Obtaining French Citizenship and a French Passport

French citizenship provides the opportunity to reside freely in any EU city and visit over 187 countries without the need for a visa. The French passport ranks sixth in the global index. Obtaining French citizenship may require 3 to 10 years. The passport allows its holder to be officially employed, receive free education, run a business in the open European market, and participate in the country’s electoral process.

To obtain French citizenship, an applicant must prepare a package of documents and pass exams assessing knowledge of the national language, culture, and traditions. The foreigner must provide proof of financial stability, ownership or rental of housing in France, and evidence of continuous residence in the country for five years.

How to Obtain French citizenship

According to Section 1 of the French Civil Code, the procedure for obtaining French citizenship for foreigners includes the following stages:

• Opening a national visa.
• Obtaining a residence permit (titre de séjour).
• Applying for permanent residence.
• Obtaining a passport.

You cannot simply purchase a French passport, but in certain cases it is possible to shorten the time required to acquire French citizenship and gain unlimited access to visa-free countries.

Citizenship for Financially Independent Individuals

A stable income and sufficient funds in bank accounts are the main requirements for financially independent individuals seeking to obtain French citizenship. As proof of reliability and financial status, assets registered in the home country or in other jurisdictions are acceptable. The applicant must purchase property in France or rent it for a period of one year.

The immigration authority assesses the region and chosen place of residence. Preference is given to candidates whose income exceeds the minimum subsistence level (€17,762 per year) by two to three times. Engaging in professional activity within the Republic is not permitted.

Financially independent individuals may apply for permanent residence after five years of living in France with residence permit status. After that, it is necessary to obtain tax residency and a permanent residence permit. Once permanent residency is granted, citizenship can be obtained within one year.

French Citizenship by Investment

There are two investment options available for subsequent immigration: from €300,000 in assets or from €20,000 in entrepreneurial activity. Once the investment is confirmed, the foreign national is granted a residence permit. After five years of residing in the country, it becomes possible to take the French language test and apply for citizenship. Unlike other categories, businessmen and investors are not required to reside in the country continuously for five years.

To obtain French citizenship through investment, it is necessary to have an official income and to pay taxes regularly. Capital investment makes it possible to obtain a four-year residence permit, with the option of further extension. The investor’s family members are granted the right to work, study, and travel across EU countries.

Citizenship Through Business

To engage in entrepreneurial activity in France and obtain a residence permit with a Commerçant visa, a competitive business plan is required. The applicant must have a master’s degree or documented experience in business management for at least five years. The foreign national must provide funding for the business plan, as well as a certificate proving sufficient financial resources to live in France, based on the minimum subsistence level, which in 2022 amounted to €17,762.

If it is a startup, support can be sought from incubators and accelerators under the French Tech Visa, which may provide funding for the business. In this case, only the means for living in France are required. The French Tech Visa is available to those who have financial resources or an annual salary of at least €19,237 as of January 1, 2022. The applicant must also meet one of the following three conditions:

• be officially admitted to one of the incubators, accelerators, or other partners of the French Tech Visa after selection;
• be approved by an incubator or accelerator supported by French Tech Capital;
• be under the sponsorship of a participant in the French Tech ecosystem (research organizations, laboratories, qualified professionals, companies, etc.).

Initially, the entrepreneur receives a residence permit. After five years, they may apply for permanent residency. Citizenship can then be requested through the naturalization procedure. The application processing time is approximately 18 months if the foreigner has lived in France for five years, and 10 months if the period exceeds 10 years.

Citizenship Through Real Estate Purchase

A French passport can be obtained through the process of naturalization after purchasing real estate. A transaction amount starting from €300,000 makes it possible to obtain a residence permit with unlimited renewal options.

The foreign national must have a bank deposit equal to the annual subsistence minimum for themselves and each family member. Alternatively, they may receive support from a relative who is a resident of France and is willing to provide financial backing for the entire duration of their stay in the country.

After five years of continuous residence in France, the foreigner may apply for a permanent residence card, and thereafter — become eligible to apply for a passport.

French Citizenship Through Marriage

Entering into a legally registered marriage with a French citizen does not grant automatic citizenship. However, it does simplify the naturalization process. For instance, the required period of continuous residence in the country for those in a lawful marriage is reduced from five to four years.

