Can a European adopt in France?

Verified 08 August 2024 - Directorate for Legal and Administrative Information (Prime Minister)

Yes, a citizen of a member country of the European Union (EU) may adopt in France, but under certain conditions. European regulations are not uniform. Each country has its own rules. French law and the law of the adoptive and adopted country of origin must be respected. We'll give you the information you need to remember.

To adopt in France, the conditions are different depending on whether the adoptive parent adopts alone or as a couple.

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Adoption by a single person

The adopter is subject to the conditions laid down by the national law of his country of origin.

Adoption by a couple

The couple who adopts is subject to one of the following laws:

  • Common National Law to the 2 members of the couple on the day of the filing of the request for adoption
  • Otherwise, the law of common habitual residence on the day on which the application for adoption is lodged
  • Otherwise French law.

Warning  

Adoption by a couple (marriage, Civil partnerships or common law) cannot be pronounced if the national law of the two members of the couple prohibits it.

Adopted minor

The adoption of a child foreigner is possible if the personal law of the adopted minor authorizes simple adoption or plenary adoption,

If the minor's personal law prohibits adoption, he is only adoptable in France if he is born and usually resides in France.

Warning  

The biological parents of the child shall consent to adoption.

Adopted Major

The adoption of a foreigner major is only possible if the adopted person's personal law authorizes lSimple adoption or plenary adoption.

FYI  

The adoptee must give his consent adoption before a notary foreigners or French who establishes a authentic instrument. If he lives abroad, consent may be obtained by a French diplomatic or consular agent.

The steps adoption in France will depend on the type of request.

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Adoption of an adult or the child of the spouse, Civil partnership partner or common-law partner

To adopt in France alone or in a couple an adult or the child of the Civil partnership, partner or partner, the application must be sent to the following court:

  • Court of the domicile of the adopter if he remains in France
  • Court of the domicile of the adopted person if the adoptive parent remains abroad
  • Court chosen in France by the adopting party when the adopted party and the adopting party remain abroad.

The use of a attorney is required  if the adopted person has been received  after 15 years.

If the adoptive parent's resources are insufficient, he or she may apply for legal aid.

Who shall I contact

Adoption of a minor by a single person or a couple

Approval process

The adopter shall obtain a approval prior to adoption of a ward of the state or a child foreigner.

The application for approval must be filed with the president of the departmental council of the location of residence of the adopter.

Who shall I contact
For a child foreigner

The adopter shall obligatory contact theAgence Française de l'Adoption (AFA) or an authorized body for adoption (OAA).

Who shall I contact

  • French Adoption Agency (Afa)

    Informs, advises and assists families in their plans to adopt a foreigner child.

    By telephone

    +33 (0)1 44 78 61 40

    • Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 9:30am to 5:30pm
    • Monday and Friday from 9:30 am to 12:30 pm and from 2 pm to 5:30 pm

    By mail

    63 bis boulevard Bessières

    75017 Paris

    On the spot

    For any interview on site, we invite you to request an appointment.

To bring proceedings before the Court of Justice

The application must be filed or sent by registered letter with acknowledgement of receipt to the court of the domicile of the adopter

Who shall I contact

The adopter may apply for adoption without recourse to a lawyer if he has taken the minor into his home before he turned 15.

The use of a attorney is required if the adopted person has been received after 15 years.

If the adoptive parent's resources are insufficient, he or she may apply for  legal aid.

Warning  

The minor must have been received at least for 6 months the adoptive parent's home.

Who can help me?

Find who can answer your questions in your region

  • Local correspondents of departmental councils

  • Telephone administrative information - Allo Public Service

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