Obtaining a French passport

France is a popular country for foreigners wishing to become EU citizenship holders while keeping their current passport. The French Republic is known for its high standard of living, as evidenced by its 7th place in the world in terms of GDP. French passport holders have the right to live, work, study and do business throughout the territory of the European Union. In addition, immigrants from outside the EU are attracted by the possibility to travel visa-free to more than 160 countries.

According to the Civil Code, obtaining a French passport is possible in two ways - through declaration (by birth, adoption, marriage) or by naturalization on condition of residence on the territory of the state for 5 or more years. The country offers various grounds for immigration - among them investment, work, family reunification, entrepreneurial activity. Let's consider what steps should be taken to obtain a French passport and whether there are opportunities to accelerate the process of acquiring permanent status in the European Union.

Advantages of French citizenship  

French passport holders have access to all the benefits and rights granted to citizens of the European Union. In particular, you can vote, participate in municipal and parliamentary elections, receive consular assistance when traveling around the world. Also, among the main advantages that French citizenship gives are the folowing:

1. access to subsidies, social services and benefits, including unemployment benefits;
2. the possibility to inherit the status and in the future to formalize it for immediate relatives (spouses, children, parents) who have received residence permits within the framework of the family reunification procedure;
3. travel to more than 160 visa-free countries;
4. the right to work and do business in any of the EU countries;
5. the opportunity to engage in business activities in a favorable business environment supported by the state;
6. receipt of quality medical care (the country ranks 6th in the Numbeo World Health Index);
7. priority access to higher education throughout the European Union, compared to residents of non-member states;
8. the opportunity to use the services of reliable banks, including low-rate mortgages (France ranks 7th in the world in the housing lending ranking);
9. the opportunity to hold public office.

The main disadvantage is the length of the naturalization procedure on the way to French citizenship.

To get access to all the privileges in the shortest possible time, it is worth taking advantage of simplified programs. With the help of lawyers, you will be able to get an EU passport in 4-14 months, allowing you to live in France. You can find out more about alternative ways of obtaining European citizenship at a free consultation.

Main ways of obtaining a French passport

All the details of obtaining a French passport are governed by the Nationality Act. The most common way is naturalization. However, this procedure implies living in the republic for a long period of time. By naturalization, you can become a French citizen if you meet the residency requirement, that is, if you have been in the country for at least 5 years (with some exceptions). Below are the most popular grounds for immigration to France with the prospect of obtaining its passport.

Marriage  

French spouses who have been married for at least 4 years can apply for citizenship if they have lived in the country for 3 years or more. Otherwise, the status can be claimed if the duration of the union is from 5 years. Among other conditions - confirmation of continuous cohabitation, knowledge of French at the level of B1, the presence of residence permit, the absence of a criminal record. The spouses must also be interviewed by the prefecture. The initial visa, similar to the residence permit, is issued only on the basis of a marriage certificate without meeting the other conditions.

Family reunification  

Foreigners with family ties in France can obtain a residence permit for one year. The document is issued on the basis of an up-to-date immigration authorization of a relative living in the country for at least 18 months prior to the request. Also, the receiving party (sponsor) must have suitable housing, sufficient and stable income, the amount of which varies depending on the composition of the family (minimum 1800 EUR per month). On the basis of the primary residence permit it is possible to apply for a multi-year permit valid for up to 4 years depending on the validity of the sponsor's permit.

Employment

Before your arrival in the country, your French employer must request an employment authorization for which a VLS-TS visa is issued. The condition for the issuance of a VLS-TS is the existence of an employment contract of at least 12 months with a guaranteed salary. After moving to France, it is necessary to confirm the residence permit by means of an online request and undergo a mandatory medical examination. The residence permit can be extended within the term of the employment contract. After 5 years, you have the option to apply for permanent residence or citizenship.

Entrepreneurship or self-employment

In order to obtain a residence permit for business or freelancing, you must first register your activity as a main activity on the portal “Single Window” (Guichet Unique) and confirm that it is economically profitable. Also, the applicant must have sufficient funds for self-support, present documents according to the reason (office lease agreement, business plan, projected budget and others). The residence permit is valid for up to 12 months, after which it is possible to apply for a multi-year residence card for 4 years, further - to apply for permanent residence or citizenship.

EU Blue Card (talent passport)

Highly qualified workers who have concluded an employment contract with a French employer for at least one year can apply for a “talent passport”. The applicant must receive a salary of 2700 EUR or more per month in 2025 and have a health insurance policy. It is also necessary to prove qualifications or relevant experience. The permit is issued for 4 years with the possibility of renewal. EU Blue Card holders who have lived for 5 years in any of the association countries, including 2 years in France, can immediately apply for long-term residence valid for 10 years.

Education  

Foreigners wishing to receive education in France can apply for a residence permit with a validity period from 4 months to a year. Among the requirements is enrollment in an educational institution. Students are subject to the condition of availability of funds (from 615 EUR per month), except for those who enrolled in a university that has concluded a contract with the state. The request for a residence permit is submitted online and confirmed after entering the country. Based on the initial authorization, you can obtain a multi-year card valid for up to 4 years, but no longer than the period of study. You can apply for citizenship by changing the basis of stay.

