French nationality through marriage in 2026: requirements
Par Antonin GAVREL - le lundi 31 août 2026 - 9 min read
Marriage does not automatically make you French
The foreign spouse of a French citizen may acquire nationality by declaration, but only if all the conditions remain satisfied at the relevant time. This procedure differs from naturalisation by decree: it is based on the marriage and the continuity of the couple’s marital life.
Four years of marriage, sometimes five
The standard period is four years on the date of the declaration. It increases to five years in certain circumstances, particularly where the couple did not live continuously in France for the required period and the French spouse was not registered in the Register of French Citizens Living Abroad while the couple lived abroad.
Calculate the period from the date of the civil marriage. A civil partnership (Pacs) or a period of cohabitation before marriage does not replace the required years of marriage.
The spouse must have been French at the time of the marriage
Your husband or wife must have been French on the date of the marriage and must have retained that nationality. Include the evidence requested. If the marriage was celebrated abroad, it must be entered in the French civil-status registers.
Late registration does not change the date of the marriage, but it must be obtained for the procedure.
Continuous marital life
Material and emotional marital life must not have ended since the marriage. The authorities examine addresses, tax documents, bills, accounts, children and other evidence concerning the couple.
Temporarily separate homes for professional reasons do not automatically prove a break, but must be explained and documented. A genuine separation, even without divorce, may prevent the declaration from being registered.
The French-language requirement increases to B2
For declarations through marriage made from 1 January 2026, the decree of 15 July 2025 raises the language requirement to B2 level in speaking and writing. Some older pages still refer to B1: check the version applicable on the date of your declaration.
Prepare an accepted diploma or a valid test certificate. The TCF IRN and TEF IRN assess candidates up to B2.
Your application must tell a coherent story of married life
VisaPref checks the qualifying period, registration, evidence concerning the couple and language certificate before the declaration.
Lawful immigration status and conduct
An applicant living in France must demonstrate lawful immigration status under the applicable rules, except where a residence permit is not required. The authorities also check convictions and conduct contrary to public order.
The procedure includes an interview, often attended by both spouses, intended in particular to verify the reality of marital life and assimilation.
Documents to prepare in advance
- a recent marriage certificate or French registration record, as applicable;
- proof of the spouse’s French nationality;
- birth certificates and identity documents;
- continuous evidence of marital life;
- evidence of residence in France or consular registration;
- proof of B2 level;
- documents concerning children and previous unions.
Foreign records may need to be translated and legalised or apostilled. Start with those requiring action in the country of origin.
After submission
The authorities may register the declaration, request additional documents or oppose acquisition under the statutory conditions. Continue to report significant changes. Marital life must be genuine, and fraud can have consequences even after acquisition.
Frequently asked questions
Is a professional separation prohibited?
No, but you must demonstrate that emotional and material marital life continues despite the temporary separate addresses.
Does the French spouse have to participate?
The procedure verifies the couple and includes formalities involving the spouse. Follow the interview notice and prepare the evidence together.
Is it the same as the naturalisation civic exam?
Nationality through marriage is acquired by declaration and is distinct from naturalisation by decree. Do not automatically transfer every document requirement from one procedure to the other.
Official sources
Article updated on 16 September 2026. The Service-Public page may display an earlier language threshold; Decree 2025-648 sets B2 for declarations made from 2026.