French citizenship

[sunnyday]

Who has experience obtaining a french citizenship? is it very difficult considering the accompanied notorious red tapes ?

[gani999]

Yes, It is difficult and has a lot of bureaucracy accompanying it.

The fundamental requirements are that you ought to have lived in France legally for at least five years and must be fluent in the language. If you are married to a French person and want a citizenship on those grounds, there is now a 3 year cohabitation requirement.

[sunnyday]

Hi, thank you gani.

I've also heard that even after 5 years of legal residency in France, grants of citizenships are in the discretion of the ministry and that it is not guaranteed. Is that true?

And is it citizenship that they are granting after 5 years or is it simply a resident permit of 10 years? I've read it somewhere that says this is a permit and is subject to a 10 years limit.

[joesoap101]

Citizenship by naturalisation is a privilege in most country and is never a given that you will receive it even if you meet the requirements.

You can obtain French citizenship if you graduate from a French University but I dont know the particulars of this, however if you can read French, its in the relevant nationality legislation.

[gani999]

You can obtain French citizenship if you graduate from a French University .

No, not really. Only the required minimum residence period gets reduced. In other words, you will need to spend a total of five consequtive years in France, including the time you spend in the university.

[gani999]

And is it citizenship that they are granting after 5 years or is it simply a resident permit of 10 years? .

As Joesoap said, there is no guarantee that you will be awarded a citizenship after five years. You only become "eligible" for citizenship, and can apply for it if you continue to live in France.

[joesoap101]

No I dont think that interpretation is correct.

A person may apply for French citizenship by naturalisation after five years residence in France. Exceptions to the residence period include:

The residence period is reduced to two years for those who are graduates of a French university or grande école
The residence period may be waived for citizens of French speaking countries or for those who have served in the French military.

However it still remains discretionary either way.

[Dawie]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/French_nationality_law