French citizenship by marriage: conditions, steps and timeline
Updated 19 October 2026
Marrying a French citizen does not make you French automatically. You make a declaration of nationality by marriage, a different procedure from naturalisation by decree.
Main conditions
- Your spouse was French on the day of the marriage and still is.
- You have been married for at least 4 years, or 5 years in some cases of life abroad.
- A continuous shared life, emotional and material, since the marriage.
- A marriage abroad must be transcribed into the French civil registry.
- Sufficient French, and no disqualifying convictions.
Steps
- Filing with the nationality platform for where you live (in person or by registered post depending on the platform), or at the consulate if you live abroad. Stamp duty: €255.
- Interview of both spouses; the receipt is handed over at the end.
- Review and checks; documents may be requested.
- Registration of the declaration, or transfer to the ministry with a reasoned opinion within six months.
Timeline
- The ministry has one year from the receipt to refuse registration, two years if an opposition procedure is started.
- If registered, your nationality takes effect on the date you signed the declaration, not the date of the reply. Keep the registered copy: it proves your nationality.
Declarations by marriage are handled by the same platforms as naturalisations: find yours on the naturalisation map.
If refused
A refusal of registration can be challenged before the judicial court within six months, with a lawyer. A government opposition is challenged before the Conseil d’État within two months, also with a lawyer.
Share my dates (choose “Declaration by marriage”).
Sources
This guide is for information only and does not replace official texts or legal advice. Check your situation on service-public.gouv.fr or with your prefecture.
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