Certificate of French Nationality (CNF)
The Certificate of French Nationality (Certificat de Nationalité Française – CNF) is an official document that formally confirms that you hold French nationality.
It serves as legal proof of your citizenship status and may be required for various administrative procedures in France.
When Do You Need a CNF?
You may be asked to provide a CNF when:
- Applying for your first French identity card or passport
- Registering for a public examination or competition
- Applying for a position in the French public service
The certificate specifies the legal basis of your French nationality, including:
- Applicable legal provisions
- Relevant facts (such as birth or residence)
- Legal acts (such as marriage or naturalisation)
How to Apply for a CNF
To apply, you must complete, date, and sign Cerfa Form No. 16237 (Application for a Certificate of French Nationality – Demande de Certificat de Nationalité Française).
Supporting Documents
Original Documents Required
All supporting documents must be submitted in their original form, including official translations where applicable. Copies are not accepted.
Exceptions
A clear and legible copy may be accepted for the following documents:
- Official identity documents
- Documents issued in a single original copy that is not retained by the issuing authority (e.g. family record book / livret de famille)
However, the original versions must be presented:
- When submitting your application at the court, or
- At any time during the review process if requested by the court clerk
If you reside abroad and submit your application by post, you may be required to present original documents at a French diplomatic or consular authority.
If You Have a Court Decision
If a court decision has already recognised your French nationality, you must attach a copy of that decision to your completed Cerfa Form No. 16237 when applying.
Where to Submit Your Application
Your completed and signed application form, along with all required supporting documents, must be submitted:
- By post, or
- In person
to the Court of Law in Paris (French Nationality Service).
Final Note
Applying for a CNF requires careful preparation and submission of original documentation. Ensuring that your application is complete and properly supported will help avoid delays in processing.
If you need guidance with your CNF application, our team is here to assist you.
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