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French nationality of a child born in France to foreigners parents
Verified 12 June 2024 - Directorate for Legal and Administrative Information (Prime Minister)
Are you foreigner parents of a child born in France? If you live in France, your child can obtain French nationality. We tell you the conditions to fulfill and how to apply according to your child's age.
What applies to you ?
Minor aged 13 to 15 inclusive
Step-by-step approach
If you are foreigner and reside in France, you can request the french nationality for your child.
Your child must meet the following conditions:
- Have 13 or 14 or 15
- Be born in France
- Usually Reside in France since age 8 years
- Reside in France the day of declaration
Your child must indicate if he or she is agreed to have french nationality unless he is guardianship or if a disability prevents him from expressing his will.
Specific rules apply to Mayotte.
Please note
if one of the two parents is foreigners but was born in France, the child born in France is French by birth. Moreover, a child is French if at least one of his 2 parents is French.
Documents to be provided
The documents to be provided are as follows:
- Application for French nationality on free paper
The application must state the surnames, forenames, date and place of birth of the minor and his or her legal representative (or its legal representatives).
The graft draw up the declaration of nationality, in two copies, that the legal representative of the minor must date and sign (or his legal representatives). - Birth certificate
- Identity document (passport or residence permit)
- Recent photo ID
- Residence permit for foreigner parents or official foreigner identity document
- All documents proving that the minor resides in France on the date of the declaration
- All documents proving that the minor has had his habitual residence in France for a continuous or discontinuous period of at least 5 years since the age of 8 years
- Any documents proving that his legal representative(s) exercise(s) over him parental authority and their official identity document
- If necessary, birth certificates of the foreigner children of the minor who reside with him habitually or alternately in the case of separation or divorce and any documents justifying such residence. If necessary, documents proving the parentage children (civil status documents or court order).
- If necessary, a medical certificate issued by an approved medical specialist certifying that the minor's mental or bodily faculties prevent him from expressing his will
- If you are a national of a non-EU country European (EU) and that you went into the Schengen area from a state not forming part of this area for a period of less than 3 months during the 5 years preceding the filing of your application, provide your passport or any equivalent document (for example a Schengen visa), and those of your minor children who could become French by their majority
Please note
Depending on your situation, the instructor department may ask you for additional documents and gives you a time limit to provide them. One receipt is addressed to you when your file is complete.
Instructions on the documents to be provided
Civil status record
One civil status document must be supplied in full and in original in the language of the country of origin.
A French civil status certificate must have been issued less than 3 months ago.
A copy of a foreigner civil status document must be accompanied, if necessary, by a copy of the decision in execution of which it has been drawn up, rectified or amended.
Copy or original of a document
You can provide copies of the requested documents except for civil status records.
However, you should be able to present the originals of the documents if necessary.
A copy of a foreigner act shall be accompanied, if necessary, by a copy of the decision in implementation of which it has been drawn up, rectified or amended.
Translation
You must attach a translation of each document written in a foreign language.
You must provide the original translation.
The translation must be done by a translator on the list of experts approved by the courts of appeal.
However, translation is not required for a multilingual birth certificate extract one of whose languages is French.
In addition, to avoid having to translate some documents issued by a the European Union, one multilingual form can be attached. See the e-justice site for more information.
Legalization or Apostille
Certain documents established abroad must be legalized or apostilles to be accepted in France.
Inquire at the embassy or consulate of the country concerned.
Who shall I contact
You must contact the court judicial or proximity to your domicile.
You can put down your file or mail it.
Who shall I contact
You are invited to an interview with your child to indicate if he is agreed to have french nationality.
If there is no response within 6 months depending on the date of the receipt, this means that the declaration of french nationality is recorded (accepted).
The declaration of French nationality takes effect on the date of subscription .
A copy of the declaration shall be sent to the declarant together with the mention of registration.
The public prosecutor's office may contest the registration of the declaration of nationality within a period of 2 years if the conditions are not met.
He or she may also contest the declaration of nationality in the event of falsehood or fraud within the 2 years from their discovery.
The court of justice will notify its decision reasoned Refusal.