The French spouse must provide written consent for the granting of citizenship and confirmation of joint cohabitation. The foreign applicant is required to pass an exam demonstrating knowledge of the French language, traditions, culture, and governmental structure. The couple must own or rent a residence and have sufficient income. If the marriage is dissolved during the application review period, the foreign spouse must leave the country.

Citizenship by Descent

According to Chapter 2 of the French Civil Code, every child born in the country is considered French, even if the parents are foreigners. Children automatically acquire this status if the following conditions are met:

• the birth took place in France, and either the mother or father is a French citizen;
• the parents are stateless, the child was born on French territory, and has been residing there continuously for more than five years;
• the child has been adopted by French citizens and lives in the country on a permanent basis.
• A child born in France to two foreign residents may be eligible for citizenship upon reaching the age of 18.

To claim citizenship under the Français par le Sang Versé principle («French by right of blood»), it is necessary to provide the immigration authorities with proof that close relatives reside in France or that the applicant has ancestral ties to the country. The main requirement is continuous residence in France for more than five years.

French citizenship by descent is also granted to those born outside the country, provided that both parents or at least one of them is a native-born French citizen. To confirm the familial connection, the applicant must include the birth certificate of their mother or father in the document package.

Citizenship Through Employment

An employment contract serves as the basis for obtaining a work residence permit. The employer must obtain authorization from the local authorities to hire a foreign worker, which is most often relevant for positions requiring specialized skills. The contract and residence permit are issued for a maximum of one year, with the possibility of renewal.

Citizenship via Passeport Talent

The Passeport Talent program allows applicants to obtain a residence permit for a period of four years.

This government initiative is aimed at attracting highly qualified professionals, entrepreneurs, investors, and representatives of creative industries whose activities contribute to the economic appeal and international prestige of France.

Employment. The program is available to candidates who have completed higher education in France and have worked in their field for at least three years. It is also required that their annual salary be no less than €35,891.

Investment. It is possible to open a new business in France with an investment of at least €30,000. Direct investments into the national economy or the implementation of an innovative project may also serve as grounds for a residence permit and Passeport Talent.

Outstanding achievements in education, science, sports, or the arts. Individuals with an established international reputation and confirmed credentials may use the program for professional activity in France.

Artistic professions. Performers, actors, and dancers have the right to apply for a Passeport Talent to work either as part of a principal artistic ensemble or independently.

The residence permit is issued with the right to extension, and after five years of living in France, the foreign national may apply for permanent residence. For exceptional achievements, citizenship may be granted by presidential decree in a shorter timeframe, provided that relevant proof is submitted.

Citizenship Through Education

Foreign students admitted to a French university are issued a student residence permit valid for two years, with the possibility of extension. They are allowed to work legally, but for no more than 20 hours per week. Graduates of French universities and academies may apply for permanent residency. After that, there is an opportunity to obtain citizenship, which is facilitated by active participation in government programs and notable achievements in science that contribute to France’s global reputation.

Students are often encouraged to pursue a master’s or PhD degree. The applicant must provide proof of French language proficiency at level B1 or higher, confirmation of tuition payment, and evidence of funds of at least €815 per month to reside in the country. A minimum of two years of study is required to qualify for permanent residency, followed by the possibility of obtaining citizenship.

Citizenship Through Military Service

Men between the ages of 17 and 40 may enlist in the French Foreign Legion (Légion étrangère). After three years of service, they become eligible to apply for citizenship and obtain a French passport. To join the Legion, the following criteria must be met:

• be in excellent physical condition and pass the required physical tests;
• have good health with no serious chronic illnesses;
• have basic knowledge of the French language.

French citizenship is not granted to every Legionnaire, but the chances are higher for those who have distinguished themselves during military service or have been injured in combat.

Required Documents

To apply for French citizenship, the following documents must be prepared:

• a valid international passport;
• application form Cerfa No. 15561*01 in two copies, signed by the applicant and notarized;
• the applicant’s national ID/passport;
• four color photographs, size 3.5 x 4.5 cm;
• proof of resident status;
• birth certificates of the applicant and their children;
• a certificate from the tax authority confirming no outstanding debts to the state;
• a medical certificate confirming the applicant’s health status;
• property ownership certificate or a long-term lease agreement;
• a bank statement showing available funds;
• marriage certificate (if applicable);
• a police clearance certificate confirming no legal violations;
• a certificate confirming successful completion of the French language test, or a copy of a university diploma indicating language proficiency.

