French nationality of a stateless child born in France (enfant apatride)

A child born stateless in France is French from birth. This is the case, for example, when the child's parents are themselves stateless, are unknown, or when their nationality cannot be passed on at birth. To prove the child's French nationality, you request a certificat de nationalité française (French nationality certificate). You must make this request before the child turns 18.

Steps

1. Request a certificat de nationalité française (French nationality certificate) to prove the child's French nationality. Make the request before the child turns 18.

Key facts

• A child born stateless in France is given French nationality from birth.
• A child may be born stateless in France in one of these situations: the child is born in France to parents who are themselves stateless, to unknown parents, or to parents whose nationality cannot be passed on at birth.
• To prove the child's French nationality, you request a certificat de nationalité française before the child turns 18.
• A child's French nationality, whether the child is born in France or not, depends mainly on the parents' nationality.