🏆 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 & COSTS
Application Fee
$275
📋 ELIGIBILITY & REQUIREMENTS
Min 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 & 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 & 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.
🔗 ALSO IN FRANCE
- Profession Liberale Visa (digital nomad visa)
- France French Tech Visa (startup)
- France Visitor Visa (Retirement) (retirement)
🧭 CONTINUE EXPLORING FRANCE CITIZENSHIP BY MARRIAGE