Job search

After completing your studies in France, you can obtain a non-renewable residence permit, which allows you to stay in the country for a year for employment or to set up your own business. The request is submitted to the prefecture together with your diploma. If you have concluded a work contract guaranteeing a salary of 2 703 EUR per month or registered a business, you can apply for a new residence permit, which opens the way to permanent residence and citizenship after 5 years. To obtain a “talent passport” the remuneration must be at least 42,406 EUR per year.

Financial independence  

“Guest” residence permit is available to foreigners who want to live in France and do not plan to work. The card is issued for one year with the right to renew. The main condition for issuing a residence permit is the availability of own funds in the amount of 1 426 EUR per month (17 112 EUR per year). It is also necessary to present an insurance policy and proof of address in France. The application is submitted online no later than 2 months before the expiration of the visa or other authorization to enter the country.

Investments

“Passport Talent Investisseur économique” (The talent passport of economy investor) is a special residence permit that allows you to apply for French citizenship in the future. The main conditions for obtaining a residence permit are investments in the economy of the country in the amount of 300 000 EUR or more. The investment can be made personally, through an investment company or through a company in which the applicant has 30% of shares. Also, the investor is obliged to create or maintain jobs within 4 years after the financial investment in the economy of the state.

The visa application labeled “talent passport” is submitted online. Spouses and minor children of investors can also move to France under the family reunification program. After arrival in the Republic, it is necessary to confirm the residence permit at the prefecture. You can check the status of the case and learn about the decision of the authorities through your personal account on the government website France-visas.gouv.fr.

The residence permit is granted for 4 years with the possibility of renewal, if the conditions of its issuance are still relevant. After 5 years of continuous residence in the country, you can apply for a renewable permanent resident card for 10 years or citizenship.

Requirements and procedure for obtaining a French passport

The conditions for applicants for French citizenship may be different depending on the basis of immigration. For example, having lived in the country for less than 10 years, it is necessary to present the original extract on the absence of a criminal record issued by a foreign country. To apply for citizenship by naturalization, you will need the following documents:

1. identification card;
2. excise stamp (55 EUR);
3. marriage certificate (if applicable);
4. a current residence permit;
5. lease agreement or real estate ownership certificate, other information about residence in France;
6. certificate or diploma of French language proficiency at least at B1 level;
7. birth certificates of minor children.

Each document in a foreign language must be translated and some must be legalized or apostilled. Depending on the individual situation, additional information may be required, such as income and tax payments for the last 3 years. The procedure for obtaining citizenship through naturalization consists of the following steps:

1. Visa request. For stays of more than 3 months in France, those coming from outside the EU need to obtain a long-term visa D (VLS-TS). The application is submitted online with the payment of a fee (the cost depends on the country where the consulate is located). Among the documents you will need a passport and 2 photos. It is also necessary to show proof of the basis for the move (labor contract, civil status certificates and others), to register biometric data. Children under 12 years of age are exempt from fingerprinting. The validity of a visa equivalent to a residence permit is up to one year.
2. Obtaining a residence permit. After arrival in France on the basis of VLS-TS authorization it is necessary to confirm a temporary residence permit within 2-3 months (depending on the basis). The request is submitted online on the government portal ANEF (Administration Numérique pour les Etrangers en France) with the payment of a fee (225 EUR), in some cases it is necessary to go to the prefecture in person. The primary residence permit is valid for up to one year.
3. Renewal of your residence permit. Two months before your residence permit expires, you can apply for a multi-year residence card (carte de séjour pluriannuelle générale). The permit is issued under the same conditions as the primary residence permit, as long as the grounds for immigration remain valid. A fee (225 EUR) is payable upon receipt of the card. The validity of a multi-year card is 4 years. The permit can be renewed with the submission of documents corresponding to the stated reason of stay (work, business, etc.).
4. Registration of permanent residence (optional). After 5 years of stay in the country, it is possible to obtain an EU permanent resident card with payment of fees (450 EUR). To obtain the status it is necessary to have an up-to-date residence permit, health insurance policy, as well as not to leave France for longer than six months in a row. In addition, the applicant must know the national language at a level from A2 and demonstrate a regular income of at least 1800 EUR per month. The application is submitted online on the ANEF portal or at the prefecture. The card is valid indefinitely, but the document must be renewed every 10 years.
5. Acquisition of citizenship. After 5 years of residence in France, you can apply for citizenship by naturalization, having demonstrated knowledge of the language, history, culture and society, and passed an interview. Other conditions include having a stable and sufficient income and no criminal record. The request is submitted online or in person at the prefecture with the payment of a fee (55 EUR). You can check the status of the case in your personal account on the website of the General Directorate for Foreigners. The acceptance of the application is evidenced by the published naturalization decree. The decision on the granting of citizenship is also sent by e-mail.
6. Applying for a national passport. After citizenship is granted, you can apply for an EU passport by applying online and paying the fee (86 EUR). From the documents you will need an ID card, a photo, which should be taken not earlier than 6 months before the application, proof of residence address in the country (rent receipt, payment of utility bills). You can check the status of your French passport application on the website of the National Agency for the Protection of Property Rights (ANTS, Agence nationale des titres sécurisés).

