French nationality by marriage
Verified 03 novembre 2023 - Legal and Administrative Information Directorate (Prime Minister)
You live in France
Step-by-step approach
One video explains the conditions for declaring french nationality by marriage:
Vidéo - Declaration of French nationality by marriage - Conditions to be fulfilled
- French nationality by marriage, who is concerned?
You are concerned if you are married to a French man or woman
Your spouse must be French on the day of your marriage.
He or she must have retained French nationality since the date of your marriage.
- How long have I been married?
You must have been married for at least 4 years on the date of your declaration of French nationality.
But beware! This period is 5 years if, since your marriage:
You have resided in France for less than 3 years on a continuous basis,
Or
If you resided abroad when your French spouse was not registered at the consulate.
- Must my marriage have been celebrated in France?
Your wedding may have been celebrated in France or abroad.
If your marriage was celebrated abroad, it must have been registered in the French civil registry.
- Will we check that I live with my husband(s)?
Yes, you must live with your spouse without interruption since your marriage.
If you have been separated for business reasons, you will be asked to provide proof.
- What kind of residence permit do you have?
You must have a valid residence permit.
If you are European, you do not need it.
- Do I have to speak French?
You must be able to speak and write in French.
Your level in French must be at least equivalent to the written and oral b1 level of the European Framework of Reference for Languages (CERL).
- Are we going to check my behavior and my criminal record?
Yeah. Yeah. You must not have committed any act contrary to public order.
You must meet all the following conditions to acquire French nationality by marriage declaration.
If not, check if you can to become French by another procedure.
French nationality of your spouse
Your spouse must be a French national on the day of your marriage.
In addition, your spouse must have retained French nationality since the date of your marriage.
Length of marriage
Répondez aux questions successives et les réponses s’afficheront automatiquement
You live in France without interruption since your marriage
You must be married for 4 years minimum with a Frenchman on the date of your return.
You're in a different situation
Since your marriage, how long have you lived in France on a continuous basis?
Over 3 years
You must be married for 4 years minimum with a Frenchman on the date of your return.
Less than 3 years
Was your French spouse registered on the consular registers during your stay abroad?
Yes
You must be married for 4 years minimum on the date of your return.
No
You must be married for 5 years minimum on the date of your return.
Place of marriage
If your wedding was celebrated abroad, it must have been transcribed to the french civil registration system.
Situation on French territory
You must have a valid residence permit at the time of filing your application, unless you are a national of countries of the European Economic Area or if you are Swiss.
In addition, you must not have been expulsion order or a prohibition of French territory still in force.
Community of life
The community of life with your husband must be continue since your marriage.
The community of life means to live togethermaterially and emotionally.
Knowledge of French
You must show proof of a sufficient knowledge of the French language.
No criminal conviction
You should not be in any of the following situations:
- To have been sentenced in France to a sentence of at least 6 months' imprisonment without suspension
- Having been convicted of a criminal offense crime or a offense constituting an infringement of the fundamental interests of the Nation
- Having been convicted of a criminal offense act of terrorism
However, you are not concerned in case of rehabilitation or erasure of the conviction of Bulletin No. 2 of your criminal record.
General case
The process costs €55.
This tax is paid with a tax stamp.
However, if you file abroad, the payment is made to the consulate.
Warning
Private websites offer a paid service for the acquisition of French nationality. For example, to get an appointment in the prefecture. However, except for the tax stamp, know that the acquisition of the French nationality is a free process.
Documents to be provided
One video tells you which documents to provide:
Vidéo - Documents to be provided to apply for French nationality by marriage
What form should I fill out?
You must complete the cerfa form n°15277 in 2 copies. Do not forget any of the sections in the form. It must be filled in in full. Don’t forget to date and sign it, you and your spouse. The form is available on Service-Public.fr.
What documents need to be provided regardless of my situation?
You must prepare:
- 2 recent ID photos. On the back, enter your first name, surname and date of birth
- 1 copy of a recent proof of domicile. For example, a recent electricity, water, or landline bill
- 1 electronic tax stamp of 55 €
- 1 double-sided copy of your valid residence permit or, if you are a European citizen not required to hold a residence permit, your valid passport
What is the proof for my marital status and my marriage?
