Are you a foreigner? Was your child born in France? Has your child also resided in France for more than 5 years continuously? Do you wish to obtain French nationality for your child? What are the consequences of a child born in France to foreign parents on acquiring French nationality?
What is the acquisition of French nationality based on birth and residence in France?
A child born in France to foreign parents who has resided in France for more than 5 years can claim French nationality. This case is different from the case where the parent is not foreign or where the foreign parent was already born in France. In these latter cases, the child is French by birth by attribution.
What are the necessary conditions for a child born in France to foreign parents to acquire French nationality?
- Having habitual residence in France for a period of more than 5 years before making the claim and residing in France on the day of the declaration. If the child makes the declaration at the age of 16, their previous residence in France may be continuous or discontinuous.
- Being at least 13 years old at the time of the declaration. In this case, their consent is required.
If the above conditions are met, acquisition of French nationality is automatic.
What are the grounds for refusal of an application for acquisition of French nationality for a child born in France to foreign parents?
The French authority responsible may refuse your declaration, particularly for the following reasons:
- When one or more of the above conditions are not met.
- Lack of assimilation and threat to public order (e.g. in case of conviction in France)
- The inauthenticity of the requested documents
- Etc.
How can you challenge a refusal of an application for acquisition of French nationality for a child born in France to foreign parents?
Appeal against the refusal of an application for acquisition of French nationality for a child born in France to foreign parents can be made to the competent judicial court. The appeal must be made within a period of 6 months from the date of notification.
