French nationality by marriage
Verified 18 juillet 2025 - Directorate of Legal and Administrative Information (Prime Minister)
You live in France
Step-by-step approach
One video explains the conditions to be met to declare french nationality by marriage:
Vidéo - Declaration of French nationality by marriage - Conditions to be met
- French nationality by marriage, who is concerned?
You are concerned if you are married to a French person
Your spouse must be French on your wedding day.
He or she must have retained French nationality since the date of your marriage.
- How long do I have to be 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 continuously for less than 3 years,
Or
If you resided abroad while your French spouse was not registered in the consulate's records.
- Does my wedding have to 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 entered in the French civil registry.
- Are we going to check that I live with my husband?
Yes, you must live with your spouse continuously since your marriage.
If you have been separated for professional reasons, you will be asked for supporting documents.
- What residence permit to have?
You must have a valid residence permit.
If you're European, you don't need it.
- Do I have to speak French?
You must know how to speak and write in French.
Your level in French must be at least equivalent to the oral and written level b1 of the European Framework of Reference for Languages (EFRL).
- Are we going to check my behavior and my criminal record?
Yes. You must not have committed acts contrary to public order.
You must meet all the following conditions to acquire French nationality by marriage declaration.
If not, check if you can become french by another procedure.
French nationality of your spouse
Your spouse must be of French nationality on the day of your marriage.
In addition, your spouse must have retained French nationality since the date of your marriage.
Duration of marriage
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You live in France without interruption since your marriage
You must be married for 4 years minimum with a French person on the date of your declaration.
You're in a different situation
Since your marriage, how long have you lived in France continuously?
More than 3 years
You must be married for 4 years minimum with a French person on the date of your declaration.
Less than 3 years old
Has your French spouse been registered in 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 the wedding
If your marriage was celebrated abroad, it must have been transcribed on the registers of the french civil status.
Situation on French territory
You must have a valid residence permit at the time of filing your application, unless you have the nationality of a countries of the European Economic Area or if you are swiss.
In addition, you must not have been the subject of a deportation order or a prohibition of french territory still in force.
Community of life
The community of life with your husband must be keep going since your wedding.
The community of life means living togethermaterially and emotionally.
Knowledge of the French language
You have to prove a sufficient knowledge of the french language.
Lack of criminal conviction
You must not be in one of the following situations:
- Have been sentenced in France to a prison term without reprieve 6 months or more
- Have been convicted for a crime or a offense constituting an attack on the fundamental interests of the Nation or a act of terrorism.
However, this obligation does not apply to you in case of rehabilitation or exclusion of the mention of the conviction of the bulletin n°2 of your criminal record.
General case
The process costs €55.
This tax is paid with a fiscal stamp.
However, if you file your application abroad, 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 approach.
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 fill in the cerfa form n°15277 in 2 copies. Do not forget any section of the form. It must be filled in full. Don't forget to date it and sign it, you and your spouse. The form is available on Service-Public.fr.
What documents must be provided regardless of my situation?
You must prepare:
- 2 recent identity photos. Indicate on the back your name, your first name and your date of birth
- 1 copy of a recent proof of address. For example, a recent electricity, water or landline phone bill
- 1 electronic tax stamp of 55 €
- 1 double-sided copy of your valid residence permit, or, if you are a European who is not required to hold a residence permit, of your valid passport
What are the supporting documents for my marital status and 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 transcription 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, adults or minors, born before or after your marriage.
What are the supporting documents to prove my husband's French nationality?
You must provide one of the following documents:
- 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 our marriage?
You must provide:
- All documents proving that you live together. For example, the Family Allowance Fund Notice, 1 Common Tax Notice or the birth certificates of your common children.
- And all recent documents to your 2 names indicating your current address. For example, 1 recent electricity, water or landline bill, 1 recent bank attestation from a joint account.
Warning, 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 a residence permit or asylum application, your provisional residence permit.
- If you have resided abroad, 1 certificate of registration of your French spouse in the register of French living outside France.
What are the supporting documents for my level in French?
You must provide a diploma or certificate that proves you have the B1 level oral and written of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CERL).
Are there any special situations?
Yes. For example, if you have been living in France for less than 10 years, you must also provide an original extract of a foreigners criminal record or an equivalent document from the country or countries where you resided, unless you are a refugee.
