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Reintegration into French nationality by declaration
Verified 28 February 2023 - Directorate for Legal and Administrative Information (Prime Minister)
You have lost French nationality and want to become French again? The reintegration allows a person, who has possessed and then lost French nationality (NF), to regain it for the future. We tell you the rules to know and the steps to take depending on how you lost French nationality.
What applies to you ?
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Marriage to a foreigner
You can ask to be reinstated in the French nationality by statement if you have it lost as a result of marriage to a foreigner.
Step-by-step approach
Links with France
You must have retained or acquired links with France, including cultural, professional, economic and family matters.
Situation on French territory
You must not have been expulsion order or a prohibition of French territory still in force.
If you reside in France when you make the declaration of reintegration into French nationality, you must be in regular stay in France (you must have a valid provisional document or residence permit).
Lack of criminal convictions
You should not be in any of the following situations:
- To have been sentenced in France to a prison sentence without reprieve 6 months or more
- Have been convicted of a crime or offense that constitutes an offense against the fundamental interests of the Nation
- Having been convicted of a criminal offense act of terrorism
However, this obligation does not apply to you in the event of a pardon or erasure of the conviction of Bulletin No. 2 of your criminal record.
Documents to be provided
The indicative list of the documents is as follows:
- Declaration in 2 copies, dated and signed
- Your birth certificate
- Official identity document
- Recent photo ID
- Proof that you had French nationality before losing it through marriage to a foreigner.
For example, a certificate of French nationality, or a court order recognizing French nationality, or magnification the decree on naturalization or reintegration into French nationality, or declaration of French nationality or civil status documents. - Certificate drawn up by the authorities of the country of which you acquired the nationality, specifying the date of acquisition and the provisions of the foreign law by reason of which that nationality was acquired
- Any public or private documents to prove that you have retained or acquired ties with France, especially cultural, professional, economic or family ties
- Extract of criminal record or equivalent document issued by a competent judicial or administrative authority of the country or countries in which you have resided for the last 10 years, or if you cannot produce such documents, of the country of nationality
- If you have minor children, they can benefit from the effects of your return if their name is included. They must however reside with you in the usual way, or alternatively in case of separation or divorce.
You must provide their birth certificates and any documents justifying this residence.
If necessary, attach documents proving the parentage of the children in respect of you (civil status documents or court order) - 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.
Francization of surname and/or first name
When you apply, you can ask francization of your first and/or last name(s), and francization of your children's first names.
You can also ask for a French first name if you or your children have none.
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
In France
You must go to the court or the court near your home.
You can submit your file or send it by mail.
Who shall I contact
Abroad
You must contact the French consular or diplomatic authorities.
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 reintegration into french nationality is recorded (accepted).
The declaration of reintegration into French nationality takes effect to the date of its subscription .
If you have minor children, they become French provided their name is mentioned in the declaration.
A copy of the statement is sent to you with the mention of registration.
You must preserve this document proving your nationality.
This document is required for apply for a certificate of french nationality and one national identity card.
Check the declaration for report a possible error :
- If there is an error in the information on the declaration, please send a letter to the Ministry of the Interior.
- In case of error on the civil status document (birth and/or marriage), send a letter to the Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs.
Who shall I contact
Ministry of the Interior - Naturalization
By mail
Ministry of the Interior
Directorate-General for foreigners in France
Directorate for Integration and Access to Nationality
Sub-Directorate for Access to French Nationality
12 Francis-le-Carval Street
44404 REZÉ CEDEX
By email
sdanf-accueil@interieur.gouv.fr
Central Civil Registry Service (Scec)
Attention: the Central Civil Registry Service does not welcome any public.
Civil status (birth, marriage or death) of a Frenchman abroad
Only by mail to:
Central Civil Registry Service
11 White House Street
44941 Nantes Cedex 09
You can apply for a civil status certificate through a online service.
For more information, you can:
- Go to diplomatie.gouv.fr
- Call the+33 1 41 86 42 47 Monday to Friday from 9 am to 12 pm and from 1 pm to 4 pm
Free access to video interpretation or instant speech transcription for the deaf or hard of hearing - Email courrier.scec@diplomatie.gouv.fr
The public prosecutor's office may contest the registration of the declaration within 2 years if the legal conditions are not fulfilled.
