French citizenship opens wide opportunities for immigrants, including visa-free travel, free residence and work in any EU country, free education and quality medical care, social guarantees. The state attracts those who seek to improve the quality of their lives, obtain stable legal protection, as well as access to other privileges that the presence of a European passport provides.

French citizenship can be acquired by birth, adoption, marriage or through naturalization. Each of these methods requires fulfillment of a number of conditions, including compliance with the minimum period of residence in the country, knowledge of its official language and integration into society. But before deciding to immigrate, it is worth considering all available ways of obtaining French citizenship, the price of legalization of this status and the requirements of the legislation.

Migration legislation of France  

The main normative acts establishing the rules of legalization in the Republic, the criteria for obtaining resident status and a national passport are the Law on French Nationality and the Code on the Entry and Stay of Foreigners (CESEDA). In its legislative framework, the State takes into account the norms of the European Union, especially regarding the conditions for granting asylum.

France receives about 200,000 immigrants annually, so an important focus of its policy is to strike a balance between the social integration of foreigners and the economic interests of the Republic. In recent years, there has been a tightening of requirements for naturalization and the granting of residence permits, especially for persons who are not highly qualified. At the same time, the country offers programs to attract investors and talented specialists, experiencing a shortage of labor in various fields, such as construction, IT, tourism.

Who is eligible to apply for French citizenship?  

To obtain a French passport, you must have lived in France for 5 years as a rule. For some categories, such as refugees, the period may be shorter. It is also necessary to know the official language of the country, to confirm integration into society and not to commit illegal acts.

Acquisition of French citizenship is available for the following categories of adult applicants:

• naturalized foreigners who have lived in the country for at least 5 years;
• refugees;
• foreigners performing military service in France;
• persons demonstrating outstanding achievements of national interest;
• French spouses in a legal relationship of 4 years or more;
• cchildren of foreigners born on the territory of the Republic and residing there for at least 5 years.

The composition of the immigration file depends on the situation and category of the applicant. Among the standard documents to be submitted with the application for citizenship by naturalization are:

• passport;
• excise stamp with a value of 55 EUR;
• proof of regular and sufficient income (for example, employment contract, financial statement, tax certificate);
• civil status certificates (marriage, birth, change of your name);
• a certificate proving that you have B1 level French;
• a certificate of no criminal record;
• current residence permit;
• proof of housing in France (own or rented).

Documents issued by foreign authorities must be translated into French and legalized.

Ways of acquiring French citizenship

Foreigners living in France usually acquire citizenship by standard or simplified naturalization. As a rule, for this you need to live in the country for 5 years, but when registering a marriage with a French citizen or doing military service in the republic, the period of habitancy is reduced. Also in the local legislation are strict requirements for integration – applicants for a passport must speak French, learn the basics of history and the constitution of the state, have a stable income.

It is worth considering that it is impossible to buy French citizenship for investment. Regardless of the amount of investment, you can only get a residence permit and undergo standard naturalization. In addition, France does not provide a residence permit for buyers of real estate in the country, there are also no programs for the acquisition of a passport on repatriation. Childbirth on the territory of the republic does not allow foreigners to issue citizenship to the child. This practice is common in South American countries and the USA, where, unlike France, the law of the soil “jus soli” is applied.

The choice of immigration method depends on your situation. For example, in order to apply for a “Passport of Talent”, you need to have a high salary or invest 300 000 EUR or more in the economy of the country. When obtaining a student residence permit it is important to take into account that you will have a year to find a job in France after graduation and in the future to apply for citizenship, but on a different basis. It is also necessary to take into account that the financial costs of immigration increase in direct proportion to the duration of naturalization.