Should the originals or copies of the 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 document must be issued within 3 months. You can provide copies of the requested documents with the exception of civil status documents. However, you must be able to present the originals of the documents if necessary.
Do I need to translate the documents?
Yes. 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 tells you his deadlines and prices. You can consult the list of certified translators on the website of the Court of Cassation.
In addition, some foreigner documents may need to be legalized or apostilled. This formality is used to authenticate the document. Ask at the embassy or consulate of your home country.
Where can I find a summary of the documents to be provided?
A simulator allows you to have a customized list of documents to be provided. The simulator is available on Service-Public.fr.
How and to whom should I send my file?
You must contact the platform for access to French nationality, which depends on where you live.
Depending on the platforms, the file must be submitted or sent by registered mail with acknowledgement of receipt. If your request is to be sent by mail, add to your file an envelope stamped at your address and a letter “followed” 500 grams blank.
An interactive map is available on Service-Public.fr to have the coordinates of your platform. If you need information to build your case, you can contact her.
Can I be asked for more documents after sending my file?
Yes, depending on your situation, the instructor department may ask you for other documents and set a deadline for providing them. If you do not provide the requested documents within the set deadline, your file may be closed without further action. This means that it is not being studied.
One simulator shows you the custom list of documents to provide:
What documents are required for my nationality file by marriage?
Prepare the following documents to build your file:
1. Form, photo, electronic 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 identity 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 address mentioning name, first name and full address
- If you are a national of a non-EU country European (EU) and that you went into the Schengen area from a country that is not 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 at 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 to birth certificates of your parents.
If it is not possible to provide your birth certificate or if a multilingual extract is presented, other documents will be requested. - Your original marriage certificate of less than 3 months
If your marriage was celebrated abroad, copy of its transcription on the French consular registers, issued less than 3 months ago and proving a marriage contracted for 4 years or more - In case of previous marriages, marriage certificates and any document justifying their dissolution.
For example, copy of the 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 may 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 alternating residence with you in the event of separation or divorce
For example, certificate of attendance in nursery, certificate of schooling of the current year.
4. Your spouse's French nationality
You must provide one of the following documents:
- Original birth certificate of your husband if he was born in France to 2 parents born in France
- or 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
- Copy of your valid residence permit, or passport if you are a European who is 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: common tax notice for spouses, birth certificates for your common children - Any recent document with 2 names bearing your current address
Examples: recent electricity, water or landline telephone bill, recent bank attestation of a joint account in operation
If you have been married for less than 5 years :
- Proof of regular and uninterrupted residence in France for at least 3 years since the marriage.
For example, residence permits, receipts for residence permits or asylum applications, temporary residence permits, employment contracts, France Travail (formerly Pôle emploi) certificates, electricity bills, salary slips. - If you have resided abroad, certificate of registration of your French spouse in the register of French living outside France for the duration of your community living abroad
6. Knowledge of French
You must provide a diploma or certificate regarding your level in French.
7. If you have resided abroad in the last 10 years
You must provide a criminal record extract 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 theOfpra: titleContent.
Please note
depending on your situation, the instructor service may request other documents and stares at you time limit to provide them.
If your file is not complete, the instructor service may give you formal notice to provide the missing documents and set a deadline for you to provide them.
If you do not provide the requested documents within the set deadline, your file may be closed without further action.
This means that it is not being studied.
The instructor service will help notified the decision to dismiss without further action.
You can appeal against this decision within 6 months before the court.
The decision to dismiss does not prevent you from making a new declaration of French nationality.
Francization of surname and/or first name
During your request, you can ask the francization of your surname and/or first name(s), and the francization of your children's first names.
You can also ask for a French first name, if you or your children do not have one.
Instructions on the documents to be provided
Deed of civil status
One deed of civil status must be provided in full and in original in the language of the country of origin.
A French civil status document must be issued within 3 months.
A copy of a foreigner civil status document must be accompanied, if necessary, by a copy of the decision in execution of which it has been drawn up, rectified or amended.
Copy or original of a document
You can provide copies of the requested documents with the exception of civil status documents.
However, you must be able to present the originals of the documents if necessary.
A copy of a foreigner act must 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 French translation of each document written in a foreign language. You must provide the original translation. The translation must be done by a certified translator or authorized to intervene with the judicial or administrative authorities of another european countries. If you are abroad, contact the French Embassy or Consulate for a list of accredited translators.
