How to Recognize Your French Citizenship
If you are a child, grandchild, or great-grandchild of a French citizen, you may be eligible to apply for French citizenship.
It is important to know that the application can only be made if the family member (your grandfather, grandmother, great-grandfather, or great-grandmother) has a connection with you that does not exceed 50 years.
Additionally, you must demonstrate knowledge of the French language and the country’s culture.
How to Obtain French Citizenship?
The main ways to obtain French citizenship are through:
Decree (marriage or kinship); and
By naturalization (subject to various conditions, such as duration of residence in French territory - see the main questions here).
French nationality or citizenship has for years been considered one of the most advantageous in the world. According to the Quality of Nationality Index (QNI), France leads other countries due to factors such as stability, freedom, economic power, and human development observed in the country.
This means that, if you qualify, you will inherit one of the strongest passports in the world, granting you many benefits.
Advantages of French Citizenship
Becoming a French citizen brings several advantages. First of all, you do not have to renounce your original Brazilian citizenship, allowing you to enjoy the best of both situations. For example, you can maintain properties, investments, and businesses in Brazil as a native, and the same applies to France.
Being a Franco-Brazilian citizen will also allow you to hold two passports. With the Brazilian passport, you benefit from the ability to travel freely within Mercosur and several other countries without needing a visa for France.
With the French passport, you can live, travel, and reside in European countries without worrying about the 90-day limit that applies to those entering Schengen Area countries with a Brazilian passport.
Being a French citizen also guarantees the possibility of working and contributing to the country’s social security system, allowing you, if you wish, to retire (after age 64) through the French social security.
If having children is part of the couple’s plans, once you are a French citizen, this citizenship will also be passed on to the child.
Finally, the ability to legally choose where to live, work, or retire in more than one country offers flexibility that is priceless.
Economic or political situations in Brazil can fluctuate greatly over the years, and having the chance to live in France (or any European country) is a luxury I consider extremely valuable.
Understand the process for French citizenship.
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Step 1
Family Tree
It is very important to have a family tree that shows all your ancestors who "transmit" the citizenship, from your ancestor who came from Europe to you, as this makes it possible to know which certificates will be necessary for your French citizenship process. With the assistance of a French citizenship consultancy, this step becomes more efficient and organized.
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Step 2
Building the File
It will be necessary to have all birth, marriage (if applicable), and death (if applicable) certificates of all your ancestors who transmit citizenship to you, in full certified copy (Integral Teor). Specialized assistance can help in obtaining these documents.
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Step 3
Document Evaluation
The evaluation of all the documents in your file is one of the most important steps because even a small mistake can complicate your citizenship process, causing you to redo all translations and apostilles, which leads to higher costs and more time spent. Assistance ensures a thorough review, preventing future problems.
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Step 4
Sworn Translation
The sworn translation must be done by a certified sworn translator; therefore, it is not enough to have just any translation or one done by an uncertified person. Assistance can recommend certified translators to ensure the required quality.
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Step 5
Apostille
The apostille of the certificates is done at a notary’s office and marks the completion of building your file. This step finalizes the preparation of documents for the French citizenship process.
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Step 6
Decision
After identifying your ancestor who came from Europe, obtaining all the documents that link you to them, translating, and apostilling, you need to decide how to proceed with your process: In person in your ancestor’s country, in Brazil through the consulate, or judicially (via the courts).
About Alpha
Welcome to Alpha, your trusted partner on the path to obtaining French citizenship. We are a dedicated team of specialists in citizenship and immigration, committed to making the dream of French citizenship a reality for you and your family.
Our Experience
With over a decade of experience, we have earned a prominent position in the field of French citizenship consultancy.
Throughout all these years, we have helped countless people obtain citizenship in 10 European countries, including Italy, Portugal, Spain, Germany, Poland, Austria, France, Ireland, the United Kingdom, and Luxembourg.
Why Choose Alpha for Your French Citizenship Process:
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Regional Specialization: Our team specializes in the nuances and specific requirements of France, ensuring you receive personalized guidance tailored to your French citizenship case.
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Comprehensive Assistance: We offer a broad service that covers everything from the initial eligibility research to document preparation, translations, interview scheduling, and much more. Our complete assistance ensures that every step of your French citizenship process is handled with the utmost care and attention.
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Personalized Service: We value each client and are committed to providing personalized support, answering your questions and concerns at every stage of the citizenship process.
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Transparency and Trust: We believe in transparency in our services, ensuring you are always aware of the progress of your citizenship process and the costs involved.
