Married to a French citizen, living in New York, never lived in France? You may still be able to become French, without moving.

Most people mix up two routes: naturalisation (years of residence in France, then a decision of the State) and the declaration by marriage. The second one works very differently.

What the law says

Under article 21-2 of the Code civil, after four years of marriage the foreign spouse of a French national can become French by declaration, if:

  • your spouse was French on the wedding day and is still French
  • your life together, emotional and material, has not stopped since the wedding
  • a marriage celebrated abroad has first been transcribed into French civil records
  • you speak French at B2 level (more on this below)

Four years or five?

It becomes five years if, when you file, you cannot show three years of continuous legal residence in France since the wedding, or you cannot prove your French spouse was registered at the consulate while you lived abroad together.

Living abroad does not close the door. At worst, it adds a year. And if your spouse is on the consular register, it stays four.

The consular register: do it early

The registration (registre des Français établis hors de France) must cover your whole life together abroad. Registering a few months before you file does not make up for the years already passed. If your spouse is not registered yet, this is the cheapest step you can take today.

“But my husband became American”

A common fear. Under article 23 of the Code civil, a French adult living abroad who voluntarily takes another nationality loses French nationality only if they expressly declare it. No declaration, still French.

The part people underestimate: B2

For declarations filed since 1 January 2026, you need French at B2 level, spoken and written (décret 93-1362, art. 14), proven by a recognised diploma or a certified test taken less than two years before. Many guides still say B1. That is outdated.

There is no civic test for the marriage declaration: that applies to naturalisation. You will have an interview instead.

Filing from abroad

You file at the French consulate covering your place of residence. The fee is €255, paid at the consulate. The consulate interviews you and your spouse, then sends your file with its opinion to the ministry in charge of naturalisations, which decides.

The ministry has 1 year from the receipt for a complete file to refuse registration, or 2 years if the Government opposes. In practice, the wait varies a lot from one consulate to another.

What to do now

  • check that your marriage is transcribed; if not, that is step one
  • make sure your spouse is on the consular register, and stays on it
  • start B2 preparation now, it is what takes longest
  • collect proof of life together over the years: joint lease, accounts, tax returns

The full process, from documents to timeline and what to do if refused: French citizenship by marriage: requirements, timeline and steps.

Two ways to move forward

Check whether you can file now. In a consultation, your dates, the consular registration, the transcription and your language evidence are reviewed. Book a consultation.

Hand over the declaration. The firm prepares the file with you, follows it with the consulate and the ministry and, if needed, challenges a refusal. Describe your situation and you will receive a proposal for full assistance.

General information under French law as at 31 October 2026. It is not legal advice for your situation.