The translation of a multilingual extract of a birth certificate or marriage certificate in which one of the languages is french is not necessary for a person of full age.
In addition, to avoid having to translate certain documents issued by a the European Union, one multilingual form can be joined. Consult the e-justice site for further information.
Legalization or Apostille
Certain documents issued abroad must be legalized or apostillate to be accepted in France. Ask the French embassy or consulate in the country concerned for legalization, and the embassy or consulate of the country concerned for the apostille.
You must contact the platform for access to French nationality, which depends on where you live.
Depending on the platforms, the file must be deposited at the counter or sent by post in RAR: titleContent.
Click on the interactive map to find out what steps you need to take.
Please note
if your request is to be sent by mail, add to your file a stamped envelope at your address and a 500 gram blank “followed” letter.
Who shall I contact
It is given to you or sent to you receipt as soon as your file is full.
Warning
you must report to your prefecture any change in circumstances occurred after your application was sent or filed. For example, change of address, divorce.
You and your spouse are invited to an interview.
The reality of your life community of life and your assimilation at the french businesses are checked.
You must provide the originals of your official identity documents.
You must sign a certificate of honor certifying that your emotional and material community of life has not ceased since your marriage.
Once the interview is completed, a receipt is handed over to you.
Assimilation to the French community implies being in accordance with the fundamental principles and values of the Republic.
Thus, evidence showing a discriminatory attitude based, inter alia, on criteria of sex, race, religion or nationality constitutes a failure to assimilate.
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 will be sent to the Ministry in charge of naturalizations, with a reasoned opinion, within 6 months following the subscription date of your statement.
The Ministry in charge of naturalizations may arrange for any further investigation to be carried out if it deems it useful to verify your situation and the grounds which may prevent the obtaining of French nationality.
To inquire about the progress of your application or provide additional documents, you have to address by mail the department responsible for examining applications for acquisition of French nationality.
Who shall I contact
Sub-Directorate for Access to French Nationality
To inquire about the progress of an application for acquisition of French nationality or to communicate additional documents (file by mail only), or to know the documents to be attached to a request for francization of surname / first name.
By email
sdanf-accueil@interieur.gouv.fr
By user assistance form
You can also use a dynamic form which guides you according to your request
The department has 1 year to refuse to register your return or 2 years if proceedings have been initiated to oppose your acquisition of French nationality.
The period runs from the issue of the receipt given at the end of the interview.
Your prefecture gives you a copy of your declaration of French nationality by marriage.
Your statement states that it was recorded.
The effective date of your french nationality is the subscription date of your statement.
You must keep this document which prove your nationality.
Once you become French, you can request a national identity card and/or a passport.
If your children became French at the same time as you, you can apply for a national identity card and a passport for each of them.
FYI
A young man turned French between 16 and 25 years old, shall get a census within one month of obtaining French nationality.
Check the declaration of French nationality for report an error :
- In case of error in the information mentioned on the declaration, 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
General Directorate of 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
sdanf-brupi-preuve-nat@interieur.gouv.fr (for any proof of French nationality)
Central Civil Registry Service (Scec)
Attention: the Central Civil Registry Service does not welcome any public.
Civil status (birth, marriage or death) of a French person abroad
Only by mail to the following address:
Central Civil Registry Service
11 White House Street
44941 Nantes Cedex 09
You can apply for a civil status certificate via a online service.
For further information, you can:
Consult the site diplomatie.gouv.fr
Call the+33 1 41 86 42 47 Monday to Friday from 9am to 12pm and from 1pm to 4pm.
Free access to video interpretation or instant speech transcription for the deaf or hard of hearing.
Use the following online form: https://etat-civil.diplomatie.gouv.fr/rece-informationusager-ui/
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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 naturalizations refuses registration of your declaration of French nationality.
The department has 1 year to refuse to register your return or 2 years if proceedings are initiated to oppose your acquisition of French nationality.
The period runs from the issue of the receipt given at the end of the interview.
The ministry will notified its reasoned decision.
You have a 6 months delay to challenge the decision before the competent court of your place of residence if registration has been refused.
The lawyer is mandatory. He is responsible for the process.
