French citizenship by naturalization
A country with rich cultural heritage, a developed economy and a high standard of living. Its central position in Europe opens up excellent opportunities for travel and business.
France is a country with rich cultural heritage, a developed economy and a high standard of living. Thanks to its central position in Europe, it offers excellent opportunities for travel and business.
Legal grounds for citizenship
There are three ways to obtain French citizenship:
- Naturalization. Foreigners over 18 can apply after at least 5 years of legal residence in France. You have to show integration into society: knowledge of the language and an understanding of republican values.
- Marriage to a French citizen. Spouses of French citizens can apply after 4 years of marriage and living together, provided the marriage is registered in France.
- Birth in France. Children born in France to foreign parents automatically receive French citizenship at the age of 18 if they have lived in the country continuously for at least 5 years from the age of 11.
The exact route and timeline depend on your situation. On a free consultation we check your documents and tell you straight which option fits.
Neighbouring Monaco is stricter: Monaco citizenship comes only after 10 years of living in the principality, with the previous passport given up and a personal decision by the Prince.
We will work out online when you can apply and what fees and documents will cost for your family.
Routes to a French residence permit
To live in France legally you need a residence permit. The main categories are:
- Passeport Talent. For people who can make a significant contribution to the French economy or culture. Issued for up to 4 years and renewable.
- Visiteur. For financially independent people with no plans to work in France - you need to confirm stable income, housing and health insurance.
- Studies. For students enrolled at accredited French educational institutions.
- Employment. The employer has to confirm that there are no suitable candidates for the position among French or European Union citizens.
- Family reunification. For spouses and minor children of people legally residing in France.
- Marriage or PACS with a French citizen. You have to prove that the relationship is genuine and long-standing.
- Service in the French Foreign Legion. Under certain conditions it gives the right to a residence permit and citizenship.
What changed in 2026
| Item | Before 2026 | From 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| French language | B1 oral | B2 oral and written, from 1 January 2026 |
| Civic test | integration interview | mandatory exam: 40 questions, 80% correct needed |
| Naturalisation fee | €55 | €255, ~$287, for applications from 1 May 2026 |
Applications filed before 1 May 2026 pay the old fee. Dollar amounts at the market rate of 20 October 2026, 1.1229 dollars per euro, rounded up.
What changed
- Higher language bar and a new civics exam. Before: French at B1 level. Now: B2 in speaking and writing plus a 40-question civics test. Official source
What it costs, item by item
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Naturalisation fee | €255, ~$287 |
| Civic exam | ~€70, ~$80 |
| B2 language test | from €150, ~$169 |
| Sworn translation | from €30 per page |
| Our support | fixed price after a free consultation |
In total an adult usually spends €600-800, excluding our support.
Reduced periods
| Situation | Residence in France |
|---|---|
| Standard naturalisation | 5 years |
| Two successful years of higher education in France | 2 years |
| Exceptional contribution to France, such as scientific, sporting or cultural | may be reduced |
| Spouse of a French citizen | 4 years of marriage, separate declaration procedure |
For spouses, naturalisation by declaration is a right, not a discretionary decision, if the conditions are met. B2 and the civic exam apply to them too.
Documents and where to get them
- passport and residence permit;
- birth certificate with sworn translation;
- marriage and children's birth certificates;
- B2 language certificate or a French diploma;
- civic exam result;
- tax notices for recent years and proof of income: employment contract, payslips, business accounts;
- police clearance from your country of citizenship;
- proof of housing.
Steps and timeline
- Language and exam, 3-12 months. B2 certificate and civic exam.
- Online filing on the migration service portal, fee payment.
- Prefecture interview on integration and republican values.
- Checks by police and tax authorities.
- Decision by decree published in the official journal.
- Ceremony and citizen documents.
From filing to decree usually takes 15-30 months.
How to get approved the first time
- no B2 certificate for both speaking and writing, or the civic exam failed;
- unstable income or reliance on benefits;
- tax debts;
- a criminal record or migration breaches;
- centre of interests not in France, for example family living abroad.
Dual citizenship
France allows dual citizenship, so you keep your current passport. Russian citizens must notify the Interior Ministry of a second citizenship within 60 days.
Taxes
You become a French tax resident with your main home in France, work there or more than 183 days a year. Income tax runs 0-45%, and capital income is taxed at 31.4%. More on the France taxes page.
Comparison with neighbours
| Country | Time before applying | Language | Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| France | 5 years | B2 and exam | €255 |
| Germany | 5 years | B1 and test | €255 |
| Belgium | 5 years | A2 | tariff |
| Netherlands | 5 years | integration exam | €1,139 |
| Luxembourg | 5 years | Luxembourgish | free |
France is now stricter than its neighbours on language: B2 oral and written is the highest bar in the region.
What we do
We choose the residence permit, check when you become eligible, prepare you for the language test and civic exam, collect and translate documents, file the application and prepare you for the prefecture interview. We fix our fee in writing after a free consultation.
Advantages of a French passport
Freedom of travel
Visa-free entry or a visa on arrival in 189 countries and territories, including most of Europe, the USA, Canada and Japan.
Living and working in the European Union
The right to live and work freely in any European Union country.
Access to the social system
Full social benefits, including healthcare and education.
Dual citizenship
France allows dual citizenship - you do not have to give up your original passport.
How to get French citizenship: step by step
Preliminary check
A Murblz immigration expert runs a free consultation to select the best option. If there are potential complications, a Murblz specialist proposes a solution or another program.
Preparing documents
You collect the document package (depending on the program you choose) in your country of residence, either alone or with help from Murblz.
Getting residence in France
You move to France and obtain resident status.
Living in France
Living in the country for at least 5 years, following local laws and taking part in the life of the community.
French citizenship
Preparing the documents (passport, proof of address, birth certificate, language certificate), filing the application through the ANEF portal, the interview and waiting for a decision.
FAQ
How many years must I live in France before applying for citizenship?
Can I keep my previous citizenship when I get the French one?
What level of French do I need?
What documents do I need to apply?
Can I apply for citizenship online?
How much does naturalisation cost in 2026?
What is the civic exam?
How long does a decision take?
Can I apply after 2 years?
How does a spouse of a French citizen get citizenship?
Where can I take a B2 French test?
Must I live in France the whole time before applying?
189 countries visa-free with a French passport
Europe
Asia
Americas
Africa and Oceania
Services
Murblz services in France
A passport or residence permit opens the door, but life behind it is awkward without a bank account and a roof over your head. Murblz specialists help with the account, property and company in the same country. The quote is fixed in writing before work starts.
See also
Related programs and destinations
All programs - France:
Similar destinations:
The same program in other countries:
How to send money to France in 2026 →
We can help with the transfer: ask in the chat.
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Read →France's Talent visa (Passeport Talent): how to get it in 2026
Read →Surprising facts about France you probably didn't know
Read →Ready to apply for French citizenship?
We check your residence period, language level and integration against French naturalisation rules, compile the file and prepare you for the interview. The catalogue covers citizenship worldwide.
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