1. Article 21-21 of the Civil Code
Article 21-21 of the Civil Code refers to an exceptional procedure for French naturalization by decree “on the recommendation of the Minister of Foreign Affairs to any French-speaking foreigner who requests it and who contributes through their distinguished actions to the influence of France and the prosperity of its international economic relations.”
These “distinguished foreigners,” defined as successful or eminent individuals in their field who have a notable or remarkable reputation, may benefit from this exceptional procedure to become naturalized French citizens without necessarily fulfilling the traditional conditions for naturalization.
In the context of standard naturalization based on residence in France, the applicant must meet the following requirements (among other conditions):
- A minimum of five years of consecutive, legal residence in France (this minimum duration requirement may be reduced in certain cases),
- A B2 level of French language proficiency,
- Stable, regular, and taxable income earned and declared in France.
The two main criteria for benefiting from the exceptional naturalization provided for in Article 21-21 are as follows:
- The applicant must contribute to France’s reputation, and
- The applicant must contribute to the prosperity of France’s international economic relations.
Thus, distinguished foreign nationals eligible for this exceptional naturalization are not required to demonstrate the minimum duration of residence in France, French language proficiency, or income earned in France.
Nevertheless, the exceptional procedure has the same effects as a traditional naturalization by decree: the applicant becomes a French citizen with a French birth certificate and the possibility of obtaining a French passport.
2. Application to the case of George Clooney
The “distinguished foreigner” procedure generally applies to well-known individuals or recognized business leaders. It remains exceptional because it is initiated by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, which was the case for the naturalization of George Clooney and his wife, Amal Alamuddin ép. Clooney, on December 26, 2025.
In 2021, the couple purchased a Provençal country house and vineyard in Brignoles, a town in the Var department. They live a peaceful life in France, as George Clooney explained in an interview: “Here, people don’t take photos of your kids. There are no paparazzi lurking outside the school. That is essential for us.”[1]
Mr. Clooney donated 20,000 € to a neighboring town affected by flooding and speaks frequently of his commitment to human rights values, which echo the principles upheld by France. Mr. Clooney’s international popularity is also undeniable, given his numerous film appearances and his reputation as a film director.
The government considered that Amal Alamuddin ép. Clooney also fulfilled the conditions for naturalization, being a renowned international lawyer who also resides in France with her husband and their children.
French Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez commented that the Clooneys contribute to the influence and prosperity of economic relations: “An artist, an actor, a producer, … Mrs. Clooney is an international lawyer, they reside in the country and they contribute greatly to the cultural and intellectual influence of our country.” [2]
The government maintains that George Clooney and Amal Alamuddin ép. Clooney, did not receive special treatment, as they strictly followed the procedure outlined in Article 21-21. This includes security checks, regulatory interviews at the préfecture, and the payment of tax stamps required for application processing.
3. Other well-known individuals who have benefited from this exceptional procedure
There are other examples of well-known figures who have benefited from Article 21-21 of the Civil Code in the past.
- Jonathan Littell, in 2007. American novelist and winner of the 2006 Prix Goncourt.
- Evan Spiegel, in 2018. American founder and president of Snapchat.
- Maks Van Dyk, in 2019. South African rugby player for Stade Toulousain.
- Pavel Durov, in 2021. Russian founder of the instant messaging service Telegram.
- Joel Embiid, in 2022. Basketball player, considered one of the best players in the world, of Cameroonian origin.
Finally, according to some sources, American film director Jim Jarmusch would like to acquire French citizenship and, given his international reputation, he may be requesting citizenship based on the same procedure.[3]
The procedure remains an exceptional way of acquiring French nationality and is not suitable for everyone!
[1] Interview sur RTL en 2025 à l’occasion de la sortie de “Jay Kelly” sur Netflix : https://www.rtl.fr/culture/medias-people/ici-on-ne-prend-pas-de-photos-de-vos-gamins-sur-rtl-george-clooney-explique-pourquoi-il-aime-tant-la-france-7900572956
[2] https://www.france24.com/fr/vid%C3%A9o/20260102-la-famille-clooney-obtient-la-nationalit%C3%A9-fran%C3%A7aise-une-naturalisation-qui-fait-d%C3%A9bat
[3] https://www.radiofrance.fr/franceinter/podcasts/l-invite-de-7h50/l-invite-de-7h50-du-vendredi-26-decembre-2025-9937312
Want to obtain a visa to France or French citizenship?
Work with a French-American lawyer in France today.