Investments – simplified naturalization  

Foreigners wishing to invest in the French economy can apply for a special residence permit “Passport of Talent”. In the future, the holders of such a residence permit have the opportunity to naturalize after 5 years of residence in the country. Investments can be made personally or through a company, which the investor owns fully or has in it from 30% of shares. Among the requirements for obtaining a residence permit:

• creation or preservation of jobs for 4 years after the financial investment;
• investment of 300,000 EUR or more in tangible or intangible assets;
• no criminal record.

The “Talent Passport” for investors is issued for 4 years with the possibility of extension for a similar period. After a five-year stay, it is allowed to request a ten-year residence card or to register an application for French citizenship.

General naturalization 

Naturalization is the procedure to acquire French citizenship for foreigners legally residing in the country for at least 5 years (in most cases). Consider the grounds for obtaining a residence permit and, potentially, a passport of the Republic:  

• Work.
  The basis for obtaining a residence permit is an employment contract with a local employer and a work permit issued by the employer prior to the employee’s arrival in the country. In certain cases, proof of qualifications and/or experience may be required. The residence permit is valid for 1-4 years with the possibility of renewal. After arrival in France, it is necessary to confirm the residence permit online and undergo a medical examination.
• Highly qualified professional activity.
  The EU Blue Card and French Tech Visa (for personnel of innovative companies) are issued to highly qualified employees. The “Talent Passport” residence permit is valid for 4 years with the possibility of extension. The main condition for its issuance is the confirmation of qualification and the presence of an employment contract with a local employer, providing a salary from 43 243 EUR per year. Holders of “Talent Passport” who have been in the EU for five years, of which at least two years have been spent in France, can apply for a ten-year permanent residence or citizenship.
• Entrepreneurship/freelance.
  In order to do business in France, you will need to pre-register on the Guichet Unique government website. You will need to provide documents confirming the purpose of immigration (company registration certificate, business plan, lease agreement for production premises). The permit is issued for one year, after which you can apply for a four-year residence card (carte de séjour pluriannuelle) and citizenship in the future.
• Education.
  The student visa, which is analogous to the residence permit, is issued on condition of enrollment in a French university and is valid from 4 to 12 months. In addition, the applicant is obliged to prove the availability of financial resources in the amount of 615 EUR per month (not required when enrolling in a university that has a contract with the state). After one year the student can apply for a new residence permit with a validity period of up to 4 years. In order to stay in France after completion of studies, it is necessary to change the basis and apply for another residence permit, such as a “Talent Passport”.
• Job search.
  After completing their studies in France, graduates have the opportunity to apply for a residence permit to find a job or set up an education-related business. The non-renewable residence permit is valid for one year. In case of concluding an employment contract with salary from 2702 EUR per month, it is possible to get a multi-year permit for up to 4 years. Also, a French graduate has the possibility to qualify for a “Talent Passport” if his/her remuneration for work will be from 43,243 EUR per year.
• Marriage.
  Foreigners who have been married to the French for 4 years or more can apply for citizenship. Other conditions include residence in the country for at least 3 years, knowledge of the national language at a basic level, and no criminal record. The spouses must also pass an interview at the prefecture to confirm the sincerity of the relationship. To obtain a primary residence permit, you will only need a certificate of marriage registered in France. If your union is 5 years or more, a request for citizenship can be made with a residence permit without meeting the minimum period of residence.
• Family reunification.
  French citizens and residents who have resided in France for at least 18 months may apply for a residence permit for immediate family members (spouses, minor children, relatives on support). The sponsor must have suitable housing, sufficient income (from 1802 EUR per month in 2025). The residence permit is issued for a period of one year or until the expiration of the French resident card. Further, a multi-year permit valid for up to 4 years can be issued, after which a request for citizenship by naturalization can be submitted.
• Financial independence.
  “Guest residence permit” can be issued to foreigners who wish to stay in France for more than 3 months and do not plan to work in the country. This residence permit is suitable for freelancers, pensioners, owners of shares that bring passive income. The permit is valid for a year with the possibility of extension. The main condition for granting a residence permit is the availability of funds for own security in the amount of 1426 EUR per month. Holders of “guest” residence permits can apply for citizenship if the conditions of standard naturalization are met.

