OBTAIN A FRENCH PASSPORT THROUGH YOUR ANCESTRAL LINKS
A PATHWAY TO FRENCH CITIZENSHIP
France, which is traditionally an attractive immigration destination to affluent individuals, has in particular gained popularity as a destination for securing an additional citizenship, such as French citizenship by ancestry. Mr. Jean-Francois Harvey, Global Managing Partner of Harvey Law Group, an international law firm that specializes in business and investment immigration matters, attributed the popularity of the French citizenship option to the simple and affordable nature of its French citizenship-by-ancestry legal regime and the unparalleled benefits that come from being a French citizen.
BENEFITS OF SECURING FRENCH CITIZENSHIP-BY-ANCESTRY
“The recent surge in queries for French citizenship-by-ancestry is hardly surprising when one considers the advantages and benefits that French passport brings,” said Mr. Harvey. Being French not only allows one to live, work, and study in France and across all the 27 EU member states without getting a visa, it also grants access to the French passport, which is the world’s third most powerful passport in terms of travel freedom in 2022.
QUALIFYING FOR FRENCH CITIZENSHIP-BY-ANCESTRY
The process to securing French citizenship-by-ancestry is fairly straight-forward. “Whilst foreign nationals typically undergo complex and lengthy naturalization processes in securing French citizenships, those lucky enough to have ancestors who are French may be French citizen without even realizing it,” Harvey states.
Put simply, a person is born French if one of his parents is a citizen of France. Link This applies irrespective of the applicant’s place of birth, absence of ties to France (whether economic, residential or other) or French language abilities. Children adopted by at least one French parent may also be eligible to claim French citizenship if plenary adoption has extinguished their ties to their biological parents before they turned 18.
Notably, individuals with French grandparents may also claim French passport, provided that at least one of their parents successfully registers as a French citizen before, in turn, they also do. “With over 20 million people reported of French ancestry around the world, it is possible that an astonishing number of people could qualify to apply for French citizenship if they delve deep into their family histories and demonstrate an uninterrupted lineage with a qualifying French ancestor,” said Harvey.
PROCESS TO SECURING A FRENCH PASSPORT THROUGH YOUR ANCESTRAL LINK
To obtain a first French passport, it will be necessary to apply for a certificate of French nationality through the submission of a French citizenship by descent application. Applicants would be asked to present documentation to prove their relationships with their French parent and the citizenship status of their French parent.
If approved, a certificate of French nationality would be issued, clearing the path to apply for the French Citizenship and obtain a French passport.
“It is important to note that a degree of uncertainty is involved in applying for French citizenship-by-ancestry, because the immigration authorities may refuse your application if they find that your parent had lost his citizenship before you are born.
Loss of French citizenship, for example, could occur if neither the parent nor the ancestor from whom the parent obtained the French citizenship has established a sufficient link with France for an extended period of time. To better determine your eligibility for French citizenship-by-ancestry, I advise that you complete a free eligibility assessment with one of our lawyers,” Harvey states.
France isn’t the sole European nation offering citizenship based on ancestry. Several other countries boast similar programs, including:
- Portugal: Portugal opens its doors to descendants of Sephardic Jews expelled during the Inquisition, along with those with Portuguese ancestry depending on specific circumstances.
- Romania: Romania welcomes descendants of Romanian citizens, with variations based on the generation and how citizenship was lost.
- Slovakia: Individuals with Slovak heritage may qualify under specific conditions, such as having a Slovak parent or grandparent or demonstrating a connection to Slovak culture.
- Italy: Italy offers citizenship to those possessing an unbroken line of Italian descent.
- Spain: Spain extends citizenship opportunities to descendants of Sephardic Jews expelled during the medieval Inquisition.
The intricacies and requirements of these programs vary significantly. Thorough research into the specific country you’re interested in is paramount before embarking on your citizenship journey.
Why Harvey Law Group
When considering a Citizenship by Ancestry program, selecting the right legal partner is crucial for a successful application. Here are several reasons why you can trust Harvey Law Group (HLG) for your project:
- Expertise in Immigration Law: With over 30 years of experience, HLG specializes in Citizenship by Investment and Residency by Investment programs. Their extensive knowledge ensures that clients receive accurate and up-to-date information regarding the complexities of various Golden Visa programs.
- Global Presence: Operating in over 20 offices worldwide, HLG has a deep understanding of international immigration laws and practices. This global reach allows them to provide tailored advice that considers the specific needs and circumstances of clients from different countries.
- Proven Track Record: HLG has successfully assisted thousands of clients in obtaining residency and citizenship through investment programs. Their track record of successful applications speaks to their commitment to client satisfaction and effective legal representation.
- Comprehensive Services: HLG offers a full range of services, from initial consultations to application preparation and submission. Their team provides personalized guidance throughout the entire process, ensuring that clients are well-informed and confident in their decisions.
- Client-Centric Approach: HLG prioritizes the needs of their clients, offering transparent communication and support. They take the time to understand each client’s unique situation and tailor their services accordingly, ensuring a smooth and efficient application process.
- Access to Resources: As a leading law firm in this field, HLG has access to valuable resources and networks that can enhance your application. They stay informed about the latest changes in immigration policies, helping clients navigate any new requirements effectively.
- Commitment to Ethical Practices: HLG adheres to the highest ethical standards in their practice. They provide honest assessments of clients’ eligibility and potential outcomes, ensuring that clients make informed decisions without unrealistic expectations.
Choosing Harvey Law Group for your CBA project means partnering with a reputable firm that combines expertise, experience, and a client-focused approach to help you achieve your immigration goals.
If you are interested in learning more about the French Citizenship by Ancestry Program, please contact your local Harvey Law Group (HLG) office here for more details. Founded in 1992, HLG is a leading multinational law firm with offices across Asia, North and South America, Europe, Africa, and the Middle East to cater to your specific needs for immigration and beyond.
