How to apply for France citizenship
A step-by-step guide to claiming France citizenship by descent through Tribunal / Service central. Your exact documents and route are confirmed by the free eligibility check.
- 1
Map your filiation
Trace an unbroken French parent-to-child line and identify any 50-year gap that the désuétude rule could affect.
- 2
Assemble vital records
Gather full birth and marriage certificates for every link, plus proof of the anchor ancestor's French nationality.
- 3
Document French ties
Where the line ran abroad, collect evidence recent generations acted as French (passports, ID cards, consular registration) to satisfy possession d'état.
- 4
Translate and legalize
Provide French translations and apostille/legalize foreign documents.
- 5
File the CNF request
Submit to the Pôle de la nationalité (Tribunal judiciaire de Paris) per its current instructions.
- 6
Wait and use the CNF
Adjudication runs ~6 months to 1–3 years; the CNF then supports passport and ID applications.
See if you qualify for France citizenship
Check your eligibility — freeNot affiliated with Tribunal / Service central or any government. A document-organization tool, not legal advice — always verify with the relevant authority.