Further we will consider the terms and cost of French passport issuance depending on the chosen method of immigration.

It should be taken into account that the table includes only the costs of administrative fees (visa, residence permit, permanent residence, citizenship, national documents). Investors must still invest at least 300,000 EUR in the country’s economy. Related expenses will include accommodation (from 949 EUR per month for one person) and rent (from 601 EUR for a one-bedroom apartment). You will also need to take a French language test (170 EUR), translate and legalize documents (from 10 EUR per unit).

Procedure of obtaining French citizenship  

Immigrants in most cases can apply for French citizenship after 5 years of continuous residence in the country. The standard naturalization process consists of the following steps:

1. Visa application.
   To stay in France for more than 3 months, you need to apply for a long-term visa by applying to the consulate of the country where you are currently staying. The application is submitted online with the payment of a fee (99 EUR). From the documents you will need a passport, 2 photos, proof of the basis for immigration (certificate of registration of the company, employment contract, certificate of enrollment in a university or others). The permit is valid for up to one year.
2. Obtaining a residence permit.
   Depending on the basis, it is necessary to confirm the temporary residence permit within 2 or 3 months of arrival in the country. This can be done online or at the prefecture with the payment of a fee (225 EUR, for students – 50 EUR) and the provision of a visa. The initial authorization is valid for up to one year. Further, holders of temporary residence permit can apply for a multi-year residence card (Carte de séjour pluriannuelle générale), which is issued for 4 years, if the reason for staying in France is preserved. The cost of a long-term residence permit is 225 EUR.
3. Registration of permanent residence permit (not compulsory).
   After 5 years of legal residence in France, you have the opportunity to obtain a long-term resident card, which is valid for 10 years and can be renewed without any conditions. You can apply in person at the prefecture or online, depending on the type of residence permit you have, and pay a fee (225 EUR). Documents required include passport, birth certificate, proof of regular and sufficient income, health insurance policy, certificate of French language proficiency at A2 level.
4. Obtaining citizenship.
   To qualify for citizenship, it is necessary to have lived in the country for at least 5 years, to know at a basic level the French language, the basics of history and culture of the state, the rights and obligations of residents of the country. Among other conditions – the absence of a criminal record, a valid residence permit, a stable and regular income, confirming professional integration. The request is submitted online with the payment of a fee (55 EUR). It is also necessary to attend an interview at the prefecture and submit original documents. Approval of the citizenship request is evidenced by the naturalization decree issued.
5. Issuance of national documents.
   A French passport can be obtained on the basis of a certificate of nationality by applying to the prefecture by appointment. From the documents you will need an ID card, photo, proof of address of residence in the country, excise stamp worth 86 EUR. You will also need to be fingerprinted. The biometric passport can be picked up in person at the place of request, having signed it in the presence of an authorized person. The validity of the document is 10 years.

To become a holder of a French passport, you need to go a long way, while complying with the conditions of migration legislation and monitoring their changes. If you want to get European citizenship as soon as possible, it is worth asking for help from lawyers. Relocation Compass specialists will tell you about simplified immigration programs, help you to choose the best one among them and provide qualified support. You can learn the details of European citizenship in the period from 4 months at a free consultation – sign up for it right now.

Denial and revocation of citizenship

One of the main reasons for refusal to grant French citizenship is the candidate’s failure to meet the requirements for naturalization, for example, if he or she has been outside the country for more than six months. A negative decision on an immigration application can also be obtained due to the provision of incorrect or incomplete information about oneself, late filing of applications.

Revocation or loss of French citizenship occurs in the case of fraud (for example, concealment of a polygamous union or the use of false documents). Also, loss of status you are threatened with when committing actions contrary to the interests of the state (for example, having a criminal record, carrying out a terrorist act).

