How far back can you claim French citizenship?

If you want to live in France long term or even permanently, you may be eligible to apply for French permanent residence or French citizenship after five years of living in France. This time reduces in certain cases such as marriage to or a parent of a French national.

Can I get French citizenship if my ancestors were French?

Can I obtain citizenship through descent or ancestry? You can become a French citizen through descent if at least one of your parents was a French citizen when you were born. You still have to meet the requirement to be of good character, and you’ll need to prove your identity and the citizenship of your French parent.

Can you lose your French citizenship?

Nationality [fr] A person may lose their French nationality following a decision by a public official; a voluntary action; extended non-use; or forfeiture. Under certain conditions, reintegration into French nationality is provided for in accordance with the Code civil.

How do I regain my French citizenship?

Reclaiming French Nationality: How she gets it back depends on how the French citizen gave it up. The process is called reintegration. Yes, it can be done but again there are conditions. The easiest is Reintegration by Declaration which is available to those who lost French nationality via marriage.

Who is entitled to French citizenship?

A person aged 18 or above may apply for French citizenship by naturalization after five years’ habitual and continuous residence in France (if married and with children, then the applicant must be living in France with his/her family).

How hard is it to get French citizenship?

Be 18 or over. Have your permanent residence in France, generally for at least five years. Different situations (work as a civil servant, in the army) can shorten the wait to two years or no time at all. You have an eligible visa or residence permit at the time of applying or are a citizen of the European Union.

Who is entitled to a French passport?

Passport eligibility is based on French citizenship. In order to get French citizenship, you must have lived in France for five continuous years and be able to prove that you have integrated into French society through knowledge of the French language, culture, and citizenship responsibilities.

How long does a French passport last?

10 years
Passports are valid for 10 years for applicants aged 18 or over and 5 years for applicants under the age of 18.

Do you have to give up your nationality to become a French citizen?

You don’t have to give up your own nationality if you become a French citizen; you can have French dual citizenship. In either case, a continuous stay in France for a set number of years is typically a French citizenship requirement.

When to apply for permanent residence in France?

After living in France for five years – or less in some cases – you can apply for French citizenship. If you want to live in France long term or even permanently, you may be eligible to apply for French permanent residence or French citizenship after five years of living in France.

How long does it take for a British citizen to become a French citizen?

However, no changes will be made to the freedom of movement of British citizens to France until the UK’s exit from the EU is negotiated, estimated to take a minimum of two years. Should you choose permanent residence or French citizenship?

Are there exceptions to the 5 year waiting period for French citizenship?

Exceptions for French citizenship You can apply immediately for French citizenship, without the five-year waiting period, if you: served in the French military or contracted voluntary engagement in the French or allied armies in the time of war; qualify as a refugee;