The law of French nationality states clearly that an individual can become a French national only by two methods. A child can become a French national if he or she is born in a family where either of the two parents is a French national, or if he or she is born to a foreign national residing in France, provided the terms and conditions of residency in France are fulfilled. According to section 343 of French Civil Law, children adopted by French nationals are also eligible to acquire French citizenship. The Law of French Nationality does not entitle citizenship to those babies born to tourists or short span visitors in France, as it can in the United States.

The Law of French Nationality also has options of awarding French nationality to those children whose parents were born in the old French colonies and territories in different parts of the world. The Law of French Nationality states that children born to foreign nationals staying in France (as per the residency regulations) are eligible for French citizenship, either at birth or at two stages before the child becomes a major. For example, at the age of thirteen, a child’s parents can apply for his or her nationality provided they have proof of their residence in France dating back to his or her birth.

Secondly, at the age of sixteen, children themselves can apply for French nationality according to the law, once again provided they have stayed in France from their birth. After becoming a major”that is, attaining the age of eighteen years”the children of foreign nationals can apply for nationality only in the case that they have stayed in France for a minimum of five years between the ages of eleven and seventeen.

The Law of French Nationality has arrangements to grant French nationality by way of naturalization. An individual residing in France for employment or business for five years or more is eligible for this option. Students who have taken education in French universities or from the elite institutions like the Grande Ecole can apply for nationality only by giving proof of residency for two years. Individuals who intend to acquire nationality on the basis of their employment must complete requisite formalities as outlined by the Ministry of Labor and Housing.

With new amendments in the Law of French Nationality, a foreign national marrying a French national can become a French national after two years of residence in France or after three years if residing outside France. This is, however, possible only after representation in the courts of France if the couple is staying in France. According to the law of French Nationality, a very important factor is that the aspirant who wants to be a French national should have proficient knowledge of the French language.