least 5 years since the age of 11. The child does not require parental consent to make this declaration, unless they have a mental or physical disability that renders them unable to perform the procedure unilaterally. French citizenship acquired automatically at age 18 A child born to foreign parents acquires French citizenship automatically upon turning 18 if all of the following conditions are met:. The child was born in France; The child resides in France on their 18th birthday; and The child has had their primary residence in France for a total (but not necessarily continuous) period of at least 5 years since the age of 11. The child born in France to foreign parents, may however decline French nationality. French citizenship by adoption Plenary adoption is the only act of filiation which carries direct effects on nationality. Unlike the process of simple adoption, a child adopted according to the procedure of plenary adoption breaks any bond with his family of origin. 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 or her nationality. French citizenship by naturalization Eligibility resulting from residency A person aged 18 or above may apply for French citizenship by naturalization after five years' habitual and continuous residence in France (if married and with children, then the applicant must be living in France with his/her family). In addition, it is required that the applicant has his/her primary source of income in France during the five-year period. Those applying who are not European Union, European Economic Area or Swiss nationals are required to be in possession of a "titre de séjour" (a residence permit). The residence period may be completely waived for those who have served in the French military, for refugees, or in other exceptional cases. The residence period can be reduced to two years for a person who has either (a) completed two years of higher education in France, leading to a diploma, or (b) has provided or can provide important services to France due to his or her skills and talents, or (c) has completed an exceptional path of integration (activities or actions carried out in the civic, scientific, economic, cultural or sporting fields, etc.) . The residence period is counted backwards from the date on which the applicant lodged his/her naturalization application.