You must provide:
- Your original birth certificate
- Your original marriage certificate of less than 3 months
- If your marriage was celebrated abroad, 1 copy of its transcript on the French consular registers, issued less than 3 months ago and proving a marriage contracted for 4 years or more
- In the case of previous marriages, marriage certificates and any documents justifying their dissolution. For example, 1 copy of the divorce judgment or 1 death certificate of the previous spouse.
What if I have children?
You must provide the birth certificates of your children, both adults and minors, born before or after your marriage.
What are the proof of my husband's French nationality (e)?
You must provide one of the following:
- The original birth certificate of your spouse if he or she was born in France to 2 parents born in France,
- or 1 copy of his or her birth certificate stating that he or she is a French national,
- or 1 court decision stating that he or she is a French national,
- or any document issued by the French authorities indicating that he or she has acquired French nationality,
- or 1 certificate of French nationality.
How do we prove we've been living together since we got married?
You must provide:
- All documents proving that you live together. For example, the opinion of the family allowance fund, 1 common tax notice or the birth certificates of your common children.
- And any recent documents to your 2 names indicating your current address. For example, 1 recent electricity, water or landline bill, 1 recent bank attestation of a joint account.
Be careful, if you have been married for less than 5 years, you must also provide:
- 1 proof of regular and uninterrupted residence in France for at least 3 years since the marriage. For example, your residence permits, receipts for applications for residence permits or asylum applications, your provisional residence permit.
- If you have resided abroad, 1 certificate of registration of your French spouse in the register of French persons established outside France.
What are the justifications for my level in French?
You must provide a diploma or certificate proving that you have the oral and written B1 level of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CERL).
Are there any particular situations?
Yeah. Yeah. For example, if you have been living in France for less than 10 years, you must also provide an original foreigners criminal record extract or equivalent document from the country or countries where you have resided, unless you are a refugee.
Should originals or copies of requested documents be provided?
A civil status document must be provided in full and in original in the language of the country of origin. A French civil status certificate must have been issued less than 3 months ago. You can provide copies of the requested documents except for civil status records. However, you should be able to present the originals of the documents if necessary.
Do I need to translate the documents?
Yeah. Yeah. You must attach a French translation of any document written in another language. The translation must be done by a certified translator. It is the translator who informs you of his deadlines and prices. You can consult the list of approved translators on the website of the Court of Cassation.
In addition, some foreigner documents may need to be legalized or apostilled. This is used to authenticate the document. Ask at the embassy or consulate of your country of origin.
Where can I find a summary of the documents to be provided?
A simulator allows you to have a customized list of documents to provide. The simulator is available on Service-Public.fr.
How and to whom should I send my file?
You have to go to the platform for access to French nationality, which depends on where you live.
Depending on the platform, the file must be submitted or sent by registered mail with acknowledgement of receipt. If your request is to be sent by mail, add a stamped envelope to your file at your address and a blank 500-gram "followed" letter.
An interactive map is available on Service-Public.fr to have the contact details of your platform. If you need information to build your case, you can contact her.
Can I be asked for more documents after I submit my file?
Yes, depending on your situation, the training department may ask you for additional documents and set a deadline for providing them. If you do not provide the requested documents within the deadline, your file may be closed without further action. That means it's not being studied.
One simulator tells you the custom list of documents to provide:
What documents are required for my nationality by marriage file?
Prepare the following documents to build your case:
1. Form, photo, stamp, identity, home
- Form cerfa no. 15277 in 2 copies.
You have to fill it out, date it and sign it. Your spouse must also sign it. - 2 recent ID photos
You must paste the photos on the 2 copies of the form. - Electronic tax stamp of €55
- Copy of an identity document (passport or residence permit)
- Copy of a recent proof of residence with full name and address
- If you are a national of a non-EU country European (EU) and that you went into the Schengen area from a state not forming part of this area for a period of less than 3 months during the 5 years preceding the filing of your application, provide your passport or any equivalent document (for example a Schengen visa), and those of your minor children who could become French by their majority
2. Your marital status
- Your original birth certificate.
The birth certificate issued in France must be less than 3 months old.
The birth certificate must be issued by the registrar of the place where the birth certificate is kept.
The birth certificate must indicate the surname, first name, date and place of birth of your parents.
If any of this information is missing, the instructor service may ask you for the birth certificates of your parents.
In case of impossibility to provide your birth certificate or in case of presentation of a multilingual extract, other documents will be requested. - Your original marriage certificate of less than 3 months
If your marriage was celebrated abroad, copy of its transcript on the French consular registers, issued less than 3 months ago and proving a marriage contracted for 4 years or more - In the case of previous marriages, marriage certificates and any documents justifying their dissolution.
