Individuals born on French territory or with at least one French parent are awarded French citizenship. This legal concept, known as “jus soli” and “jus sanguinis,” serves as the foundation for attaining French citizenship through naturalization. The French citizenship rules seek to recognize and protect the rights and identities of those who are linked to France by birth or descent.
There is no formal procedure to acquire French citizenship in this situation; if you are born on French soil, you are automatically considered a citizen of France. To receive your French citizenship paperwork, you can, nevertheless, be required to present evidence of your birth on French soil.
In cases where at least one parent is a French citizen, French citizenship is acquired by descent, known as “jus sanguinis.” This means that if you have a French parent, you are eligible for French citizenship regardless of the place of your birth. However, certain conditions and requirements may apply, depending on the specific circumstances and the parent’s citizenship status at the time of your birth.
Children of foreign diplomats: Children born in France to foreign diplomats or consular officers who are accredited to France are not considered French citizens by birth.
Children of enemy aliens: During times of war or other international conflicts, children born in France to citizens of enemy nations may not be considered French citizens by birth.
Children of illegal immigrants: Children born in France to parents who are in the country illegally are not automatically granted French citizenship by birth.
Children of tourists: Children born in France to parents who are visiting the country as tourists are not considered French citizens by birth unless the parents have some other connection to France (such as being students or employees).
Children born on French ships or aircrafts: Children born on French ships or aircrafts are not considered French citizens by birth unless they were born over French territorial waters or land.
The principle of jus soli in France means that anyone born on French territory is considered a French citizen by birth.
Being a citizen of France by birth does not automatically confer all of its rights and advantages. To receive a French passport or the ability to vote in French elections, for instance, you might still need to go through the naturalization process if you were born in France to parents who are not French.
No, children of French citizens who are born abroad are not automatically deemed to be French citizens. They might, nevertheless, qualify for French citizenship based on ancestry.