Get the answers for naturalization by marriage

Naturalization by marriage in France is an interesting process. It concerns foreigners married to a French person. In this article, you will find answers to key questions on this topic. We will discuss the documents to gather, the timelines to expect, and the steps to follow. This includes the essential criteria and how the naturalization interview takes place.

Main Takeaways

• The French naturalization by marriage is a relatively simple and accessible process.
• Certain conditions must be met. These include the duration of the marriage, speaking French, and having no criminal record.
• During the interview, they will check that you are well integrated in France.
• If your application is denied, you have the right to contest it in court.
• If you divorce after obtaining nationality, it does not annul it.

French Naturalization by Marriage: How to Obtain It and What Are the Timelines?

You can become French if your partner is French and you are married. After four years of marriage, you could obtain French nationality. The process, although detailed, is among the simplest in Europe. We guide you on the steps to follow and the time to expect.

To acquire French nationality by marriage, you must wait. Four years will suffice, but it can be five. This depends on whether you have lived together in France since the marriage. If so, your cohabitation period may be shorter.

There are also judicial and immigration conditions to meet to be eligible for naturalization. Speaking French is very important. A B1 level is required. However, you might be exempted for health reasons or due to your qualifications. Additionally, simplified online procedures can facilitate the process for applicants.

The time to obtain your naturalization certificate depends on many factors. It can take 4 months for the initial processing. Then, the wait for the interview and response can last from 1 to 1.5 years.

The naturalization by marriage costs €55 for the stamp. Prepare two recent photos and a light file. Send it by registered mail with a return envelope.

Conditions to Obtain French Nationality by Marriage

To obtain French nationality by marriage, try to meet several key requirements. First, your spouse must be French. Your marriage must also be valid in France or recognized here after taking place abroad.

You do not have a ban on territory and are allowed to reside in France

It is vital not to be under a ban on territory and to be able to live in France legally.

Your community of life has been continuous since your marriage

Showing that you have continuously lived with your partner since the marriage is important. Documents such as joint tax notices or your children's birth certificates can help.

Your level of French is deemed sufficient for good assimilation

It is also necessary to show that you have a good command of French. The required level is B1 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages.

Unless rehabilitated, your criminal record is clean

Lastly, unless there is a rehabilitation, your criminal record must be clean.

Meeting these criteria is essential to gain the right to French nationality by marriage.

The Naturalization Interview, a Must

After submitting your file, a naturalization interview will be proposed to you. This moment aims to verify that you are well integrated in France since your marriage. The authorities will also ensure that you know France well, its history, and its culture. They will closely examine your reasons, your lifestyle, and your degree of integration.

After this naturalization interview, the government has one year to make its decision. It will be a somewhat long wait, but that is normal. Good luck with your naturalization!

Examples of Questions Asked During the Naturalization Interview

In the naturalization interview, you will be asked about your life in France. The authorities will want to know how long you have been living there. They will also seek to learn about your preferences, such as a French city you like.

You will also need to talk about your background: whether you have studied or worked. Show your surroundings and explain who they are to you. Finally, you will be questioned about the name of your department. These questions help verify your integration and knowledge of the country. To facilitate professional email writing, it is advisable to prepare your answers in advance.

How long have you been living in France?

A French city that you appreciate?

Your professional/student background?

Describe your surroundings?

The name of your department?

Succeeding in Your Naturalization Interview

Preparing for your naturalization interview is crucial for success. Practice with typical questions to feel more comfortable on the day. Our complete guide provides you with all the advice to be ready and approach this important step calmly.

Refusal of Naturalization by Marriage

If your application for naturalization by marriage is refused, you will know the reasons. You can always state why. Then, you can try to change this decision in court within 6 months. Despite being simple in Europe, your application can be rejected if you do not meet the required conditions.

Being married to a French person makes it easier to become French. However, the steps for the foreign spouse can sometimes be complicated. Nevertheless, it is a good opportunity for binational couples who want French nationality.

If the application is rejected, it is essential to understand why. You must also ensure that you have done everything to meet the naturalization conditions. Monitoring your application and good preparation for your interview are very important. This can increase your chances of successfully becoming French through marriage.

French Nationality After a Divorce

If you obtain French nationality and then divorce, it does not take it away from you not. However, you must prove that you were still living together for a year after obtaining nationality. Thus, even if you divorce and your couple's life ends, keep in mind that you could retain your French nationality by marriage. You just need to meet the condition of staying together for a given period.

Note that the naturalization conditions for spouses still apply. You must prove your level of French and your integration. Even once you have obtained nationality, you continue to have to justify your community of life with your French spouse.

If you have questions, contact your prefecture. You can also consult our guides for more information on obtaining French nationality by marriage.

Where to Send the Naturalization File After Marriage?

Once you have prepared your naturalization file by marriage, you must send it. It should be addressed to the French nationality corresponding to your residence. A map on service-public.fr shows you the correct address.

It is vital that your file is complete. This will avoid long delays or unexpected returns.

Prefecture Questions for Naturalization by Marriage

Your appointment at the prefecture awaits you. To facilitate your steps, consider making an appointment at the Nice prefecture. Sign up on rendezvousprefecture.com. You will receive alerts by email and SMS as soon as slots are open. This will make your procedures for naturalization by marriage simpler.

The cost of applying for French nationality by marriage is €55 for the electronic tax stamp.

To show the French nationality of the spouse, you can provide several documents. This can be a birth certificate, a court decision, or a certificate of French nationality.

If the marriage took place abroad, bring a copy of its transcription in the French consular registers. This document must be less than 3 months old. It proves that you have been married for at least 4 years.

The naturalization procedures for foreign spouses and the foreign permit exchange are not simple. But our guide can prepare you to overcome them with confidence.

Documents to Provide

No matter your case, you will need to submit several documents. This includes a completed and signed cerfa form n°15277.

You will also need 2 recent identity photos. An electronic tax stamp of €55 is required. Include a copy of your ID and proof of residence.

For those married, bring your marriage certificate. If you have children, do not forget their birth certificates.

You must show that your spouse is French. And prove that you have been living together since the marriage. A certificate of your level of French is also required.

What form must be filled out?

What documents must be provided regardless of my situation?

What are the proofs for my civil status and marriage?

What if I have children?

What are the proofs to demonstrate my spouse's French nationality?

How to prove that we have been living together since our marriage?

What are the proofs for my level of French?

Conclusion

French naturalization by marriage is a clear path to obtaining nationality. It requires meeting a few conditions. This article provides you with everything you need to succeed, from organizing the file to preparing for the interview.

It answers all your questions, such as those regarding what the prefecture requests or the documents to provide. We cover the steps of naturalization, as well as the costs. We also explain the exact conditions and the interview that awaits you.

Always verify the information with your prefecture or our other available guides. Naturalization through marriage, especially if it involves two nationalities, is truly worth considering. With this article, you are well prepared to start this journey towards French naturalization by marriage. Remember that, in some cases, silence means acceptance, which can influence your decision to appeal.

Good luck with your next steps!