Am I entitled to French nationality? Find the right procedure
There are several routes to becoming French, and naturalisation by decree is only one of them. Answer a few questions about your situation: this tool points you to the most suitable procedure (declaration or decree), its main conditions, and where to file your application.
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Frequently asked questions
How do I know if I am entitled to French nationality?
Several routes exist: declaration by marriage, acquisition through birth in France, collective effect when a parent becomes French, or naturalisation by decree for long-term residents. Our tool points you to the procedure suited to your situation, but the official source remains service-public.fr.
What is the difference between a declaration and a decree?
A declaration is a right available in specific cases (marriage, birth in France, collective effect): if the conditions are met, the administration can only refuse on limited grounds. Naturalisation by decree is a discretionary decision of the State, granted after the prefecture reviews the file.
How do I obtain French nationality by marriage?
You must have been married for at least 4 years (5 years if living outside France), prove a continuous community of life, a B1 level of French, and that the spouse has kept French nationality. The application is made by declaration on ANEF, registered by the Ministry of Justice.
How long must I live in France to be naturalised by decree?
In principle, 5 years of lawful and habitual residence in France. This period can be reduced to 2 years for a francophone background or higher education in France, or waived for refugees recognised by OFPRA and people who have rendered important services to France.
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