenship ceremony: A ceremony is organized to present the naturalization certificate to the new French citizen.

Naturalization by Marriage

Naturalization by marriage is another way of acquiring French nationality. It applies to foreigners married to French citizens and is based on specific conditions related to the duration of the marriage, the stability of the couple, and integration into France.

Conditions for Naturalization by Marriage

The conditions for obtaining French nationality by marriage are as follows:

• Duration of marriage: The marriage must have lasted at least 4 years at the time of application, or 5 years if the couple has not lived in France for the 4 years preceding the application.
• Common life: The couple must have lived together continuously since the marriage, without legal separation or a break in their common life.
• Knowledge of the French language: The applicant must prove that they have proficiency in the French language, both spoken and written.
• Criminal record: As with naturalization by decree, the applicant must not have convictions that are incompatible with the acquisition of French nationality.

Procedure for Naturalization by Marriage

The naturalization by marriage procedure is similar to that of naturalization by decree but with some particularities:

• Submission of the application: The application must be submitted to the prefecture, along with documents proving the duration and stability of the marriage.
• Interview: An interview is also conducted to assess the applicant’s knowledge of French and the reality of the couple’s common life.
• Application review: The prefecture verifies the accuracy of the information and may request further investigations, particularly regarding the couple’s common life.
• Decision: If naturalization is granted, the applicant becomes French on the date of the decision. Unlike naturalization by decree, there is no publication in the Official Journal.

Advantages and Limitations of Both Procedures

Both naturalization by decree and by marriage offer advantages but also have certain limitations:

• Advantages: Both procedures allow access to French nationality, with the associated rights (right to vote, diplomatic protection, etc.). Naturalization by marriage can be faster if the conditions are met.
• Limitations: Both procedures are complex and can be lengthy, especially in cases of incomplete applications or unmet conditions. Additionally, naturalization by marriage requires proof of a stable and continuous common life, which can be difficult to demonstrate in the case of temporary separations.

BOOK APPOINTMENT

CALL US

Edit Template