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The Daily Insight

Can an American become a French citizen?

Author

Sarah Duran

Published May 17, 2026

US citizens who have successfully completed a diploma from a French higher education institution can apply for French citizenship after two years of residency. Other exceptions to the five-year rule include exceptional contributions to France, be it through sport, finance, military, science or civic services.

Is there a way for the person born in France to become a US citizen if their parents are French citizens?

You can also naturalize a minor if one parent has French citizenship and lived in France for more than five years. If you were not born in France but born to a French parent, you can apply for a demande d’attribution (based on droit du sang, or blood relation) at your town hall.

How do you get dual citizenship in France?

Dual Citizenship France Citizenship in France can also be acquired by birth where a new child is born to at least one French national. Citizenship can also be acquired by marriage to a French national and by naturalisation after at least five years of habitual residence in France.

Do you have to file taxes if you are dual citizen of France?

Though the U.S. doesn’t technically recognize dual citizenship, you won’t forfeit your citizenship by becoming a citizen of France; you’ll still have to file American taxes.

What does it mean to be dual citizen of USA?

Naturalizing as a US citizen: dual citizenship in the USA Section 101 (a) (22) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) states that “the term ‘national of the United States’ means (A) a citizen of the United States, or (B) a person who, though not a citizen of the United States, owes permanent allegiance to the United States.”

Can a US citizen apply for French citizenship?

If you can answer yes to the next few questions, you may apply for French citizenship without giving up your US citizenship. Under the following circumstances, you are eligible to apply for French citizenship: You have lived and worked in France for at least five years. You were born to or married to a French citizen.

Can a US citizen stay in France for 90 days?

France and USA government has a bilateral agreement. It allows citizens of the United States to stay for an additional 90 days not just in France but other Schengen area without possessing a permanent residency or visa. If you want a permanent residency permit in France fast, apply today.