Acquisition of citizenship through naturalization lasts at least 5 years and requires strict compliance with migration procedures and timely submission of documents. Since the passport of any EU country allows you to live in France, you can use an alternative immigration option. Migration specialists can suggest the best way to acquire European citizenship and will take care of most tasks, including the correct dossier and scheduling visits to the competent authorities. Find out more during a free consultation.

How much time and money it takes to obtain a French passport

The cost of French citizenship directly depends on the basis you have chosen, because the more time it takes to acquire permanent status, the higher the financial costs. In particular, it is necessary to take into account the costs of living in the country, rent or purchase of housing. Monthly expenses in France are about 950 EUR for one person, and for a family of four - 3365 EUR. Renting a one-room apartment will cost at least 600 EUR, and three-room apartments - from 1120 EUR.

In addition to administrative costs for registration of residence permit, permanent residence permit, national passport, the costs for translation and apostilization of documents (from 10 EUR per page) are additionally taken into account. In almost all cases it is necessary to pass a language test, the cost of passing which will be from 130 to 215 EUR. Below we will consider the amount of administrative costs and terms of French passport issuance depending on the method:

1. Marriage: The minimum residency requirement is 3 years, with administrative costs of 590 EUR.
2. Naturalization: Requires at least 5 years of residency, with administrative costs of 1140 EUR.
3. Investment: Also requires 5 years of residency, with administrative costs of 300,690 EUR.

It should be noted that the mentioned amounts do not take into account the associated costs of moving, accommodation, rent, services of notaries and translators, passing the language test.

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What doesn't work: how you can't get a French passport

France is popular with those who want a strong EU passport. More than 7 million foreigners live in the country, which is 10.7% of the total population. About 35% of immigrants obtain French citizenship mainly through naturalization.

In your quest to become a European passport holder, you may encounter misconceptions about possible ways to succeed that do not work and are often illegal. Such myths arise due to incomplete or irrelevant information, promises of unfair intermediaries. Below are the most common misconceptions about the possibilities of obtaining French citizenship:

1. Automatic right to acquire a passport through the birth of a child in the territory of the state. The principle of “right of soil” does not apply in the country. Citizenship is automatically granted only to children whose father and/or mother are French. A child born on the territory of the State to foreign parents may only be eligible for a passport under certain conditions. The requirements differ depending on the age. At the same time, children of foreigners must have lived in the country for at least 5 years before applying for French citizenship.
2. Conclusion of a fake marriage with a French citizen. A union with a French citizen does not allow you to obtain a European passport instantly. It is possible to submit a request only on condition of cohabitation for at least 4 years. Also, the authorities carefully check the authenticity and sincerity of the relationship, considering each case individually. In particular, it is necessary to show proof of cohabitation (rental agreement, utility receipts, receipts of joint purchases and others), to know French at B1 level.
3. Buying real estate or investing is a direct route to a passport. Buying a business, apartment or other assets in France only allows you to obtain a residence permit. You become eligible for citizenship on condition of continuous residence in the country for at least 5 years. This myth is common due to confusion with other non-EU countries that offer to buy citizenship for investment. This practice is not found in the EU, even in Malta the simplified passport program was closed in 2022.

Attempting to use illegal methods to obtain a French passport is punishable by administrative or criminal penalties. Providing false certificates, entering into a sham marriage and other offenses can lead to fines and deportation. In addition, an offender who has committed an offense, such as using forged documents, faces an entry ban (IRTF and OQTF) to France and other Schengen countries.

Obtaining European citizenship is only possible if the established migration procedures and deadlines are strictly adhered to. Our international lawyers are well versed in the intricacies of the law and will help you to obtain a European passport legally. You can find out all the details and get an individual solution for immigration during a free consultation.

Dual citizenship in France: whether it is allowed to hold more than one passport

French law allows for multiple citizenship. When you acquire a passport of an EU country by naturalization or declaration, you are not required to renounce your original status. Other states, including EU member states, may set their own rules. For example, Austria and Germany restrict the ability to obtain and use multiple passports.

It is worth considering the differences between dual and second citizenship. From a legal point of view, these concepts are not identical. Dual citizenship is allowed if there is an agreement between states that mutually recognizes the obligations and rights of bipatrides (persons with dual citizenship). Unlike second passport holders, they can enjoy diplomatic protection of both states, choose their place of military service and tax residency.

Where to get a second passport faster and easier: review of alternatives

According to the reviews of foreigners who have obtained a second passport, the easiest option for immigration to the EU is repatriation - moving on the basis of ethnic or territorial affiliation. Unlike naturalization, the simplified programs of Romania, Slovenia, Bulgaria give the opportunity to obtain citizenship in 4-14 months.

To become a European passport holder, you should seek professional assistance. Specialists will help you with the choice of grounds for immigration, as well as make sure that your dossier is complete and complies with all legal requirements. Legal support at every stage is a guarantee that you will successfully obtain European citizenship in the shortest possible time.