Opposition to you becoming French
The minister in charge of naturalizations may oppose your acquisition of French nationality for indignity or lack of assimilation other than linguistic.
You have a 2 months delay for challenge the decision before the Council of State.
The lawyer is mandatory. He is responsible for the process.
You live abroad
Step-by-step approach
One video explains the conditions to be met to declare french nationality by marriage:
Vidéo - Declaration of French nationality by marriage - Conditions to be met
- French nationality by marriage, who is concerned?
You are concerned if you are married to a French person
Your spouse must be French on your wedding day.
He or she must have retained French nationality since the date of your marriage.
- How long do I have to be 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 continuously for less than 3 years,
Or
If you resided abroad while your French spouse was not registered in the consulate's records.
- Does my wedding have to 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 entered in the French civil registry.
- Are we going to check that I live with my husband?
Yes, you must live with your spouse continuously since your marriage.
If you have been separated for professional reasons, you will be asked for supporting documents.
- What residence permit to have?
You must have a valid residence permit.
If you're European, you don't need it.
- Do I have to speak French?
You must know how to speak and write in French.
Your level in French must be at least equivalent to the oral and written level b1 of the European Framework of Reference for Languages (EFRL).
- Are we going to check my behavior and my criminal record?
Yes. You must not have committed acts contrary to public order.
You must meet all the following conditions to acquire French nationality by marriage declaration.
If not, check if you can become french by another procedure.
French nationality of spouse
Your spouse must be of French nationality on the day of your marriage and have retained French nationality since that date.
Duration of marriage
Since your marriage, how long have you lived in France continuously?
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More than 3 years
You must be married for 4 years minimum with a French person on the date of your declaration.
Less than 3 years old
- If your French spouse was registered in the consular records 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 in the consular records, you must be married for 5 years minimum on the date of your return.
Place of the wedding
If your marriage was celebrated abroad, it must have been transcribed on the registers of the french civil status.
Situation on French territory
You must not have been the subject of a deportation order or a prohibition of french territory still in force.
Community of life
The community of life with your husband must be keep going since your wedding.
The community of life means living togethermaterially and emotionally.
Knowledge of the French language
You have to prove a sufficient knowledge of the french language.
Lack of criminal conviction
You must not be in one of the following situations:
- Have been sentenced in France to a prison term without reprieve 6 months or more
- Have been convicted for a crime or a offense constituting an attack on the fundamental interests of the Nation or a act of terrorism.
However, this obligation does not apply to you in case of rehabilitation or exclusion of the mention of the conviction of the bulletin n°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 fill in the cerfa form n°15277 in 2 copies. Do not forget any section of the form. It must be filled in full. Don't forget to date it and sign it, you and your spouse. The form is available on Service-Public.fr.
What documents must be provided regardless of my situation?
You must prepare:
- 2 recent identity photos. Indicate on the back your name, your first name and your date of birth
- 1 copy of a recent proof of address. For example, a recent electricity, water or landline phone bill
- 1 electronic tax stamp of 55 €
- 1 double-sided copy of your valid residence permit, or, if you are a European who is not required to hold a residence permit, of your valid passport
What are the supporting documents for my marital status and 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 transcription 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, adults or minors, born before or after your marriage.
What are the supporting documents to prove my husband's French nationality?
You must provide one of the following documents:
- 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 our marriage?
You must provide:
- All documents proving that you live together. For example, the Family Allowance Fund Notice, 1 Common Tax Notice or the birth certificates of your common children.
- And all recent documents to your 2 names indicating your current address. For example, 1 recent electricity, water or landline bill, 1 recent bank attestation from a joint account.
Warning, 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 a residence permit or asylum application, your provisional residence permit.
- If you have resided abroad, 1 certificate of registration of your French spouse in the register of French living outside France.
What are the supporting documents for my level in French?
You must provide a diploma or certificate that proves you have the B1 level oral and written of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CERL).
Are there any special situations?
Yes. For example, if you have been living in France for less than 10 years, you must also provide an original extract of a foreigners criminal record or an equivalent document from the country or countries where you resided, unless you are a refugee.
Should the originals or copies of the 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 document must be issued within 3 months. You can provide copies of the requested documents with the exception of civil status documents. However, you must be able to present the originals of the documents if necessary.
Do I need to translate the documents?
