FRANCE 

CITIZENSHIP: Citizenship laws are based upon the French Nationality Code.

• BY BIRTH: Child born within the territory of France, regardless of the nationality of the parents.
• BY DESCENT: Child born abroad, at least one of whose parents is a citizen of France.
• MARRIAGE: The spouse of a French citizen can apply for French citizenship after one year of marriage with no residency requirement.
• BY NATURALIZATION: Persons seeking naturalization as French citizens face varying conditions. Residence circumstances are significant. These persons may seek naturalization:
• Person who has been a resident of France for five years.
• Person who has resided in France for two years and has a degree from a French University or has rendered important service to France.
• The following persons have no residency requirement and may seek naturalization:
• Person who has rendered exceptional service to France.
• Person who has served in a combat unit of the French Army.
• Person who is the spouse or minor child of a person acquiring French citizenship. DUAL CITIZENSHIP: RECOGNIZED. LOSS OF CITIZENSHIP: Final authority for loss of citizenship lies with the French government.
• VOLUNTARY: Contact the French Embassy for details and proper paperwork.
• INVOLUNTARY: The following is grounds for involuntary loss of French citizenship: Person serves in a foreign military or civil service and has not complied with French orders to leave such service.