Thinking of applying for French citizenship? Then read on….

So with the British public having voted to leave the EU in June of this year, Theresa May is now working on how to make this happen. So the question on many British expats’ minds now living in France is what will happen to them? The answer is that no-one has really decided yet. But it is looking likely that Britan will stop the free movement of people throughout Europe and therefore European countries are likely teo reciprocate this decision.

So what does this mean? Well this probably means that British people would lose the right to move freely and work in any country in the European Union without a visa or residency permit. As a result, many Brits living in France are looking at applying for French citizenship to preserve their rights to live and work in France.

So what does this involve? Well you have to have lived in France for at least 5 years, show that you can support yourself and your family, prove that you are integrated into French society and of course prove that you are proficient in the French language. To apply for your citizenship, you have to be able to prove that you have a level B1 (intermediate) in French which you prove by taking one of the approved examinations which includes the TCF (test de connaissance de français).

One such person is Paul Watts who moved permanently to the area around 6 years ago with a ‘schoolboy’ level of French. Through continued learning, French courses with Alpine French School, working and socialising with French people, Paul has achieved a B1-B2 level of French. He took his TCF exam in October 2016 after an Intensive French Course with Alpine French School to prepare him for the exam. With the help of Lucile and Christelle, he learnt useful exam skills and techniques, he expanded his vocabulary and worked on all aspects of his French that would be tested during the exam. Despite finding the exam challenging, he passed both the listening and speaking sections and is delighted to be able to pursue his application for French citizenship!

August 4th, 2025
Chamonix News

Major Changes to French citizenship requirements: what you need to know

There has recently been some news about the language requirements to apply for French citizenship. What is changing and when? On 15th July, 2025, the French government announced that from January 1st, 2026, the required level of French for acquiring French nationality will increase from B1 to B2. This change…

July 17th, 2025
Activities Chamonix News

Piste X Code: an important initiative created in Morzine, active in Chamonix and across the Alps

Piste X Code is an important initiative created in Morzine by Amie Henderson and Louise Paley, which is also actively promoted in Chamonix and across the Alps. The Piste X Code aims to make us all more considerate on the mountain, to help avoid accidents and to keep skiers and…

July 4th, 2025
Activities Chamonix News

Alpine French School Morzine & Chamonix support the Piste X Code

Alpine French School Morzine & Chamonix is a proud supporter of Piste X Code. Piste X Code was created in 2022 by Amie Henderson and Louise Paley after they observed several tragedies on the ski slopes. They felt that many of these accidents are unavoidable and they set out on…

April 22nd, 2025
Chamonix Courses

Prepare for the DELF B2 in Chamonix – 12th May

Are you getting ready to take the DELF B2 exam? Join our B2 preparation course with other locals in Chamonix on 12th May and boost your confidence and performance before your exam! This focused session will help you: Get to grips with the exam format Practise key skills with expert…