You can appeal within 6 months from the date of notification.
The notification shall indicate how to appeal.
The lawyer is obligatory. He's the one takes care of the gait.
Minor aged 16 to 17 inclusive
Step-by-step approach
If you were born in France to foreigners parents, you can apply for French nationality by declaration from the age of 16.
You must complete the conditions following:
- Have 16 or 17 years
- Be born in France
- Having had your habitual residence in France for a period of time continuous or discontinuous at least 5 years since age 11
- Reside in France the day of declaration
Specific rules apply to Mayotte.
Please note
if one of your parents is a foreigner but was born in France and you were born in France, you are native French. Besides, you are French if at least one of your 2 parents is French.
The minor himself makes the application for French nationality.
However, its legal representative make the move if he is guardianship or if a disability prevents him from expressing his will.
Documents to be provided
The documents to be provided are as follows:
- Application for French nationality on free paper.
Your application must include your name, first name, date and place of birth.
The graft draw up the declaration of French nationality, 2 copies, which you must sign. - Birth certificate
- Identity document (passport or residence permit)
- Recent photo ID
- Residence permit for foreigner parents or official foreigner identity document
- All documents proving that you are resident in France on the date of your declaration
- All documents proving that you have had your habitual residence in France for a continuous or discontinuous period of at least 5 years since the age of 11
- If necessary, birth certificates of your foreigner children who reside with you habitually or alternatively in the case of separation or divorce and any documents justifying such residence. If necessary, documents proving the parentage children (civil status documents or court order).
- If necessary, a medical certificate issued by an approved medical specialist certifying that the mental or physical faculties of the young person prevent him from expressing his will.
- If you are a national of a non-EU country European (EU) and that you went into the Schengen area from a State that is not part of this area for a period of less than 3 months during the 5 years preceding the submission of your application, provide your passport or any equivalent document (for example a Schengen visa), and those of your minor children who could become French by their majority
Please note
Depending on your situation, the instructor department may ask you for additional documents and gives you a time limit to provide them. One receipt is addressed to you when your file is complete.
Instructions on the documents to be provided
Civil status record
One civil status document must be supplied in full and in original in the language of the country of origin.
A French civil status certificate must have been issued less than 3 months ago.
A copy of a foreigner civil status document must be accompanied, if necessary, by a copy of the decision in execution of which it has been drawn up, rectified or amended.
Copy or original of a document
You can provide copies of the requested documents except for civil status records.
However, you should be able to present the originals of the documents if necessary.
A copy of a foreigner act shall be accompanied, if necessary, by a copy of the decision in implementation of which it has been drawn up, rectified or amended.
Translation
You must attach a translation of each document written in a foreign language.
You must provide the original translation.
The translation must be done by a translator on the list of experts approved by the courts of appeal.
However, translation is not required for a multilingual birth certificate extract one of whose languages is French.
In addition, to avoid having to translate some documents issued by a the European Union, one multilingual form can be attached. See the e-justice site for more information.
Legalization or Apostille
Certain documents established abroad must be legalized or apostilles to be accepted in France.
Inquire at the embassy or consulate of the country concerned.
Who shall I contact
You must contact the court judicial or proximity to your domicile.
You can put down your file or mail it.
Who shall I contact
If there is no response within 6 months depending on the date of the receipt, this means that the declaration of french nationality is recorded (accepted).
The declaration of French nationality takes effect to the date of its subscription.
A copy of the declaration shall be sent to the declarant together with the mention of registration.
The public prosecutor's office may contest the registration of the declaration of nationality within a period of 2 years if the conditions are not met.
He or she may also contest the declaration of nationality in the event of falsehood or fraud within the 2 years from their discovery.
The court of justice will notify its decision reasoned Refusal.
You can appeal within 6 months from the date of notification.
The notification shall indicate how to appeal.
The lawyer is obligatory. He's the one takes care of the gait.
At 18
Step-by-step approach
If you are born in France of foreigner parents, you get the French nationality at age 18.
You must complete the 3 conditions following:
- Reside in France at age 18
- Having had your habitual residence in France during a continuous or discontinuous period of 5 years or more since the age of 11
- Your foreigner parents are not diplomatic agents or career consuls
If you do not meet these conditions, check if you can to become French by another procedure.