For example, copy of divorce judgment, death certificate.
3. If you have children
- Birth certificates of your children, adults or minors, born before or after your marriage.
A birth certificate issued in France must be less than 3 months old.
For your minor children foreigners can become French at the same time as you:
- Civil status documents or court decisions establishing the parentage children with you
- Documents proving their habitual residence with you, or their alternate residence with you in the event of separation or divorce
For example, proof of attendance at nursery, school certificate for the current year.
4. French nationality of your spouse
You must provide one of the following:
- Your husband's original birth certificate if he was born in France to 2 parents born in France
- or a copy of his birth certificate stating that he is a french national
- or court decision recognizing him as a Frenchman
- or any document issued by the French authorities indicating that he has acquired French nationality
- or certificate of french nationality
5. Regular residence and community of life since marriage
- A copy of your residence permit, or of your valid passport if you are European and not required to hold a residence permit
- Any document proving that the community of life both emotional and material has not ceased since your marriage
Examples: joint tax notices for spouses, birth certificates for your common children - Any recent 2-name document with your current address
Examples: recent electricity, water or landline bill, recent bank statement of an active joint account
If you have been married for less than 5 years :
- Proof of legal and uninterrupted residence in France for at least 3 years since marriage.
For example, residence permits, receipt of application for a residence permit or application for asylum, temporary residence permit, employment contracts, Pôle emploi certificates, electricity bills, salary slips. - If you have resided abroad, certificate of registration of your French spouse in the register of French nationals established outside France during the period of your community living abroad
6. Knowledge of French
You must provide a diploma or certificate concerning your level in French.
7. If you have resided abroad in the last 10 years
You must provide a extract from criminal record foreigner or equivalent document issued after your arrival in France by a judicial or administrative authority of the country or countries where you have resided.
This document must be provided for all countries in which you have resided more than 6 months in the last 10 years.
The criminal record of your country of origin is not required if you are a refugee or stateless person protected by the EUOfpra: titleContent.
Please note
depending on your situation, the instructor service may request other documents and gives you a time limit to provide them.
Francization of surname and/or first name
To facilitate your integration, you can request francization of your surname and/or first names when you apply for acquisition of French nationality.
Instructions on the documents to be provided
Civil status record
One civil status document must be supplied in full and in original in the language of the country of origin.
A French civil status certificate must have been issued less than 3 months ago.
Copy or original of a document
You can provide copies of the requested documents except for civil status records.
However, you should be able to present the originals of the documents if necessary.
A copy of a foreigner act shall be accompanied, if necessary, by a copy of the decision in implementation of which it has been drawn up, rectified or amended.
Translation
You must attach a translation of each document written in a foreign language.
You must provide the original translation.
The translation must be done by a translator on the list of experts approved by the courts of appeal.
However, translation is not required for a multilingual birth certificate extract one of whose languages is French.
In addition, to avoid having to translate some documents issued by a the European Union, one multilingual form can be attached.
See the e-justice site for more information.
Legalization or Apostille
Certain documents established abroad must be legalized or apostilles to be accepted in France.
Inquire at the embassy or consulate of the country concerned.
Who shall I contact
You have to go to the platform for access to French nationality, which depends on where you live.
According to the platforms, the file must be deposited at the counter or sent by post in RAR: titleContent.
Click the interactive map to find out what you need to do.
Please note
if your request is to be sent by mail, add a stamped envelope to your file at your address and a blank 500-gram "followed" letter.
Who shall I contact
It is delivered to you or sent a receipt as soon as your file is complete.
Warning
you must point out to your prefecture any change of situation occurred after you submitted or submitted your application. For example, change of address, divorce.
You and your spouse are called in for an interview.
The reality of your life community of life and your assimilation at the French businesses are checked.
You must provide originals of your official identity documents.
You must sign an affidavit certifying that your community of emotional and material life has not ceased since your marriage.
Once the interview is over, a receipt it's given to you.
The naturalization platform studies your declaration of French nationality.
Your declaration of French nationality is registered (accepted) if all the conditions are met.
Otherwise, your file is sent to the ministry in charge of naturalization, with a reasoned opinion, within a period of 6 months following the date of subscription of your statement.
The department has 1 year to refuse to register your return, or 2 years if a procedure has been initiated to oppose your acquisition of French nationality.
