Talking about children born in France at your citizenship interview
Your children may be part of your story in France, especially if they were born or go to school here. They should not be your only reason for applying. The interview also covers your own background, values and plans as a citizen.
Last updated: 6 July 2026
The right place for children in your answer
Children who live, grow up or go to school in France can show your ties here. Your family life may involve school, the town hall, health services or local activities.
Citizenship also concerns you personally. Explain what France means to you, how you live republican values and why you want to become a French citizen.
Talk about school simply
School is a concrete example of life in France. Mention homework, teacher meetings, activities, learning French, shared rules and equal opportunities.
Avoid vague statements about your children's feelings. Give a precise example of their schooling and the steps you take as part of daily life in France.
Phrases to make your own
Family ties
Mes enfants sont nés / scolarisés en France. Leur vie quotidienne est ici, et moi aussi j'ai construit ma vie autour de mon travail, de l'école et de notre commune.
School and values
L'école m'a aidé à mieux comprendre les valeurs de la République, notamment l'égalité des chances, la laïcité et le respect des règles communes.
Long-term plans
Ma demande de nationalité correspond à un projet familial durable, mais aussi à ma volonté personnelle de participer à la vie citoyenne française.
Local life
Nous participons à la vie locale par l'école, les activités, les démarches administratives et les relations de voisinage. Cela montre que notre vie est organisée ici.
What to avoid
- Presenting your children as an automatic reason to grant citizenship.
- Saying you want citizenship only for them.
- Exaggerating their role in your application.
- Forgetting your own background and reasons for applying.
- Using emotional phrases without a concrete example.
Possible questions about family
- Vos enfants sont-ils scolarisés en France ?
- Comment suivez-vous leur scolarité ?
- Quelle place a la langue française dans votre famille ?
- Participez-vous à des activités locales avec eux ?
- Comment expliquez-vous les valeurs de la République à vos enfants ?
Practice example
Practice example — not a published official question
Vos enfants sont-ils une raison importante de votre demande ? Practice example — not a published official question
Oui, je veux devenir français parce que mes enfants sont ici. Practice example — not a published official question
Mes enfants font partie de mes attaches en France, car ils sont scolarisés ici et notre vie familiale est organisée ici. Mais ma demande est aussi personnelle : je travaille et je vis en France depuis [durée], je respecte les valeurs de la République et je souhaite participer pleinement à la vie citoyenne. Practice example — not a published official question
What to remember
- Children can show your ties, but do not replace your own reasons for applying.
- School is a useful example of daily life, shared rules and values.
- Keep your answer calm, concrete and personal.
- Do not suggest citizenship is automatic because your children live in France.
Sources, trust and limits
Cap Nationalité is independent. Content uses public themes from the citizen's handbook and administrative sources. It does not replace official sources. Examples help you prepare; they are not required answers or guarantees of a favourable decision. Cap Nationalité learning guidance
Take the free assessment
Not sure what to study first? Take the free assessment without an account to find your weaker points before preparing interview answers.
Common questions
Can I mention my children if the question is not about them?
Yes, if it helps explain your ties. Keep a balanced answer, then return to your own background and reasons for applying.
Should I say my children were born in France?
You can if it is true and useful. Do not present it as an automatic argument. Explain your own life and plans too.
Can I talk about school?
Yes. School shows daily life in France, especially if you follow your children's education, meetings or school administration.
What if I do not have children?
That is not a problem. Talk about work, local life, studies, family and friends, administrative tasks or plans in France.