It may also do so in the event of fraud or deception 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 who does the walk.
Who shall I contact
Voluntary acquisition of foreign nationality
You can voluntarily acquire a foreign nationality if you usually reside abroad, and lose the French nationality by declaration. You may then, by declaration, reinstate French nationality.
Step-by-step approach
Age
You must be major (18 years or older).
Links with France
You must have retained or acquired links with France, including cultural, professional, economic and family matters.
Situation on French territory
You must not have been expulsion order or a prohibition of French territory still in force.
If you reside in France when you make the declaration of reintegration into French nationality, you must be in regular stay in France (you must have a provisional document or a valid residence permit.
Lack of criminal convictions
You should not be in any of the following situations:
- To have been sentenced in France to a prison sentence without reprieve 6 months or more
- Have been convicted of a crime or offense that constitutes an offense against the fundamental interests of the Nation
- Having been convicted of a criminal offense act of terrorism
However, this obligation does not apply to you in the event of a pardon or erasure of the conviction of Bulletin No. 2 of your criminal record.
Documents to be provided
The list indicative the documents to be provided are as follows:
- Declaration in 2 copies, dated and signed
- Your birth certificate
- Official identity document
- Recent photo ID
- Proof that you possessed French nationality before losing it (certificate of French nationality or court order recognizing French nationality or magnification the decree on naturalization or reintegration into French nationality or declaration of French nationality or civil status documents)
- Certificate drawn up by the authorities of the country of which you acquired the nationality, specifying the date of acquisition and the provisions of the foreign law under which that nationality was acquired
- Any public or private documents that prove that you have retained or acquired ties with France, in particular cultural, professional, economic or family ties
- Extract of criminal record or equivalent document issued by a competent judicial or administrative authority of the country or countries in which you have resided for the last 10 years, or if you cannot produce such documents, of the country of nationality
- If you have minor children, they may benefit from the effects of your return if their name is included in it. They must however reside with you in the usual way, or alternatively in case of separation or divorce. You must provide their birth certificates and any documents justifying this residence. If necessary, attach documents proving the parentage of the children in respect of you (civil status documents or court order)
- 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.
Francization of surname and/or first name
When you apply, you can ask francization of your first and/or last name(s) and francization of your children's first names.
You can also ask for a French first name if you or your children have none.
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
In France
You must go to the court or the court near your home.
You can submit your file or send it by mail.
Who shall I contact
Abroad
You must contact the French consular or diplomatic authorities.
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 reintegration into french nationality is recorded (accepted).
The declaration of reintegration into French nationality takes effect to the date of its subscription .
If you have minor children, they become French provided their name is mentioned in the declaration.
A copy of the statement is sent to you with the mention of registration.
You must preserve this document proving your nationality.
This document is required for apply for a certificate of french nationality and one national identity card.
Check the declaration for report a possible error :
- If there is an error in the information on the declaration, please send a letter to the Ministry of the Interior.
- In case of error on the civil status document (birth and/or marriage), send a letter to the Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs.
Who shall I contact
Ministry of the Interior - Naturalization
By mail
Ministry of the Interior
Directorate-General for foreigners in France
Directorate for Integration and Access to Nationality
Sub-Directorate for Access to French Nationality
12 Francis-le-Carval Street
44404 REZÉ CEDEX
By email
sdanf-accueil@interieur.gouv.fr
Central Civil Registry Service (Scec)
Attention: the Central Civil Registry Service does not welcome any public.
Civil status (birth, marriage or death) of a Frenchman abroad
Only by mail to:
Central Civil Registry Service
11 White House Street
44941 Nantes Cedex 09
You can apply for a civil status certificate through a online service.
For more information, you can:
- Go to diplomatie.gouv.fr
- Call the+33 1 41 86 42 47 Monday to Friday from 9 am to 12 pm and from 1 pm to 4 pm
Free access to video interpretation or instant speech transcription for the deaf or hard of hearing - Email courrier.scec@diplomatie.gouv.fr
The public prosecutor's office may contest the registration of the declaration within 2 years if the legal conditions are not fulfilled.
It may also do so in the event of fraud or deception 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 who does the walk.
