French Citizenship Through Ancestry
France is one of the most visited countries in the EU, and for good reason. With a rich history and culture that spans art, film, and cuisine, France has had an immense impact on the Western world.
It’s sometimes possible to apply for French citizenship by descent in limited and reserved situations. While each case will include its own particular requirements, it can be possible for French descendants living abroad to obtain a French passport. A veritable link with France will go a long way.
Eligible Generations
Parent (limited exceptions)
Travel Required?
yes
Ways to Apply
1 way
Language requirement?
Yes
Coming soon to citizenship.eu
We will be adding France to our EU dual citizenship eligibility assessment platform in the near future. Until then, you can find some introductory information on this page.
Citizenship by Descent In France
France allows citizenship to be passed from parent to child — but only if the parent was legally recognized as French at the time of birth of the child.
It has also been a legal obligation to declare the birth of a French child abroad since the creation of the first French Republic (1790s).
It’s also important to know that a French ancestor who moved abroad and became a citizen of another country, may have lost French nationality, breaking the chain.
For these reasons, France has one of the most restrictive regimes for citizenship by descent.
With French citizenship, you can live, work, and study with no restrictions in any of the 27 countries throughout the European Union.
Who Can Apply?
You may be eligible for French citizenship if you can answer yes to both of these questions:
- Did one of your parents or grandparents hold French citizenship when you were born—and never lose or renounce it?
- Do you speak French at the B2 level?
If so, you might be eligible to make a case for citizenship. Your first step is to contact our team.
Want to find if you are eligible for EU Citizenship?
Simple 3-step process to discover your eligibility
1. Tell us (or your genealogist) about your family
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2. We analyze with AI + experts
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3. Receive your report
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What You'll Receive
A comprehensive eligibility report tailored to your family history
Your Eligibility Report Includes:
- Assessment of all EU countries based on your lineage
- Clear eligibility decision for each country
- Detailed reasoning and relevant laws explained
- Specific next steps and requirements
Eligible for dual citizenship? We can help you achieve it
If you find out you are eligible for dual citizenship with our report, we offer additional services to assist with document collection and application processing
Your guide to EU Citizenship
We cover essential information regarding applying for and achieving EU nationality through ancestry. This blog also explores relocation resources, citizenship programs outside of the EU, and more.
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Frequently asked questions
Does France allow dual citizenship?
Yes. France allows dual (and even multiple) citizenships. Since 1973, French nationals have been permitted to hold more than one nationality. You do not need to renounce your original citizenship when acquiring or holding French citizenship, as long as your other country of nationality also permits dual citizenship.
How to get dual citizenship in France?
You can acquire dual citizenship in France through several legal pathways:
- By Descent (Jus Sanguinis): If you have at least one French parent, you may automatically qualify for French citizenship, even if born abroad.
- By Birth in France (Jus Soli): Some children born in France to foreign parents can acquire citizenship at age 16–18, depending on residency conditions.
- By Marriage: After 4 years of marriage to a French citizen (or 5 years if living abroad), you may apply for citizenship, provided you meet integration and language requirements.
By Naturalization: Requires at least 5 years of continuous residency in France (or 2 years for graduates of a French university), a clean criminal record, French language skills (B1 level), and cultural integration.
French citizenship by descent: how does it work?
If you are born to at least one French parent, you typically qualify for French citizenship automatically, regardless of your place of birth. In some cases, children born abroad to French citizens may need to formally request recognition or register with a French consulate.
French citizenship by marriage: what’s the process?
You can apply for citizenship after being married to a French citizen for at least 4 years (or 5 years if you live abroad). Requirements include: Proof of a stable, continuous marital relationship Confirmation your spouse retains French citizenship Sufficient French language skills (level B1) Evidence of integration into French society
Does France allow dual citizenship with the UK and the US?
Yes. France permits dual nationality with both the United States and the United Kingdom, and both of these countries also allow dual citizenship. You can legally hold and use both (or all) passports.
Does France allow triple citizenship?
Yes. France allows triple (or multiple) citizenships as long as each country involved legally recognizes them. You can, for example, be simultaneously a citizen of France, the US, and Italy without needing to renounce any of your nationalities.
What are the requirements for French citizenship?
The requirements vary based on your pathway to citizenship but generally include:
- Legal residence in France (typically 5 years, or 2 years for higher education graduates)
- French language proficiency (minimum B1 level)
- Integration into French society and culture
- Clean criminal record
- For marriage applicants: 4 years of marriage to a French citizen
What are the benefits of French dual citizenship?
French dual citizenship allows you to live, work, and travel freely in France and the EU, access healthcare and education, vote in elections, own property, and receive consular support abroad. It also strengthens cultural and family ties while offering more flexibility for international opportunities.
Start with your past.
Start building your future.
Your family immigrated from Europe for more opportunities. Now, their story might help you do exactly the same thing. Browse by country to learn whether your family history might qualify you for dual citizenship.
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Still have questions? Let’s talk
Have a specific question about your case, documents, or eligibility? We’d love to hear it and it might even help us shape new resources.
