[Loveburns4me]

My father is french and has always maintained his french citizenship. When I was under 18, we wanted to make me a dual citizen, but my mother had sole custody of me, and as she did not get along with my father would not allow me to become one. Now that I am 21 and can get all the necessary paperwork myself, I want to know if this is still possible, or if I am too old. My father said you cannot apply after you turn 18, but he said the rules might have changed. After seeing this:


Filiation must be established while the child is a minor to take effect. Consequently, the recognition of a child older than the age of majority has no effect on his nationality (article 20-1 of the Civil Code)

I think I really am too late. But is there some kind of appeal I could file, as I had no legal say in the matter, and as a minor did not have access to my mother's papers.

[lawanwadee]

Having French mother and having French father are different in term of legal status. If you have French mother, you may claim French citizenship any time within 50 years, but if you have French father, citizenship must be claimed before you reach the age of 18.