Additional documents may be required depending on the applicant’s situation and the type of immigration program.

Documents required when applying for citizenship through marriage to a French citizen:

• a joint declaration by the spouses, indicating financial and housing conditions;
• a copy of the marriage certificate;
• proof of residence in France for the past four years (utility bills, residence permit, employment contract);
• the French spouse’s passport;
• a criminal record certificate confirming no convictions.

For naturalization through employment or business activity:

• university or other educational diplomas;
• proof of income;
• employment contract (for employees);
• a business plan (for entrepreneurs).

Documents required to obtain French citizenship by descent:

• proof of residence in France for five years;
• evidence of familial connection;
• passport of the French relative.

Obtaining French Citizenship: 4 Key Steps Toward a Passport

Before starting the process of acquiring French citizenship, it is advisable to consult experienced immigration lawyers. Professional lawyers will help select the most suitable path to obtaining a French passport and will guide the client through each stage of the immigration process.

Payment of Fees and State Duties

The established fee is €55. Refugees and minors are exempt from this payment. The fee can be paid at any bank branch using the payment details provided by the visa officer who received the application documents. It is important to keep the receipt, as it will be required by the consulate.

The cost of obtaining a French passport depends on the applicant’s age, health condition, level of proficiency in the French language, and the chosen immigration pathway.

Government Fees for Obtaining French Citizenship

When planning to obtain French citizenship, it is important to understand the government fees associated with visas, residence permits, and official documents. This section provides a detailed overview of French citizenship and immigration costs, including long-term Schengen visa fees, passport fees, and residence permit charges based on employment, investment, family reunification, study, or retirement.

Citizenship Exams

To obtain French citizenship, it is mandatory to pass exams in French language (level B1) and cultural knowledge. These exams are administered at the local prefecture.

• oral interview and written test in the French language;
• exam on French culture, history, geography, and laws (you may be asked to name famous contemporary French figures or sing the national anthem).

If the applicant fails the exam on the first attempt, retakes are allowed an unlimited number of times. Exempt from the exam requirements are:

• graduates of French universities;
• applicants over the age of 70;
• refugees.

Submitting the Documents

Translated copies of the original documents must be provided in French and certified by a notary in a specialized translation office. Documents issued in European Union countries do not require notarization. The complete set of certificates and supporting documents should be submitted:

• in France — to the visa office;
• abroad — to the French consulate.

After submitting the documents, the applicant will receive a payment form for the state fee covering the application review process.

Obtaining a French Passport

The visa control authorities forward the complete set of documents to the French Minister of Immigration, Integration, National Identity, and Co-development. The minister is granted a period of up to 1 year and 6 months to review the application.

For example, in the case of citizenship through marriage, the review process includes verification of:

• cohabitation of the spouses and their financial situation;
• cultural and conversational assimilation;
• the quality of the marital relationship.

If the minister requires more time to assess the documents, the review period may be extended. Upon approval, the applicant receives a notification and an invitation to the citizenship oath ceremony. The place and time of the official presentation of the French Citizens’ Charter of Rights and Duties will be scheduled in advance.

After completing the procedure, the following steps must be taken:

• Request the issuance of a birth certificate.
• Obtain a voter registration card.
• Receive a biometric passport and ID card.
• Register for military service (applicable to men aged 18 to 50).

Risks of Refusal and Revocation of Citizenship

Reasons for denial of French citizenship include:

• service in the military of another country;
• providing false information or forged documents;
• criminal record;
• violation of legal immigration procedures while residing in France;
• insufficient income;
• active search or legal prosecution of the applicant.

There may also be minor reasons, such as errors in the application form or an incomplete document package. In the case of minor deficiencies, resubmission is allowed within the specified deadlines. By law, a migrant who receives a refusal may file an appeal within six months. The refusal notification will always state the specific reason.

Benefits of French Citizenship

A person who holds French citizenship may:

• hold positions in government institutions;
• study at any European university free of charge or on preferential terms;
• travel freely across EU countries without visas, reside and work there without additional permits;
• receive full social benefits, including pensions, allowances, and healthcare services;
• participate in political elections.

Among other advantages is the right of French citizens to enter the United States with an online visa valid for up to 90 days. Close family members of a person who has obtained a French passport are entitled to apply for a residence permit through the family reunification procedure, and later — for citizenship.