Yes. 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 tells you his deadlines and prices. You can consult the list of certified translators on the website of the Court of Cassation.
In addition, some foreigner documents may need to be legalized or apostilled. This formality is used to authenticate the document. Ask at the embassy or consulate of your home country.
Where can I find a summary of the documents to be provided?
A simulator allows you to have a customized list of documents to be provided. The simulator is available on Service-Public.fr.
How and to whom should I send my file?
You must contact the platform for access to French nationality, which depends on where you live.
Depending on the platforms, the file must be submitted or sent by registered mail with acknowledgement of receipt. If your request is to be sent by mail, add to your file an envelope stamped at your address and a letter “followed” 500 grams blank.
An interactive map is available on Service-Public.fr to have the coordinates of your platform. If you need information to build your case, you can contact her.
Can I be asked for more documents after sending my file?
Yes, depending on your situation, the instructor department may ask you for other documents and set a deadline for providing them. If you do not provide the requested documents within the set deadline, your file may be closed without further action. This means that it is not being studied.
One simulator shows you the custom list of documents to provide:
What documents are required for my nationality file by marriage?
Prepare the following documents to build your file:
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 identity 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 address mentioning name, first name and full address
- If you are a national of a non-EU country European (EU) and that you went into the Schengen area from a country that is not 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 at 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 to birth certificates of your parents.
If it is not possible to provide your birth certificate or if a multilingual extract is presented, other documents will be requested. - Your original marriage certificate of less than 3 months
If your marriage was celebrated abroad, copy of its transcription on the French consular registers, issued less than 3 months ago and proving a marriage contracted for 4 years or more - In case of previous marriages, marriage certificates and any document justifying their dissolution.
For example, copy of the 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 may 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 alternating residence with you in the event of separation or divorce
For example, certificate of attendance in nursery, certificate of schooling of the current year.
4. Your spouse's French nationality
You must provide one of the following documents:
- Original birth certificate of your husband if he was born in France to 2 parents born in France
- or 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
- Copy of your valid residence permit, or passport if you are a European who is 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: common tax notice for spouses, birth certificates for your common children - Any recent document with 2 names bearing your current address
Examples: recent electricity, water or landline telephone bill, recent bank attestation of a joint account in operation
If you have been married for less than 5 years :
- Proof of regular and uninterrupted residence in France for at least 3 years since the marriage.
For example, residence permits, receipts for residence permits or asylum applications, temporary residence permits, employment contracts, France Travail (formerly Pôle emploi) certificates, electricity bills, salary slips. - If you have resided abroad, certificate of registration of your French spouse in the register of French living outside France for the duration of your community living abroad
6. Knowledge of French
You must provide a diploma or certificate regarding your level in French.
7. If you have resided abroad in the last 10 years
You must provide a criminal record extract 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 theOfpra: titleContent.
Please note
depending on your situation, the instructor service may request other documents and stares at you time limit to provide them.
If your file is not complete, the instructor service may give you formal notice to provide the missing documents and set a deadline for you to provide them.
If you do not provide the requested documents within the set deadline, your file may be closed without further action.
This means that it is not being studied.
The instructor service will help notified the decision to dismiss without further action.
You can appeal against this decision within 6 months before the court.
The decision to dismiss does not prevent you from making a new declaration of French nationality.
Francization of surname and/or first name
During your request, you can ask the francization of your surname and/or first name(s), and the francization of your children's first names.
You can also ask for a French first name, if you or your children do not have one.
Instructions on the documents to be provided
Deed of civil status
One deed of civil status must be provided in full and in original in the language of the country of origin.
A French civil status document must be issued within 3 months.
A copy of a foreigner civil status document must be accompanied, if necessary, by a copy of the decision in execution of which it has been drawn up, rectified or amended.
Copy or original of a document
You can provide copies of the requested documents with the exception of civil status documents.
However, you must be able to present the originals of the documents if necessary.
A copy of a foreigner act must 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 French translation of each document written in a foreign language. You must provide the original translation. The translation must be done by a certified translator or authorized to intervene with the judicial or administrative authorities of another european countries. If you are abroad, contact the French Embassy or Consulate for a list of accredited translators.
The translation of a multilingual extract of a birth certificate or marriage certificate in which one of the languages is french is not necessary for a person of full age.
