How to Become a Citizen of France

Follow all the steps to become a French citizen.

Becoming a citizen of France is an undertaking that should not be attempted unless one is serious. Many rules and regulations govern the naturalization process of those wishing to become French citizens. There are also, of course, many benefits to becoming a citizen of France, including the right to vote and the avoidance of many bureaucratic legal processes that non-citizens have to go through to lead an ordinary life in France.

Difficulty:

Moderately Challenging

Instructions

1. Get a visa card to allow you to reside in France.

2. Reside in France legally, with a valid visa, for five years. There are certain conditions which lower this residency requirement, including service in the French armed forces and marriage to a French citizen.

3. Attain good employment in France. It is important that you have a good job in France already before you apply to become a citizen there.

4. Become fluent in French. You will need to become well-versed in the speaking, reading, and writing of the French language to become eligible to be naturalized.

5. Fill out an application for citizenship.

6. Submit your application along with all relevant documentation. The documentation that's necessary will vary from case to case and will generally be asked for by the French consulate.

7. Pass the screening process that is completed by the French government. The officials in France will verify with your current government that you haven't been convicted of any serious crimes and will check to make sure that you haven't committed any crimes in France during your residency there.

Tips & Warnings

• If you come from a country whose official language is French then the residency requirement for becoming a citizen of France may be waived.

• Attending and graduating from a French university generally lowers the number of years of residency required to become a citizen of France.

• France allows dual citizenship, so you won't have to necessarily worry about renouncing your current citizenship when applying.

• Don't attempt to undergo the naturalization process unless you're serious about doing so. It is a long, intense process and can be difficult to achieve.