French citizenship...?

Question

how hard would it be to become a french citizen? how long cann i stay there without getting citizenship? if i dont have citizenship, can i get a job, buy a house, or drive?

Answer 1

I am french and my wife is an american citizen.

We are in the process to get her the french citizenship.

You need to have first a carte de sejour, then prove that you stayed for 5 years in france or a european union country.

You need to prove that you speak french and understand the culture and value of the republic.

You CAN have a dual citizenship french and american.

France like USA prefer you to choose but it is possible to have both.

My 2 kids have dual citizenship and i may apply to us citizenship myself too.

Answer 2

As per usual I'm inclined to agree with Rillifane, with the exception of losing US citizenship. I'm not saying he's wrong, so much as I'm not entirely sure that he's right about that. I have dual citizenship- granted, I was born in Paris and my father's French. I won't claim to be knowledgeable about laws concerning citizenship, but I believe dual citizenship is possible. Here is a link to the Embassy of France in the United States, followed by their "Contact Us" link:

http://www.ambafrance-us.org/

http://www.ambafrance-us.org/contactus.a...

I would recommend asking them directly.

Answer 3

Before answering your question, I think that you ought to wait the next "présidentielles elections", in 22 days. A lot of thing will change, as Nicolas Sarkozy might become the next French President (who is pro-american, maybe good for you). A lot of French people also think about Jean-Marie LePen, the fascist one (in that case, he will close the French doors...). Wait a little bit, things will change in France. Not in the good way, I'm afraid...

Answer 4

Essentially you have to live in France for five years and demonstrate that you are completely integrated into French society. You must speak perfect French and demonstrate a knowledge of French history and customs.

The French government has been tightening the rules and making it increasingly difficult to become a ctizen.

If you acquire French citizenship you will lose your American citizenship. (that's not the French government's fault its the laws of the USA).

Answer 5

It is EXTREMELY hard to get citizenship and resident papers.  It took me over two years of marriage to a French national to get my resident's card and I still haven't worked up to courage to get nationality (I've been here for 13 years).

However,  the US does recognize double nationality in most cases - my kids have it and I keep mine even if I take the French nationality... you have to check with the embassy for your particular situation

"Loss of U.S. Nationality

In some countries, marriage to a national of that country will automatically make the spouse either a citizen of that country or eligible to become naturalized in that country expeditiously. The automatic acquisition of a second nationality will not affect U.S. citizenship. However, naturalization in a foreign country on one''s own application or the application of a duly authorized agent may cause the loss of American citizenship. Persons planning to apply for a foreign nationality should contact an American embassy or consulate for further information."