In addition, to avoid having to translate certain documents issued by a the European Union, one multilingual form can be joined. Consult the e-justice site for further information.
Legalization or Apostille
Certain documents issued abroad must be legalized or apostillate to be accepted in France. Ask the French embassy or consulate in the country concerned for legalization, and the embassy or consulate of the country concerned for the apostille.
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
you must inform 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 invited to an interview.
The reality of your life community of life and your assimilation at the french businesses are checked.
You must provide the originals of your official identity documents.
You must sign a certificate of honor certifying that your emotional and material community of life has not ceased since your marriage.
Once the interview is completed, a receipt is handed over to you.
Assimilation to the French community implies being in accordance with the fundamental principles and values of the Republic.
Thus, evidence showing a discriminatory attitude based, inter alia, on criteria of sex, race, religion or nationality constitutes a failure to assimilate.
Your file is sent to the Ministry in charge of naturalizations, with a reasoned opinion, within 6 months following the subscription date of your statement.
The Ministry in charge of naturalizations may arrange for any further investigation to be carried out if it deems it useful to verify your situation and the grounds which may prevent the obtaining of French nationality.
To inquire about the progress of your application or provide additional documents, you have to address by mail the department responsible for examining applications for acquisition of French nationality.
Who shall I contact
Sub-Directorate for Access to French Nationality
To inquire about the progress of an application for acquisition of French nationality or to communicate additional documents (file by mail only), or to know the documents to be attached to a request for francization of surname / first name.
By email
sdanf-accueil@interieur.gouv.fr
By user assistance form
You can also use a dynamic form which guides you according to your request
The department has 1 year to refuse to register your return or 2 years if proceedings have been initiated to oppose your acquisition of French nationality.
The period runs from the issue of the receipt given at the end of the interview.
Your consulate will give you a copy of your declaration of French nationality by marriage.
Your statement states that it was recorded.
The effective date of your French nationality is subscription date of your statement.
You must keep this document that proves your nationality.
Once you become French, you can request a national identity card and/or a passport.
If your children became French at the same time as you, you can apply for a national identity card and a passport for each of them.
FYI
A young man turned French between 16 and 25 years old, shall get a census within one month of obtaining French nationality.
Check the declaration of French nationality for report an error :
- In case of error in the information mentioned on the declaration, 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
General Directorate of 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
sdanf-brupi-preuve-nat@interieur.gouv.fr (for any proof of French nationality)
Central Civil Registry Service (Scec)
Attention: the Central Civil Registry Service does not welcome any public.
Civil status (birth, marriage or death) of a French person abroad
Only by mail to the following address:
Central Civil Registry Service
11 White House Street
44941 Nantes Cedex 09
You can apply for a civil status certificate via a online service.
For further information, you can:
Consult the site diplomatie.gouv.fr
Call the+33 1 41 86 42 47 Monday to Friday from 9am to 12pm and from 1pm to 4pm.
Free access to video interpretation or instant speech transcription for the deaf or hard of hearing.
Use the following online form: https://etat-civil.diplomatie.gouv.fr/rece-informationusager-ui/
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 naturalizations refuses registration of your declaration of French nationality.
The department has 1 year to refuse to register your return or 2 years if proceedings are initiated to oppose your acquisition of French nationality.
The period runs from the issue of the receipt given at the end of the interview.
The ministry will notified its reasoned decision.
You have a 6 months delay to challenge the decision before the competent court of your place of residence if registration has been refused.
The lawyer is mandatory. He is responsible for the process.
Opposition to you becoming French
The minister in charge of naturalizations may oppose your acquisition of French nationality for indignity or lack of assimilation other than linguistic.
You have a 2 months delay for challenge the decision before the Council of State.
The lawyer is mandatory. He is responsible for the process.
Declaration of French nationality - Marriage with a French person
Who can help me?
Find who can answer your questions in your region
- Naturalization platforms
Administrative information by phone - Allô Service Public
For more information on this subject, you can contact Allô Service Public.
Attention: the service does not have access to users' personal files and therefore cannot provide information on their progress.
- 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
- Service free
The informants who answer you belong to the Ministry of the Interior.
Acquisition of French nationality by reason of marriage
Provisions common to certain methods of acquiring French nationality
Declarations of nationality
Stamp duty
FAQ
Service-Public.fr
Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs