Can we have several nationalities in France?

Verified 19 June 2025 - Public Service / (Prime Minister)

Yes, it is possible to have several nationalities in France. For example, dual nationality or 3 nationalities.

At birth

Plurinationality can exist from birth. For example, in the case of a child whose parents are of different nationalities.

A child is recognized as a national of a country in one of two ways:

  • By application of right of the ground, that is to say because he was born in this country.
  • By application of right of blood, i.e. by descent, i.e. a legal relationship between a child and his/her father and/or mother, because his/her parents are nationals of that country.

During the child's minority

The minor child becomes French when one of his parents became French if the 2 conditions the following shall be fulfilled:

  • The child resides usually with this parent (or alternatively in case of divorce or separation)
  • The child's name is indicated in the decree from naturalization or the declaration of French nationality of the parent (marriage, ascending, brother or sister)

Thus, the child may be French and have another nationality.

The child may also have two other nationalities if his parents have a different nationality.

By naturalization or declaration

The multi-nationality can be acquired by naturalization or declaration (marriage, ascendant...)).

French law does not require than a foreigner turned Frenchman renounces his/her nationality of origin.

French law does not require either a French national who has acquired another nationality renounces French nationality.

Example :

A Briton who has acquired French nationality retains his British nationality.

A Frenchman who has acquired British nationality retains his French nationality.

When a person becomes French by naturalization or by declaration, he indicated to the instructor service the nationality or nationalities it already has. It clarifies the nationality or nationalities it wishes to retain in addition to French nationality, and the nationality or nationalities which it wishes to renounce.

A binational or plurinational French to all rights and obligations attached to french nationality.

This rule applies in the same way to a French having acquired another nationality or to a foreigner became French.

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French binational or plurinational resident in the territory of the State of which he is also a national

One French binational or plurinational cannot not to make his french nationality prevail when it resides in the territory of the State of which he is also a national.

It is then generally considered by that State like its exclusive national.

He is therefore not entitled to diplomatic protection from France.

French binational or plurinational resident in France

A binational or plurinational Frenchman cannot not to enforce his or her other nationality(ies) when it resides in France.

In such cases, he or she is not entitled to diplomatic protection from the State or States of which he or she is also a national.

A foreigner in France can losing plurinationality if a change in the situation changes his nationality due to legislation of the States concerned or of international agreements.

A Frenchman who has acquired another nationality may lose French nationality by declaration.

French nationality may be withdrawn in the event of conviction for certain crimes and offenses.

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