Naturalisation vs Déclaration (Mariage): which French visa is right for you?
Two paths to French citizenship: naturalisation by decree after qualifying residence, and the declaration route for spouses of French nationals after a qualifying period of marriage.
Side-by-side comparison
| Feature | French Citizenship by Naturalisation (Décret) (Naturalisation) | French Citizenship by Marriage (Déclaration de Nationalité) (Déclaration (Mariage)) |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Permanent / PR | Permanent / PR |
| Who it's for | Long-term residents acquiring French nationality by decree after meeting residence and integration tests. | Foreign spouses of French citizens acquiring nationality by declaration. |
| Government cost | Free (no government fee for the application) | ~€55 stamp duty (timbre fiscal) |
| Processing time | ~12-24 months | ~12-24 months |
| Length of stay | Permanent (citizenship) | Permanent (citizenship) |
| Where to apply | At the prefecture in France (dossier then ministry decision) | At the prefecture / consulate (declaration to the authorities) |
| Work rights | Full rights as a French citizen | Full rights as a French citizen |
| Pathway to PR | Confers full French and EU citizenship, including a French passport. | Confers full French and EU citizenship by declaration after the marriage qualifying period. |
Which is right for you?
French Citizenship by Naturalisation (Décret) (Naturalisation)
Long-term residents acquiring French nationality by decree after meeting residence and integration tests.
Full Naturalisation guide →French Citizenship by Marriage (Déclaration de Nationalité) (Déclaration (Mariage))
Foreign spouses of French citizens acquiring nationality by declaration.
Full Déclaration (Mariage) guide →Frequently asked questions
Which is cheaper, Naturalisation or Déclaration (Mariage)?
On indicative 2025-26 government costs, French Citizenship by Marriage (Déclaration de Nationalité) (Déclaration (Mariage)) is the lowest at ~€55 stamp duty (timbre fiscal). Government fees change periodically - confirm before applying.
Which is processed faster, Naturalisation or Déclaration (Mariage)?
Indicatively French Citizenship by Naturalisation (Décret) (Naturalisation) is the quickest at ~12-24 months. Actual timeframes depend on caseload and how complete your application is.
Do all of these lead to permanent residence?
Yes. Naturalisation: Confers full French and EU citizenship, including a French passport. Déclaration (Mariage): Confers full French and EU citizenship by declaration after the marriage qualifying period.
What's the main difference between Naturalisation and Déclaration (Mariage)?
French Citizenship by Naturalisation (Décret) (Naturalisation) is for long-term residents acquiring French nationality by decree after meeting residence and integration tests. French Citizenship by Marriage (Déclaration de Nationalité) (Déclaration (Mariage)) is for foreign spouses of French citizens acquiring nationality by declaration.