French citizenship
News, information and practical advice about French citizenship.
'It seems very unfair': Key questions answered on French citizenship changes
France's rules on citizenship have undergone several big changes in the last year - so we held a live Q&A to answer the key questions from members of The Local. Here's a roundup of the main topics.
Members Q&A on France's new citizenship rules
The Local France's Editor Emma Pearson was live online on Friday to answer member's questions on the new rules around French citizenship. You can read her answers in the comments section on this article.
EXPLAINED: France's new income requirements for citizenship
Changes to the application of rules around income are making it tougher to become French - here's a look at what the rules say, and what has changed.
'I want to belong in France': Rejected French citizenship applicants speak out
France's new tougher rules on French citizenship have seen an increasing number of people rejected on economic grounds - including young people who have spent almost their entire life in France. We spoke to some of those affected.
Analysis: Is it still worth applying for French citizenship?
French citizenship brings with it many benefits, but tough new rules mean an increasing number of candidates are being rejected - so is it still worth spending the time and money to apply? And how likely is your application to succeed?
'Given up hope' - French citizenship applicants hit by new language rules
Foreigners in France scrambled to make citizenship applications before the introduction of tougher language requirements at the start of 2026 - but some who applied before the deadline have also been asked for the B2 French test.
Foreigners in France scramble to apply for citizenship before rule change
New data from the French Interior ministry shows that citizenship applications in December doubled, as people scrambled to get their applications in before the start of tough new language requirements in 2026.
How much money do I need for French citizenship?
Becoming French requires you to be 'sufficiently economically integrated' - but what does this mean in cash terms? Will you be penalised for being on minimum wage or accepting social benefits? And how much does it cost to become French?
TELL US: Are you affected by tighter French citizenship rules for under 30s?
Recent changes to the rules on applying for French citizenship have made the process especially difficult for young people - even if they arrived in France as young children and spent their whole life here. We want to hear from young people (or their parents) affected by this.
What new French citizenship rules mean for children raised in France
France has brought in some changes to how income rules are applied for citizenship - which have potentially huge consequences for children who moved to France with their parents at a young age and grew up here.
'It must be humane and individual': Senator challenges France's strict new citizenship rules
French senator Nicole Bonnefoy - who has recently raised a series of question in the Senate on this issue - told The Local that new guidance on income requirements for French citizenship must not unfairly penalise retirees or children who grew up here, and says decisions should be based on "the whole life story".
British man on €1,600 a month denied French citizenship for 'insufficient income'
A British man who has lived in France since he was three years old and who hoped to join the French fire service has told how his French citizenship application has been turned down as his €1,600 a month income was deemed not to be 'sufficient and stable'.
OPINION: Warning, the new French civics test for citizenship was harder than I imagined
Anyone wanting to become a French citizen, now has to take a 40-question civics test and it’s not that easy, writes The Local’s Ben McPartland.
French citizenships fall after new rule blocking retirees
A new rule on French income that effectively excludes foreign retirees from ever becoming French has led to a significant fall in the number of people being naturalised, according to the Interior Ministry.
French minister to review how naturalisation rules for retirees are being applied
The French Interior Minister has told senators that he will review how naturalisation rules are applied to foreign retirees, something many feel has been made almost impossible following last year's circulaire to prefectures.
How much does it cost to take the new French civics test?
People applying for French citizenship as well as certain residency permits now have to take a new civics test, but the cost will vary depending on where you take it.
19 dual-nationals stripped of French passports in 2025
New data shows that France stripped citizenship from 19 dual nationals in 2025 following serious criminal convictions.
Just how did George and Amal Clooney get French citizenship?
They own a house here and they say they love France, but as people on this path will know, there's a little more to applying for French citizenship than that. So how did George and Amal Clooney become French?
'An added stress': Critics blast France's new civics test for foreigners
France’s new civics test for citizenship and certain residency permits is "an added stress" applicants do not need, French civil rights groups have warned.
George and Amal Clooney and their children become French
Hollywood star George Clooney has become French, along with his wife Amal Alamuddin Clooney and their two children, an official decree on Monday showed.
Quiz: Could you pass the new French civics test?
The French government has unveiled details of its new written civics test, which will be required of people applying for certain types of residency cards and citizenship. Here is an example of what to expect.
How much it really costs to become French
Applying for French citizenship can be quite expensive, to the tune of several hundred euros, depending on your situation. Here is a full account of how much The Local's Genevieve Mansfield paid in her recent naturalisation process.
French government reveals full details of new civics tests for foreigners
The French government has published details of the new civics test that will be required of people applying for certain types of residency cards and French citizenship from 2026 onwards, as well as how and where the tests can be booked.