The period runs from the delivery of the receipt delivered at the end of the interview.
Your prefecture will give you a copy of your declaration of French nationality by marriage.
Your statement mentions that it has been recorded.
The effective date of your French nationality is the date of subscription of your statement.
You must keep this document who proves your nationality.
Check the declaration of french nationality for report a possible error :
- If there is an error in the information on the declaration, please send a letter to the Ministry of the Interior.
- In case of error on the civil status document (birth and/or marriage), send a letter to the Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs.
Who shall I contact
Ministry of the Interior - Naturalization
By mail
Ministry of the Interior
Directorate-General for foreigners in France
Directorate for Integration and Access to Nationality
Sub-Directorate for Access to French Nationality
12 Francis-le-Carval Street
44404 REZÉ CEDEX
By email
sdanf-accueil@interieur.gouv.fr
Central Civil Registry Service (Scec)
Civil status (birth, marriage or death) of a Frenchman abroad
Only by mail to:
Central Civil Registry Service
11 White House Street
44941 Nantes Cedex 09
The service is not open to the public.
You can apply for a civil status certificate through a online service.
For more information, you can:
- Go to diplomatie.gouv.fr
- Call the+33 1 41 86 42 47 Monday to Friday from 9 am to 12 pm and from 1 pm to 4 pm
Free access to video interpretation or instant speech transcription for the deaf or hard of hearing - Email courrier.scec@diplomatie.gouv.fr
Répondez aux questions successives et les réponses s’afficheront automatiquement
Refusal to register your return
If one of the conditions laid down by law is not met, the Minister responsible for naturalization denies registration of your declaration of French nationality.
The department has 1 year to refuse to register your return, or 2 years if a procedure is initiated to oppose your acquisition of French nationality.
The period runs from the delivery of the receipt delivered at the end of the interview.
The department will notify its reasoned decision.
You have a six-month period to challenge the decision before the competent court of your place of residence if registration has been refused.
The lawyer is obligatory. He's the one who does the walk.
Opposition to you becoming French
The minister in charge of naturalizations can oppose your acquisition of French nationality for indignity or lack of assimilation other than linguistic.
You have a two-month period for challenge the decision before the Council of State.
The lawyer is obligatory. He's the one who does the walk.
You live abroad
Step-by-step approach
One video explains the conditions for declaring french nationality by marriage:
Vidéo - Declaration of French nationality by marriage - Conditions to be fulfilled
- French nationality by marriage, who is concerned?
You are concerned if you are married to a French man or woman
Your spouse must be French on the day of your marriage.
He or she must have retained French nationality since the date of your marriage.
- How long have I been married?
You must have been married for at least 4 years on the date of your declaration of French nationality.
But beware! This period is 5 years if, since your marriage:
You have resided in France for less than 3 years on a continuous basis,
Or
If you resided abroad when your French spouse was not registered at the consulate.
- Must my marriage have been celebrated in France?
Your wedding may have been celebrated in France or abroad.
If your marriage was celebrated abroad, it must have been registered in the French civil registry.
- Will we check that I live with my husband(s)?
Yes, you must live with your spouse without interruption since your marriage.
If you have been separated for business reasons, you will be asked to provide proof.
- What kind of residence permit do you have?
You must have a valid residence permit.
If you are European, you do not need it.
- Do I have to speak French?
You must be able to speak and write in French.
Your level in French must be at least equivalent to the written and oral b1 level of the European Framework of Reference for Languages (CERL).
- Are we going to check my behavior and my criminal record?
Yeah. Yeah. You must not have committed any act contrary to public order.
You must meet all the following conditions to acquire French nationality by marriage declaration.
If not, check if you can to become French by another procedure.
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
Since your marriage, how long have you lived in France on a continuous basis?
Répondez aux questions successives et les réponses s’afficheront automatiquement
Over 3 years
You must be married for 4 years minimum with a Frenchman on the date of your return.
Less than 3 years
- If your French spouse was registered on the consular registers during your stay abroad, you must be married for 4 years minimum on the date of your return.
- If your French spouse has not been registered on the consular registers, you must be married for 5 years minimum on the date of your return.
Place of marriage
If your wedding was celebrated abroad, it must have been transcribed to the french civil registration system.
Situation on French territory
You must not have been expulsion order or a prohibition of French territory still in force.
Community of life
The community of life with your husband must be continue since your marriage.
The community of life means to live togethermaterially and emotionally.
Knowledge of French
You must show proof of a sufficient knowledge of the French language.
No criminal conviction
You should not be in any of the following situations:
- To have been sentenced in France to a sentence of at least 6 months' imprisonment without suspension
- Having been convicted of a criminal offense crime or a offense constituting an infringement of the fundamental interests of the Nation
- Having been convicted of a criminal offense act of terrorism
However, you are not concerned in case of rehabilitation or erasure of the conviction of Bulletin No. 2 of your criminal record.
The declaration is subject to a stamp duty of €55.
Payment is made at the consulate.
Who shall I contact
Documents to be provided
One video tells you which documents to provide:
Vidéo - Documents to be provided to apply for French nationality by marriage
What form should I fill out?
You must complete the cerfa form n°15277 in 2 copies. Do not forget any of the sections in the form. It must be filled in in full. Don’t forget to date and sign it, you and your spouse. The form is available on Service-Public.fr.
What documents need to be provided regardless of my situation?
You must prepare:
- 2 recent ID photos. On the back, enter your first name, surname and date of birth
- 1 copy of a recent proof of domicile. For example, a recent electricity, water, or landline bill
- 1 electronic tax stamp of 55 €
- 1 double-sided copy of your valid residence permit or, if you are a European citizen not required to hold a residence permit, your valid passport
What is the proof for my marital status and my marriage?
You must provide:
- Your original birth certificate
- Your original marriage certificate of less than 3 months
- If your marriage was celebrated abroad, 1 copy of its transcript on the French consular registers, issued less than 3 months ago and proving a marriage contracted for 4 years or more
- In the case of previous marriages, marriage certificates and any documents justifying their dissolution. For example, 1 copy of the divorce judgment or 1 death certificate of the previous spouse.
What if I have children?
You must provide the birth certificates of your children, both adults and minors, born before or after your marriage.
What are the proof of my husband's French nationality (e)?
You must provide one of the following:
- The original birth certificate of your spouse if he or she was born in France to 2 parents born in France,
- or 1 copy of his or her birth certificate stating that he or she is a French national,
- or 1 court decision stating that he or she is a French national,
- or any document issued by the French authorities indicating that he or she has acquired French nationality,
- or 1 certificate of French nationality.
How do we prove we've been living together since we got married?
You must provide:
- All documents proving that you live together. For example, the opinion of the family allowance fund, 1 common tax notice or the birth certificates of your common children.
- And any recent documents to your 2 names indicating your current address. For example, 1 recent electricity, water or landline bill, 1 recent bank attestation of a joint account.
Be careful, if you have been married for less than 5 years, you must also provide:
- 1 proof of regular and uninterrupted residence in France for at least 3 years since the marriage. For example, your residence permits, receipts for applications for residence permits or asylum applications, your provisional residence permit.
- If you have resided abroad, 1 certificate of registration of your French spouse in the register of French persons established outside France.
What are the justifications for my level in French?
You must provide a diploma or certificate proving that you have the oral and written B1 level of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CERL).
Are there any particular situations?
Yeah. Yeah. For example, if you have been living in France for less than 10 years, you must also provide an original foreigners criminal record extract or equivalent document from the country or countries where you have resided, unless you are a refugee.
Should originals or copies of requested documents be provided?
A civil status document must be provided in full and in original in the language of the country of origin. A French civil status certificate must have been issued less than 3 months ago. You can provide copies of the requested documents except for civil status records. However, you should be able to present the originals of the documents if necessary.
Do I need to translate the documents?
Yeah. Yeah. You must attach a French translation of any document written in another language. The translation must be done by a certified translator. It is the translator who informs you of his deadlines and prices. You can consult the list of approved translators on the website of the Court of Cassation.
In addition, some foreigner documents may need to be legalized or apostilled. This is used to authenticate the document. Ask at the embassy or consulate of your country of origin.
Where can I find a summary of the documents to be provided?
A simulator allows you to have a customized list of documents to provide. The simulator is available on Service-Public.fr.
How and to whom should I send my file?
You have to go to the platform for access to French nationality, which depends on where you live.
Depending on the platform, the file must be submitted or sent by registered mail with acknowledgement of receipt. If your request is to be sent by mail, add a stamped envelope to your file at your address and a blank 500-gram "followed" letter.
An interactive map is available on Service-Public.fr to have the contact details of your platform. If you need information to build your case, you can contact her.
Can I be asked for more documents after I submit my file?
Yes, depending on your situation, the training department may ask you for additional documents and set a deadline for providing them. If you do not provide the requested documents within the deadline, your file may be closed without further action. That means it's not being studied.
One simulator tells you the custom list of documents to provide:
What documents are required for my nationality by marriage file?
Prepare the following documents to build your case:
1. Form, photo, identity, home
- Form cerfa no. 15277 in 2 copies.
You have to fill it out, date it and sign it. Your spouse must also sign it. - 2 recent ID photos
You must paste the photos on the 2 copies of the form. - Copy of an identity document (passport or residence permit)
- Copy of a recent proof of residence with full name and address
- If you are a national of a non-EU country European (EU) and that you went into the Schengen area from a state not forming part of this area for a period of less than 3 months during the 5 years preceding the filing of your application, provide your passport or any equivalent document (for example a Schengen visa), and those of your minor children who could become French by their majority
2. Your marital status
- Your original birth certificate.
The birth certificate issued in France must be less than 3 months old.
The birth certificate must be issued by the registrar of the place where the birth certificate is kept.
The birth certificate must indicate the surname, first name, date and place of birth of your parents.
If any of this information is missing, the instructor service may ask you for the birth certificates of your parents.
In case of impossibility to provide your birth certificate or in case of presentation of a multilingual extract, other documents will be requested. - Your original marriage certificate of less than 3 months
If your marriage was celebrated abroad, copy of its transcript on the French consular registers, issued less than 3 months ago and proving a marriage contracted for 4 years or more - In the case of previous marriages, marriage certificates and any documents justifying their dissolution.
For example, copy of divorce judgment, death certificate.
3. If you have children
- Birth certificates of your children, adults or minors, born before or after your marriage.
A birth certificate issued in France must be less than 3 months old.
For your minor children foreigners can become French at the same time as you:
- Civil status documents or court decisions establishing the parentage children with you
- Documents proving their habitual residence with you, or their alternate residence with you in the event of separation or divorce
For example, proof of attendance at nursery, school certificate for the current year.
4. French nationality of your spouse
You must provide one of the following:
- Your husband's original birth certificate if he was born in France to 2 parents born in France
- or a copy of his birth certificate stating that he is a french national
- or court decision recognizing him as a Frenchman
- or any document issued by the French authorities indicating that he has acquired French nationality
- or certificate of french nationality
5. Regular residence and community of life since marriage
- A copy of your residence permit, or of your valid passport if you are European and not required to hold a residence permit
- Any document proving that the community of life both emotional and material has not ceased since your marriage
Examples: joint tax notices for spouses, birth certificates for your common children - Any recent 2-name document with your current address
Examples: recent electricity, water or landline bill, recent bank statement of an active joint account
If you have been married for less than 5 years :
- Proof of legal and uninterrupted residence in France for at least 3 years since marriage.
For example, residence permits, receipt of application for a residence permit or application for asylum, temporary residence permit, employment contracts, Pôle emploi certificates, electricity bills, salary slips. - If you have resided abroad, certificate of registration of your French spouse in the register of French nationals established outside France during the period of your community living abroad
6. Knowledge of French
You must provide a diploma or certificate concerning your level in French.
7. If you have resided abroad in the last 10 years
You must provide a extract from criminal record foreigner or equivalent document issued after your arrival in France by a judicial or administrative authority of the country or countries where you have resided.
This document must be provided for all countries in which you have resided more than 6 months in the last 10 years.
The criminal record of your country of origin is not required if you are a refugee or stateless person protected by the EUOfpra: titleContent.
Please note
depending on your situation, the instructor service may request other documents and gives you a time limit to provide them.
Francization of surname and/or first name
To facilitate your integration, you can request francization of your surname and/or first names when you apply for acquisition of French nationality.
Instructions on the documents to be provided
Civil status record
One civil status document must be supplied in full and in original in the language of the country of origin.
A French civil status certificate must have been issued less than 3 months ago.
Copy or original of a document
You can provide copies of the requested documents except for civil status records.
However, you should be able to present the originals of the documents if necessary.
A copy of a foreigner act shall be accompanied, if necessary, by a copy of the decision in implementation of which it has been drawn up, rectified or amended.
Translation
You must attach a translation of each document written in a foreign language.
You must provide the original translation.
The translation must be done by a translator on the list of experts approved by the courts of appeal.
