Citizenship by Descent in France

Your complete guide to securing your french citizenship.

What is the French Citizenship by Descent ?

French citizenship by descent (also known as jus sanguinis, or “right of blood”) is a way of acquiring French nationality through family heritage—specifically, if you have a parent (or sometimes grandparent) who is or was French.

It allows individuals who were born outside of France to claim French nationality based on ancestry, even if they have never lived in France themselves.

Key Benefits of French Citizenship : 

EU Freedom of Movement
Live, work, and travel freely across all EU/EEA countries.

Full Voting Rights
Vote in French and European elections and run for public office.

French Passport
Travel to over 180 countries visa-free with one of the world’s strongest passports.

Social Benefits
Access to healthcare, education, unemployment aid, and other public services.

No Residency Restrictions
No need for visas or residence permits to stay in France permanently.

Dual Citizenship Allowed
France allows dual nationality, so you can keep your original citizenship (if your country allows it).

Easier for Family
Family members may qualify more easily for residence or citizenship.

You’ll typically need:

  • Your birth certificate

  • Your parent’s and/or grandparent’s French birth/naturalization certificate

  • Marriage certificates (if relevant)

  • Proof that your ancestor was French at the time of your birth

  • Other civil status documents (translated if needed)

If you live abroad: at the French consulate in your country

If you live in France: at the Tribunal judiciaire de Paris (Service de la nationalité)

Ready to navigate the complexities of obtaining citizenship by Descent in France?
Contact our trusted partners—experienced immigration lawyers—for personalized guidance, expert advice, and professional assistance with your French nationality application. Let us help make your journey to citizenship smooth and successful. Reach out to us now to get started!

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How can we help you get French citizenship by Descent?

We work closely with a network of trusted attorneys who can assist you with every step of the process, including:

Personalized Eligibility Review

An immigration lawyer will carefully assess your family history, focusing on your parental or ancestral links to France. They will examine key elements such as birth certificates, nationality status of your parents or grandparents, and whether French nationality was transmitted according to French nationality law. This initial review ensures your eligibility is clearly established before proceeding.

Strategic Document Preparation

You’ll receive expert assistance compiling all necessary documentation to support your claim. This includes civil status records (birth, marriage, etc.), proof of your ancestor’s French nationality, and supporting evidence such as consular registrations, old French passports, or military service records. Your lawyer will also help ensure all documents meet French legal standards, including translations and apostilles where required.

Step-by-Step Application Filing

Your lawyer will guide you through each phase of the process—from completing the application for a “Certificat de nationalité française (CNF)” to submitting your file to the Tribunal judiciaire de Paris or the relevant French consulate. They will ensure your file is coherent, properly documented, and submitted to the correct authority.

Navigating French Administrative Procedures

Nationality by descent can involve complex historical and legal verification. Your lawyer will communicate with the French administration on your behalf, ensuring smooth interactions with consular services, civil registries, or the nationality department of the Ministry of Justice.

Ongoing Monitoring and Legal Follow-up

Your application will be tracked from submission to final decision. If additional documents, clarifications, or corrections are requested, your lawyer will respond efficiently to avoid delays and maintain the strength of your file.

Post-Acquisition Support

Once your French nationality is officially recognized, your lawyer can assist with next steps such as applying for your French passport, registering with French consular authorities, and understanding your rights and obligations as a French and dual citizen.

Appeal Assistance if Rejected

If your claim is denied, your lawyer will analyze the legal basis of the refusal, advise you on possible appeals or remedies, and help you refile a stronger, more complete application.

Think you’re eligible for French citizenship by descent?
Book a consultation with our trusted legal partners to receive expert advice and full legal support tailored to your unique family history and nationality claim.

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6 Great Reasons to Choose France 🇫🇷

1. World-Class Healthcare

France offers one of the best healthcare systems in the world—affordable, accessible, and high-quality, even for newcomers with the right residency status.

2. Exceptional Quality of Life

From charming villages to bustling cities, France combines a slower pace of life with modern comforts, excellent public services, and beautiful surroundings.

3. Rich Culture and History

France is a global cultural hub, home to world-famous museums, historic architecture, festivals, and a deep appreciation for art, fashion, and literature.

4. Gourmet Food and Wine

Enjoy world-renowned cuisine, daily fresh markets, and an incredible variety of regional wines and cheeses—part of everyday life, not just for tourists.

5. Strong Public Education and Family Benefits

France provides high-quality public education, generous parental leave, childcare support, and family subsidies—ideal for raising children.

Yes — if at least one of your parents was French at the time of your birth, you are automatically considered French, even if you were born outside France.

Not automatically. You may be eligible only if:

  • Your parent also inherited or maintained French nationality

  • There was no break in the transmission

  • You can prove an administrative or cultural link with France

This often requires a legal process and supporting documentation.

It’s an official document issued by French authorities confirming that you are French. This is usually the first step before applying for a French passport if your citizenship is based on descent.

Yes. France allows dual or multiple nationalities, so you can keep your current citizenship if your country also allows it.

Yes, but if your child is born abroad and you yourself were also born abroad, you must register the birth at a French consulate before the child turns 18, or they may lose the right to pass on citizenship.

You are considered French by descent if your parent was a naturalized French citizen before your birth. You can claim citizenship through them.

It can take several months to over a year, depending on the complexity of your case and how complete your documents are.

Need-to-Know Info

Meet Decra, your dedicated French citizenship expert.

At LegalMova, we see immigration not just as a service, but as a journey we take with you. What drives us is helping you experience the peace of mind that comes with expert legal support—whether you’re planning to relocate to France, invest, or build a new chapter of your life. Our dedicated team of partner lawyers is here to make that transition smooth, secure, and successful.

Speaks French, English, Chinese

Meet Decra, your dedicated French citizenship expert.

Speaks French, English, Chinese

At LegalMova, we see immigration not just as a service, but as a journey we take with you. What drives us is helping you experience the peace of mind that comes with expert legal support—whether you’re planning to relocate to France, invest, or build a new chapter of your life. Our dedicated team of partner lawyers is here to make that transition smooth, secure, and successful.

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