Dual citizenship in France

[modmodgirl 2]

Hi, my fiance and I will be married here in the US this April. Our goal is to eventually have dual citizenship. I understand that after he becomes a LPR for three years, he can apply to become a US citizen. Does anyone know How long is the process to gain citizenship in the US and is it different to have dual US EU citizenship? Are there costs? Please attach a thread if this has been discussed already. Thank you

[Laure&Colin 558]

Hi, my fiance and I will be married here in the US this April. Our goal is to eventually have dual citizenship. I understand that after he becomes a LPR for three years, he can apply to become a US citizen. Does anyone know How long is the process to gain citizenship in the US and is it different to have dual US EU citizenship? Are there costs? Please attach a thread if this has been discussed already. Thank you

I don't know what you mean with EU citizenship, there's no such thing. Each member country in the EU has their own specific rules about citizenship.

If your concern is to get French citizenship: you can apply after 5 years of being married to a French citizen if you live abroad. This time would be reduced to 3 years if you lived together in France. I'm not sure about the cost but there's certainly some kind of fees involved.

[Anna C. 4]

The US doesn't care whether you have another citizenship, but your home country might. Each country has their own regulations. At the citizenship interview I wouldn't necessarily advertise that I intend to keep the old one (aka don't mention it), kwim? The cost for applying for American citizenship is not dependent on your citizenship status in France, Timbuctu or Mars - it's always the same fee for the N-400.

I'm not sure about French rules and regulations. I suggest your fiance should read up on it on his/her country's website about it. I'm German (and American!), and Germany e.g. only allows for keeping the German citizenship if you apply for permission to keep which has to be a well-documented reason (most people can swing it really, it just takes research and effort). Some countries don't allow you to have two citizenships, I friend of mine was Ukranian and lost her old citizenship upon taking the oath to become an American. Germany took quite a bit of money from me for my permission papers (255 Euros to be precise, plus shipping and banking fees). It was well worth it.

As for you becoming a French citizen - no idea, again, your fiance should look up French rules and regulations. Generally, most countries require you to be a resident for a while before you can become a citizen. E.g. my hubbster cannot become a German anytime soon - we live in the US! No residency established in Germany so .... no. And some jobs will not allow you to be hold two citizenships (generally certain kinds of gov jobs).

Summary: the USA allows you to keep your old one. Your old country might not. Do your research before applying!

Edited February 8, 2012 by Anna C.

[ingucis78 1]

i know i loose mine too once i become US citizen,which i'm fine with.my kids can have both until the 18,but after that they have to pick one

[modmodgirl 2]

I am wondering about him having dual citizenship for the USA and France. Sorry I didn't clarify.

[Laure&Colin 558]

I am wondering about him having dual citizenship for the USA and France. Sorry I didn't clarify.

Not a problem, France allows dual citizenship. The process is the same for everyone, whatever their birth citizenship was.

[modmodgirl 2]

Thanks everyone, I did my research and he did too in France. Yes, an American citizen can have dual citizenship in France and vice versa. If the USC goes to France, you automatically are granted permanent residence (at no additional cost) and then after a year, the USC can apply for citizenship in France ( again no $).

[Laure&Colin 558]

Thanks everyone, I did my research and he did too in France. Yes, an American citizen can have dual citizenship in France and vice versa. If the USC goes to France, you automatically are granted permanent residence (at no additional cost) and then after a year, the USC can apply for citizenship in France ( again no $).

No, you got wrong information here. It's not after a year but after 3 years if the applicant is married to a French citizen and they both live in France.

As for "automatically" being granted permanent residence, I don't think so. It's certainly not such a hassle as it is in the US, but an application has to be made and a process has to be followed.

[Laure&Colin 558]

Update: US citizens do need a long stay visa before moving to France with their French spouse. Good news is that the whole visa process takes one week and it's free of charge...

All information here: http://www.consulfrance-losangeles.org/spip.php?article800

Nothing is "granted automatically", there's still a mountain of paperwork to deal with. One EXTREMELY important thing you will have to do is have your marriage recognized by the French authorities. Otherwise, you will never be considered a spouse of a French national.