Specific rules apply to Mayotte.
If you engage in the French army, you obtain French nationality at the date of your incorporation.
Please note
if one of your parents is a foreigner but was born in France and you were born in France, you are native French. Besides, you are French if at least one of your 2 parents is French.
You have no no steps to take to acquire French nationality.
This acquisition is automatic.
However, to obtain an identity card or passport, you must prove your french nationality.
So you have to ask from your 18th birthday one certificate of french nationality.
Once obtained, keep your certificate of french nationality because it is authentic until proven otherwise.
1. Check the conditions to be fulfilled to refuse French nationality
You must meet the following conditions:
- Being born in France to foreigner parents
- Be between 17 and a half and 19 years old
- Fulfilling the conditions for becoming French
- Have another nationality
- Not being engaged in the French army
2. Make the declaration of refusal of French nationality
You have to make a declaration between 17 and a half and 19 years.
The declaration shall be made on free paper.
FYI
the legal representative of the minor makes the step if he is guardianship or if a disability prevents him from expressing his will.
3. Attach supporting documents to your return
Attach the following documents to your return:
- Full copy of your birth certificate
- ID
- Recent photo ID
- Certificate issued by the authorities of the country of which you claim to be a citizen, proving that you have, by filiation, the nationality of that country
- All documents from the National Service's offices proving that you have not contracted a commitment in the French armies
- If necessary, a medical certificate issued by an approved medical specialist stating that your mental or physical faculties prevent you from expressing your will.
- If you are a national of a non-EU country European (EU) and that you went into the Schengen area from a State that is not part of this area for a period of less than 3 months during the 5 years preceding the submission of your application, provide your passport or any equivalent document (for example a Schengen visa), and those of your minor children who could become French by their majority
Please note
Depending on your situation, the instructor department may ask you for additional documents and gives you a time limit to provide them. One receipt is addressed to you when your file is complete.
You must respect the instructions following for documents to be provided.
Civil status record
One civil status document must be supplied in full and in original in the language of the country of origin.
A French civil status certificate must have been issued less than 3 months ago.
A copy of a foreigner civil status document must be accompanied, if necessary, by a copy of the decision in execution of which it has been drawn up, rectified or amended.
Copy or original of a document
You can provide copies of the requested documents except for civil status records.
However, you should be able to present the originals of the documents if necessary.
A copy of a foreigner act shall be accompanied, if necessary, by a copy of the decision in implementation of which it has been drawn up, rectified or amended.
Translation
You must attach a translation of each document written in a foreign language.
You must provide the original translation.
The translation must be done by a translator on the list of experts approved by the courts of appeal.
However, translation is not required for a multilingual birth certificate extract one of whose languages is French.
In addition, to avoid having to translate some documents issued by a the European Union, one multilingual form can be attached. See the e-justice site for more information.
Legalization or Apostille
Certain documents established abroad must be legalized or apostilles to be accepted in France.
Inquire at the embassy or consulate of the country concerned.
Who shall I contact
4. Send or file your return
You must contact the court judicial or proximity to your domicile.
You can put down your file or mail it.
Who shall I contact
5. If the declaration is accepted, keep 1 copy with the words "registered"
If there is no response within 6 months depending on the date of the receipt, this means that your declaration of refusal of french nationality is recorded (accepted).
Declaration of refusal of French nationality takes effect to the date of its subscription.
A copy of the declaration shall be sent to the declarant together with the mention of registration.
6. If the declaration is refused, make a possible appeal
The court of justice will notify its decision reasoned Refusal.
You can appeal within 6 months from the date of notification.
The notification shall indicate how to appeal.
The lawyer is obligatory. He's the one takes care of the gait.
Who can help me?
Find who can answer your questions in your region
Telephone administrative information - Allo Public Service
For more information on this topic, you can contact Allô Service Public.
Attention: the service does not have access to users' personal files and cannot therefore provide information on their status.
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The informants who answer you belong to the Ministry of the Interior.
- House of Justice and the Law
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