French reintegration
France
Citizenship
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See if you're a match →This pathway is for former French citizens. It is different from proving that you are still French by descent; it is about asking France to restore nationality after a prior loss.
Summary
French citizenship reintegration is for someone who previously held French nationality and is asking France to restore it.
This is different from proving you are still French by descent. Reintegration starts with the fact that French nationality was held before, then looks at how it was lost and whether the current file fits the reintegration rules.
Eligibility
You may be a fit if:
- You previously held French nationality.
- You are not currently recognized as French.
- You can document your former French nationality.
- You can document or explain how French nationality was lost.
- You can meet the ordinary requirements that apply to the reintegration route, which may include residence, assimilation, public-order, and document checks depending on the case.
What This Route Allows
If approved, reintegration restores French nationality. The procedure and discretion can depend heavily on the facts of the loss and the applicant's current ties to France.
Former French citizens with strong records and clear loss history are usually easier to assess than cases based on family memory or incomplete documents.
What This Route Is Not
This is not a substitute for a descent claim if you may never have lost French nationality in the first place. In that situation, the better question may be whether you are already French and can prove it.
It is also not automatic. Reintegration often involves official discretion and careful review.
Next Steps
- Gather proof that you were once French, such as a French nationality certificate, passport, national identity card, civil-status record, or consular record.
- Gather records showing how and when nationality was lost.
- Check whether the case is reintegration by declaration or by decree.
- Review your current ties to France and any residence or assimilation requirements.
- Prepare the application with civil records and certified translations where needed.