However, translation is not required for a multilingual birth certificate extract one of whose languages is French.
In addition, to avoid having to translate some documents issued by a the European Union, one multilingual form can be attached.
See the e-justice site for more information.
Legalization or Apostille
Certain documents established abroad must be legalized or apostilles to be accepted in France.
Inquire at the embassy or consulate of the country concerned.
Who shall I contact
You must apply for naturalization at a French consulate.
Chancery fees are payable to the Consulate.
Consult your consulate's website to find out which payment method is accepted (cash, check, credit card).
Who shall I contact
Warning
it is imperative that you notify the consulate of any change in situation that has occurred after the sending or filing of your application. For example, change of address, divorce.
You and your spouse are called in for an interview.
The reality of your life community of life and your assimilation at the French businesses are checked.
You must provide originals of your official identity documents.
You must sign an affidavit certifying that your community of emotional and material life has not ceased since your marriage.
Once the interview is over, a receipt it's given to you.
Your file shall be forwarded to the Ministry responsible for naturalization, with a reasoned opinion, within 6 months of date of subscription of your statement.
The department has 1 year to refuse to register your return, or 2 years if a procedure has been initiated to oppose your acquisition of French nationality.
The period runs from the delivery of the receipt delivered at the end of the interview.
Your consulate will give you a copy of your declaration of French nationality by marriage.
Your statement mentions that it has been recorded.
The effective date of your French nationality is date of subscription of your statement.
You must preserve this document proving your nationality.
Check the declaration of french nationality for report a possible error :
- If there is an error in the information on the declaration, please send a letter to the Ministry of the Interior.
- In case of error on the civil status document (birth and/or marriage), send a letter to the Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs.
Who shall I contact
Ministry of the Interior - Naturalization
By mail
Ministry of the Interior
Directorate-General for foreigners in France
Directorate for Integration and Access to Nationality
Sub-Directorate for Access to French Nationality
12 Francis-le-Carval Street
44404 REZÉ CEDEX
By email
sdanf-accueil@interieur.gouv.fr
Central Civil Registry Service (Scec)
Civil status (birth, marriage or death) of a Frenchman abroad
Only by mail to:
Central Civil Registry Service
11 White House Street
44941 Nantes Cedex 09
The service is not open to the public.
You can apply for a civil status certificate through a online service.
For more information, you can:
- Go to diplomatie.gouv.fr
- Call the+33 1 41 86 42 47 Monday to Friday from 9 am to 12 pm and from 1 pm to 4 pm
Free access to video interpretation or instant speech transcription for the deaf or hard of hearing - Email courrier.scec@diplomatie.gouv.fr
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Refusal to register your return
If one of the conditions laid down by law is not met, the Minister responsible for naturalization denies registration of your declaration of French nationality.
The department has 1 year to refuse to register your return, or 2 years if a procedure is initiated to oppose your acquisition of French nationality.
The period runs from the delivery of the receipt delivered at the end of the interview.
The department will notify its reasoned decision.
You have a six-month period to challenge the decision before the competent court of your place of residence if registration has been refused.
The lawyer is obligatory. He's the one who does the walk.
Opposition to you becoming French
The minister in charge of naturalizations can oppose your acquisition of French nationality for indignity or lack of assimilation other than linguistic.
You have a two-month period for challenge the decision before the Council of State.
The lawyer is obligatory. He's the one who does the walk.
Declaration of French nationality - Marriage with a Frenchman
Who can help me?
Find who can answer your questions in your region
- Naturalization Platforms
Telephone administrative information - Allo Public Service
For more information on this topic, you can contact Allô Service Public.
Cost: free service
The informants who answer you belong to the Ministry of the Interior.
Attention: the service does not have access to users' personal files and cannot therefore provide information on their status.
The service is available at the following times:
- Monday: 8.30am to 5.30pm
- Tuesday: 8:30 to 12:15
- Wednesday: 8:30 to 12:15
- Thursday: 8.30am to 5.30pm
- Friday: 1 p.m. to 4:15 p.m
- Lundi : de 08h30 à 17h30
- Mardi : de 08h30 à 12h15
- Mercredi : de 08h30 à 12h15
- Jeudi : de 08h30 à 17h30
- Vendredi : de 13h00 à 16h15
Acquisition of French nationality by reason of marriage
Provisions common to certain types of acquisition of French nationality
Declarations of nationality
Stamp duty
FAQ
Service-Public.fr
Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs