Gaining French citizenship through marriage is a legal pathway for foreign nationals who marry French citizens to become citizens of France. This process allows individuals to obtain the rights and privileges of French citizenship, including the ability to live and work in France without the constraints of a visa. While the procedure might seem intricate, it follows a set of well-defined rules and requirements established by French authorities. Understanding the process is necessary for those seeking to establish a permanent life in France or embrace their spouse's nationality. In this article, we will offer an overview of the process to acquire French citizenship through marriage. However, for comprehensive details and prior to initiating your application, it is crucial to refer to the official French government website.
Step 1: Check Conditions to Be Met
To acquire French nationality through marriage, there are specific conditions that you must meet:
French Nationality of Spouse: Your spouse must be a French national on the day of your marriage and have retained French nationality since that date.
Length of Marriage: The duration varies depending on whether you live abroad or in France since your marriage and if your spouse was registered at the French Consulate or not. It varies between 4 to 5 years.
Place of Marriage: If your wedding took place abroad, it must have been transcribed to the French civil registration system.
Community of Life: You must continue to live together materially and emotionally with your spouse.
No Criminal Conviction: You should not be in any of the specified criminal situations. Rehabilitation or erasure of convictions may exempt you.
Situation on French Territory: You must not have an expulsion order or a prohibition from French territory still in force.
Knowledge of French: Proof of sufficient knowledge of the French language is required. The knowledge of spoken and written French must be at least equal to level B1 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages. My French language learning subscriptions are designed to assist individuals aspiring to reach this proficiency level in French and successfully prepare for the DELF B1 exam.
Step 2: Inquire About the Cost of the Procedure
In 2024, the declaration of French nationality through marriage is subject to a stamp duty of €55.
Step 3: Prepare a Folder
To build your case, you need to prepare several documents, organised into different categories. Go to the French government official website to get a list of all the documents you will need.
Tip : Your civil status documents must have been issued less than 3 months before you send your application. All documents must be translated by an approved translator. Check the French government website to find the list of approved experts. Timing is essential. Ensure all required documents are not just prepared but also translated within the three-month application window. Keep in mind that professional translations, though necessary, come at a cost. Budgeting for this ensures a smooth application process.
Step 4: Drop the Folder
Submit your naturalisation application at a French consulate.
Step 5: Interview
You and your spouse will be called in for an interview to assess your community of life and assimilation into French society. You must provide original identity documents and sign an affidavit confirming the continuity of your life together. After the interview, you will receive a receipt.
Tip : For those residing in the UK, anticipate a trip to the heart of the action—London—for the pivotal interview with your spouse. This is a mandatory step, and planning ahead is key.
Step 6: Follow the Instructions of Your Declaration of French Nationality
Your application will be forwarded to the Ministry responsible for naturalisation within 6 months of your statement's submission. The Ministry has 1 year to refuse or 2 years if there is opposition to your acquisition of French nationality. The period starts from the interview receipt's delivery.
Step 7: Take the Steps Once You Have Become French
Your consulate will provide you with a copy of your declaration of French nationality by marriage. Make sure to keep this document as it's required for applying for a certificate of French nationality and a national identity card.
By following these steps, you can navigate the process of acquiring French citizenship by marriage in a clear and straightforward manner. Remember to stay informed and follow the instructions provided by the French Government’s website to ensure a smooth transition into French citizenship.
Timeline
To shed light on the journey, one of my students graciously shared her timeline, offering valuable insights into the steps involved.
May 2022: Started gathering necessary documents.
13th August 2022: Submitted the nationality application.
31st August 2022: Received a response indicating that the application was incomplete.
12th November 2022: Received notification for the second tranche of information. Obtaining parents' birth certificates and their translations took considerable time.
14th December 2022: Attended an interview in London as part of the process.
21st January 2023: Received a request for further information as my husband’s passport was out of date.
25th August 2023: Confirmation of citizenship achievement was received!
5th October 2023: Attended a ceremony in London to collect the certification. During the same occasion, made an application for a passport and ID card.
Conclusion
Acquiring French citizenship through marriage is a significant step that requires meeting specific eligibility criteria, gathering documents, and navigating a multi-step application process. With patience, dedication, and adherence to the requirements, you can make your dream of French citizenship a reality and fully embrace the rich culture and opportunities France has to offer.
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