French Citizenship by Marriage (Déclaration de Nationalité)
Foreign spouses of French citizens acquiring nationality by declaration.
The French Citizenship by Marriage (Déclaration de Nationalité) is a French settlement & citizenship visa. This guide covers who it's for, the key eligibility criteria, the indicative 2025 cost (~€55 stamp duty (timbre fiscal)) and processing time (~12-24 months), the route to permanent residence, common pitfalls and FAQs.
Who the French Citizenship by Marriage (Déclaration de Nationalité) is for
Foreign spouses of French citizens acquiring nationality by declaration.
Confers full French and EU citizenship by declaration after the marriage qualifying period.
French Citizenship by Marriage (Déclaration de Nationalité) - eligibility criteria
- Married to a French national for at least 4 years (5 if not resident in France)
- Ongoing emotional and material community of life
- Spouse retained French nationality
- French language level at least B1
- No serious criminal record
French Citizenship by Marriage (Déclaration de Nationalité) cost & processing time (2025)
The indicative government fee for the French Citizenship by Marriage (Déclaration de Nationalité) (France) is ~€55 stamp duty (timbre fiscal), with an indicative processing time of ~12-24 months. Figures are for 2025 and may change - confirm at France-Visas.
| Type | Citizenship |
|---|---|
| Where you apply | At the prefecture / consulate (declaration to the authorities) |
| Length of stay | Permanent (citizenship) |
| Work rights | Full rights as a French citizen |
| Study rights | Full rights as a French citizen |
| Government fee | ~€55 stamp duty (timbre fiscal) |
| Processing time | ~12-24 months |
| Route to PR | Confers full French and EU citizenship by declaration after the marriage qualifying period. |
Pathway & next steps
Confers full French and EU citizenship by declaration after the marriage qualifying period.
Many applicants also compare Conjoint de Français · Spouse of a French National Permit (Vie Privée et Familiale - Conjoint), Naturalisation · French Citizenship by Naturalisation (Décret), Vie Privée et Familiale · Private and Family Life Permit (Vie Privée et Familiale). Run a free VisaChief check to see which French route best fits your profile, then prepare an application reviewed by a registered migration agency in our partner network.
Common French Citizenship by Marriage (Déclaration de Nationalité) pitfalls we fix
French Citizenship by Marriage (Déclaration de Nationalité) - frequently asked questions
How much does the French Citizenship by Marriage (Déclaration de Nationalité) cost?
The French Citizenship by Marriage (Déclaration de Nationalité) government fee is ~€55 stamp duty (timbre fiscal). Figures are indicative for 2025; always confirm current fees at France-Visas before applying.
How long does the French Citizenship by Marriage (Déclaration de Nationalité) take to process?
Indicative processing time is ~12-24 months. Actual timeframes vary with caseload, completeness and your circumstances.
Does the French Citizenship by Marriage (Déclaration de Nationalité) lead to permanent residence?
Confers full French and EU citizenship by declaration after the marriage qualifying period.
Can I work on the French Citizenship by Marriage (Déclaration de Nationalité)?
Work rights: Full rights as a French citizen.
Who can apply for the French Citizenship by Marriage (Déclaration de Nationalité)?
Foreign spouses of French citizens acquiring nationality by declaration.
Sources & official references
This guide is compiled from official France government sources and is updated periodically. Eligibility, fees and processing times change - always confirm the current rules with the issuing authority before you apply:
- France-Visas - official France immigration authority