If your application for naturalization has not been approved, you have 2 months from the date of notification to file an appeal. It is worth considering that a new request can be submitted only in 5 years after receiving the refusal, that is why it is important to go through all immigration procedures accompanied by specialists. Legal assistance in obtaining citizenship of France or another country of association allows you to avoid mistakes and increases the chances of a successful result. Cooperation with competent Relocation Compass specialists will save you from uncertainty and unnecessary difficulties during immigration.

Advantages of French citizenship

Immigration to France is an opportunity for foreigners from outside the European Union to gain access to all the privileges and rights of EU citizens in the field of social protection, employment and comfortable tourism. Among the advantages of holding a passport of the Republic are:

• freedom of movement – visa-free travel to more than 160 countries;
• the right to live, do business and work in EU countries without the need for additional documents;
• the ability to buy real estate, including mortgage loans;
• access to social support, pensions, one of the best healthcare systems in the world;
• the opportunity to receive high quality education throughout the EU, free or reduced tuition at French state universities;
• the right to participate in elections, vote and run for public office;
• the possibility to pass on citizenship by inheritance;
• consular support and assistance when staying abroad.

A French passport provides a large number of advantages for its holders, but it is not easy to obtain it because of the duration of naturalization and the need to comply with strict conditions of integration into society. If you want to become a holder of European citizenship, you can use an alternative way of immigration through repatriation, which is available, for example, in Bulgaria, Romania, Slovenia. In order to obtain an EU passport in 4-14 months, seek legal assistance. Relocation Compass specialists will develop an individual strategy for you and will accompany you all the way to the desired citizenship.

Dual citizenship in France

France allows for the possibility of a second citizenship. When naturalizing in the Republic, you have the right not to renounce your original passport. Also, France does not require you to notify the authorities about obtaining a second citizenship. Having several passports allows you to simultaneously remain a resident of another state and still have all the rights and obligations associated with the French national document. It should be taken into account that not all countries allow multiple citizenship – for example, Norway and China require renunciation of the previous status during naturalization.

From the legal point of view, second and dual citizenship are different concepts. In the second case, it is a matter of special agreements concluded between states. France has such an agreement only with Spain. Bipatrides, unlike holders of a second passport, can, for example, choose the place of payment of taxes and military service. Legislative regulation of dual citizenship is enshrined in the Civil Code of France, which provides freedom of choice without forced renunciation of passports of other countries.

Feedback from those who have obtained a French passport  

Migrants who share their experience of obtaining French citizenship in reviews, note the variety of ways to legalize the status, which allows you to choose the most suitable option. The main disadvantage is the lack of simplified programs for passport registration by roots, while naturalization takes, as a rule, at least 5 years. In addition, reviews testify to the complexity of bureaucratic procedures and long processing term of applications, for example, if the authorities check the marriage with a French citizen for fictitiousness.

Those wishing to obtain citizenship should prepare for the process in advance and take into account possible difficulties. Saving time and money is possible if you turn to qualified specialists who will help you choose the best basis for immigration, properly draw up documents. The support of experienced Relocation Compass lawyers will make the path to EU citizenship much easier.

Assistance in application for a second citizenship

Becoming a citizen of France or another country of the European Union, you can expand the list of your opportunities and choose to live in any state of the association. At the same time, immigration requires knowledge of the legislation of the chosen state. It should also be taken into account that the conditions of naturalization are constantly changing and tightening. Turning to lawyers of international law is the right decision for those who want to become the owner of an EU passport in the shortest possible time.

Specialists will offer a simple and fast way of immigration that suits your situation. For example, it is possible to become a holder of EU citizenship through repatriation in Romania, Slovenia or Bulgaria in 4-14 months, if you organize the process correctly and collect a complete dossier. Accompanied by lawyers, you can go all the way to a European passport with confidence in the result. Learn the details of simplified EU immigration programs at a free consultation with Relocation Compass migration specialists.