French nationality law

French citizenship has historically been based on the principle of jus soli (“right of soil”), in contrast to the German definition of nationality through jus sanguinis (“right of blood”). Thus, for decades, France, needing cheap labour, attracted migrants from Algeria, Morocco and Tunisia, relying on liberal migration laws and the principle of jus soli. But then, as the influx of migrants from Africa, Asia and Eastern Europe became massive, there was a U-turn from the jus soli to the jus sanguinis and, consequently, a tightening of the immigration agenda.

Jus soli or jus sanguinis?

Jus soli means that people born on a country's territory, regardless of the nationality of their parents, can acquire its citizenship. Jus sanguinis, on the other hand, refers to the transfer of citizenship by blood, regardless of the place of birth.

The jus soli principle was part of English common law, whereas jus sanguinis stems from Roman law. Historically, “right of soil” was applied in multi-ethnic states and immigrant countries (USA, Canada, France), whereas “right of blood” was used in the mono-national countries of continental Europe (Germany). Nowadays, most countries in the world apply both principles to a greater or lesser extent, but usually, one of them prevails depending on immigration policies.

Many countries have specific laws on nationality. Yet in France, provisions on nationality are included in the French Civil Code (FCC), Title 1, French Nationality, Articles 17-33-2. The Code is amended and supplemented from time to time on the basis of adopted laws. 

The Pasqua Act of 1993 sought to limit access to French nationality and strengthened the jus sanguinis principle. Thus, children born in France to foreign parents had to apply for French nationality when they came of age instead of receiving it automatically.

The 1998 Act of Guigou abrogated the requirement of “manifestation of will”. However, children born in France to foreign parents are still foreigners until the age of 18 (rarely 13–17). However, they are required to prove that they have been residents in the country for 5 years.

However, if at least one parent is French, the child automatically acquires French nationality regardless of the country of birth – this is how the principle of jus sanguinis or “right of blood” takes effect.

Symbolically, soldiers of the Foreign Legion, who by definition have foreign nationality, can become French by the blood they have shed when wounded in battle.

At the same time, the old legal principle of double jus soli is still in force in France: a child born in the country is considered French if at least one of his parents was also born in France, even if he did not obtain citizenship.

Naturalisation: how to become French

An adult applicant for a French passport usually undergoes a naturalisation procedure. Being neither by blood nor born in French territory, he or she first has to earn the right to obtain French nationality. This requires permanent residence in France for 5 years.

The minimum residence period may be reduced to 2 years for foreigners who have successfully completed two years of higher education in a French university or for special merits in science, sports or culture. However, in the case of marriage to a French national, the spouse has to apply for citizenship after 4 years of residence in France or after 5 years of residence abroad.

An important condition for naturalisation is that the foreigner must prove their integration into French society. In order to do this, many criteria have to be fulfilled.

How to prove integration:

• must have legally resided in France for at least five years under a residence permit or permanent residence permit;
• must pass a French language examination with a minimum proficiency level of B2;
• must work legally in France and/or study at a French school or university in the French language;
• must pass an examination in French history, culture and society;
• must recognise the fundamental principles and values of the Republic;
• must comply with French law and have no criminal record resulting in a sentence of more than six months’ imprisonment;
• must ensure that the applicant’s spouse and minor children (if any) reside with them in France;
• must have no outstanding tax or fee liabilities;
• must demonstrate financial self-sufficiency: stable employment for at least five years, income not lower than the SMICadjusted for family circumstances, preferably under a CDI for at least one year or continuous CDD contracts over a two-year period.

The immigrant signs a charter of the rights and duties of a French citizen. This charter, approved by a decree of the Council of State, recalls the basic principles, values and symbols of the French Republic.

Applicants for a French passport submit an application to the prefecture at their place of residence. Processing of an application for French nationality by naturalisation takes no more than 18 months upon submission of all the documents.

Refusal of nationality is always justified. The main reasons for refusing French nationality are insufficient French language skills and lack of integration into French society.

Code de l'indigénat

Indigénat is a legal term that describes the civil status, namely the citizenship (nationality) of a country. As a rule, civil servants of different countries, may only hold the indigénat of their own country, i.e. they are not allowed to acquire a second citizenship.

Rights and duties of a French citizen

Under French law, French citizens are equal, regardless of their origin, ethnicity, race or religion. An immigrant who receives a French passport has the same rights as native-born locals.

A French citizen obtains the following rights:

• to reside and work in France; 
• to travel, live and work freely in the European Union and Schengen area;
• to visit 188 countries of the world without a visa or with a visa on arrival;
• to have second citizenship; 
• to reunite with your family: your spouse, children and parents can obtain a residence permit and eventually citizenship;
• to make use of all social assistance and support provided to the French: health care, education in public schools and universities, social benefits and allowances, legal aid;
• to participate in political activities: to elect and be elected.

As for the duties, they include complying with French law, paying taxes and levies, and defending the country in the event of hostilities.

How to apply for French nationality