Who shall I contact
Exercise of certain public mandates
If you have exercised certain public mandates (former member of the Parliament of the Republic, of the Assembly of the French Union...), you can be reinstated in French nationality by declaration. This procedure also applies to your spouse, widower and children.
Step-by-step approach
Age
You must be of age (18 years or older).
Home in France
You must have established your domicile in France.
Situation on French territory
You must be in regular stay in France (you must have a provisional document or a valid residence permit).
You must not have been expulsion order or a prohibition of French territory still in force.
Lack of criminal convictions
You should not be in any of the following situations:
- To have been sentenced in France to a prison sentence without reprieve 6 months or more
- Have been convicted of a crime or offense that constitutes an offense against the fundamental interests of the Nation
- Having been convicted of a criminal offense act of terrorism
However, this obligation does not apply to you in the event of a pardon or erasure of the conviction of Bulletin No. 2 of your criminal record.
Documents to be provided
The list indicative the documents to be provided are as follows:
- Declaration in 2 copies, dated and signed
- Your birth certificate
- Official identity document
- Recent photo ID
- Proof that you possessed French nationality before losing it (certificate of French nationality or court order recognizing French nationality or magnification the decree on naturalization or reintegration into French nationality or declaration of French nationality or civil status documents)
- All documents to prove that you have acquired a foreign nationality by virtue of a general provision
- All documents to prove that you have fixed your domicile in France
- All documents to prove that you have been a member of the Parliament of the French Republic, the Assembly of the French Union or the Economic Council.
(or proof of the public office held, if you are the spouse, widow, widow or child of the person who held a public office) - Extract of criminal record or equivalent document issued by a competent judicial or administrative authority of the country or countries in which you have resided for the last 10 years, or if you cannot produce such documents, of the country of nationality
- If you have minor children, they may benefit from the effects of your return if their name is included in it. They must however reside with you in the usual way, or alternatively in case of separation or divorce. You must provide their birth certificates and any documents justifying this residence. If necessary, attach documents proving the parentage of the children in respect of you (civil status documents or court order)
- 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.
Francization of surname and/or first name
When you apply, you can request the francization of your first and/or last name(s) and francization of your children's first names.
You can also ask for a French first name if you or your children have none.
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
In France
You must go to the court or the court near your home.
You can submit your file or send it by mail.
Who shall I contact
Abroad
You must contact the French consular or diplomatic authorities.
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 reintegration into french nationality is recorded (accepted).
The declaration of reintegration into French nationality takes effect on the date of subscription .
If you have minor children, they become French provided their name is mentioned in the declaration.
A copy of the statement is sent to you with the mention of registration.
You must preserve this document proving your nationality.
This document is required for apply for a certificate of french nationality and one national identity card.
Check the declaration for report a possible error :
- If there is an error in the information on the declaration, please send a letter to the Ministry of the Interior.
- In case of error on the civil status document (birth and/or marriage), send a letter to the Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs.
Who shall I contact
Ministry of the Interior - Naturalization
By mail
Ministry of the Interior
Directorate-General for foreigners in France
Directorate for Integration and Access to Nationality
Sub-Directorate for Access to French Nationality
12 Francis-le-Carval Street
44404 REZÉ CEDEX
By email
sdanf-accueil@interieur.gouv.fr
Central Civil Registry Service (Scec)
Attention: the Central Civil Registry Service does not welcome any public.
Civil status (birth, marriage or death) of a Frenchman abroad
Only by mail to:
Central Civil Registry Service
11 White House Street
44941 Nantes Cedex 09
You can apply for a civil status certificate through a online service.
For more information, you can:
- Go to diplomatie.gouv.fr
- Call the+33 1 41 86 42 47 Monday to Friday from 9 am to 12 pm and from 1 pm to 4 pm
Free access to video interpretation or instant speech transcription for the deaf or hard of hearing - Email courrier.scec@diplomatie.gouv.fr
The public prosecutor's office may contest the registration of the declaration within 2 years if the legal conditions are not fulfilled.
It may also do so in the event of fraud or deception 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 who does the walk.
Who shall I contact
Who can help me?
Find who can answer your questions in your region
Effects of acquisition of French nationality
Reintegration into French nationality by declaration (Article 24(2))
Declarations of nationality
Exercise of certain public mandates (Articles 32-4 and 32-5)
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