Can You Keep Your British Citizenship if You Become French?

If you are planning a new life in France, you might eventually find yourself thinking about becoming a French citizen. Perhaps you have lived in France for several years, feel completely at home in your local community and want to make your move permanent.

But what happens to your British citizenship if you decide to become French?

The good news is that you can generally hold both British and French citizenship. This is known as dual citizenship or dual nationality, and neither the UK nor France normally requires you to give up your original citizenship when acquiring the other.

For British people who have made France their home, this means becoming French does not necessarily mean losing your connection to the UK.

Does France Allow Dual Citizenship?

Yes. French law allows people to hold more than one nationality. If you are a British citizen and successfully apply for French citizenship, you can generally retain your British nationality.

Likewise, a French citizen who becomes a British citizen does not normally have to give up their French nationality.

This is particularly reassuring for people who have moved to France after Brexit. You can potentially become a full French citizen while retaining your British citizenship, giving you rights associated with both nationalities.

You can read more about the rules on the official French government website, Service-Public.fr.

Why Would You Want to Become a French Citizen?

For some people, permanent residence in France is enough. Others may want to take the additional step of becoming French.

French citizenship can offer several benefits, particularly if you see France as your long-term home.

The right to live and work in France: French citizens have the right to live and work in France without needing to renew a residence permit or maintain an immigration status.

EU freedom of movement: As a French citizen, you are also an EU citizen. This gives you rights to live and work in other EU countries, subject to the applicable rules and conditions.

Political participation: French citizenship generally gives you the right to vote in French national elections, provided you meet the relevant registration requirements.

A stronger sense of belonging: For people who have lived in France for many years, becoming a citizen can be a meaningful way to formalise their connection to the country they now call home.

Of course, citizenship is a personal decision. You do not necessarily need to become French to enjoy life in France, and many British residents are happy to retain their British nationality and the residence status that allows them to live there.

How Can a British Citizen Become French?

There are several routes to French citizenship, depending on your circumstances. One common option for British residents is naturalisation, which involves applying to become French after meeting the relevant eligibility requirements.

The requirements can include a qualifying period of residence in France, evidence of integration into French society, sufficient knowledge of French and other conditions relating to your personal circumstances.

The standard residence requirement for naturalisation is generally five years, although exceptions and alternative routes exist. Meeting the residence requirement alone does not guarantee that an application will be approved.

You will need to provide supporting documents and follow the application process set out by the French authorities. Requirements can change, so it is worth checking the official guidance before beginning.

You can find information about French nationality through Service-Public.fr.

Will You Need a French Passport?

If you become a French citizen, you can apply for a French passport. You do not have to give up your British passport simply because you obtain a French one.

Holding both passports can be useful when travelling, particularly because each passport demonstrates your citizenship and associated rights.

However, there are a few practical points to remember. When travelling to the UK, British dual citizens should generally use a valid British passport or another permitted document, such as a certificate of entitlement to the right of abode. You should check the latest UK entry requirements before travelling.

When you are in France, the French authorities will generally treat you as French rather than as a British visitor. You should not assume that you can rely on your British citizenship to avoid French laws or requirements that apply to French citizens.

There can also be limits on the diplomatic assistance available to dual nationals. For example, the British government generally cannot provide diplomatic assistance to a dual British-French citizen while they are in France, the other country of their nationality.

For further details, visit the official GOV.UK dual citizenship guidance.

Does Becoming French Affect Your UK Pension or Property?

Becoming a French citizen does not, in itself, mean you lose your UK pension or have to sell property you own in Britain.

However, citizenship is separate from tax residence, pension entitlement and the rules governing property ownership. Your tax position will depend on your circumstances and the relevant UK and French tax rules, rather than simply on which passport you hold.

If you receive a UK pension, own property in the UK or have investments in either country, it is worth understanding how living in France affects your financial arrangements. Taking appropriate advice can help you avoid confusion and plan ahead.

Is Becoming French the Right Choice for You?

If you are happy living in France and intend to stay for the long term, French citizenship may be worth exploring. For others, a suitable residence permit may provide everything they need without the additional application process.

The important point is that you generally do not have to choose between being British and being French. Dual citizenship is permitted by both countries, allowing you to retain your British nationality if you successfully become French.

At A New Life in France, we help people understand the practicalities of moving to and living in France, from visas and residency to property, healthcare and everyday life.

If you are considering making France your permanent home, explore our guides at A New Life in France and take the next step towards planning your future.