Minimum cost
$275
application fee
Timeline
4 years
residency required
Visa-free access
185
passport rank #4
Dual citizenship
Allowed
Path to citizenship
- Residency4 years · any
- Apply180-545 days
- Citizenshipafter the oath
Overview
- Country
- France
- Program
- France Citizenship by Marriage
- Local name
- Déclaration de Nationalité Française par Mariage
- Type
- Marriage Fast-Track
- Status
- Active
- Residency required
- 4 years
- Processing time
- 180-545 days
- Dual citizenship
- Allowed
- Visa-free countries
- 185 destinations
- Passport rank
- #4 (Henley Index)
Citizenship through declaration after 4 years of marriage to a French citizen. As of January 1, 2026, the required French language level has been raised from B1 to B2 (oral and written), affecting all applications. A new civic exam covering French history, culture, and values is also required from January 2026. Application fee increasing from EUR 55 to EUR 255 effective May 1, 2026.
Fees and costs
- Application fee
- $275
Eligibility and requirements
- Minimum age 18+
- Police clearance required
- Medical exam not required
- Interview required
- Language B2 (TCF, DELF B2, or TEF)
- Language exemptions Disability, chronic illness (medical certificate required)
- Civics test French Civic Values Exam (effective January 2026)
- Oath required
Residency requirements
- Residency required
- 4 years
- Residency type
- Any
- Cohabitation
- Must live with spouse
Passport and mobility
- Passport rank
- #4 (Henley Index)
- Visa-free access
- 185 countries
- Passport validity
- 10 years
- EU citizenship
- Yes
- Schengen access
- Yes
- US E-2 treaty
- Yes — eligible for US investor visa
Physical presence
- Must visit country
- Yes
How to apply
- Method
- Both
- Apply from abroad
- Yes
- Application type
- Open
- Official website
- www.service-public.fr
- Legal basis
- Code Civil Art. 21-2; Loi du 15 juillet 2025 (B2 language requirement)
Notes and caveats
B2 language requirement effective January 1, 2026 (raised from B1). Civic exam also required from January 2026. Application fee increasing from EUR 55 to EUR 255 on May 1, 2026. 4 years of marriage required at date of declaration. DELF B2 offers permanent validity. Oath ceremony at prefecture or town hall.