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What are the conditions for a civil marriage to be recognised in France?
Model-written, not yet read by a native reader.
Correct answer: Being over 18, not being closely related, and agreeing freely. Two people can marry if they are over 18 and both agree. They must not be closely related. Marriage between brother and sister is forbidden. Source: the Ministry of the Interior sheet “La déclaration de mariage” (in French).
Sources: Sheet “La déclaration de mariage” (French), read on 21 October 2026. Answer written by Hexaciv from this source. Hexaciv is an independent preparation tool. It is not an official website, is not linked to any government body and does not give legal advice. The authoritative source is the Ministry of the Interior's, cited on this page.
The four choices and why
- ✗ Having a permanent job and a homeAvoir un travail en CDI et un logement à soiA work contract is not a condition for marriage.
- ✗ Having French nationality and being of different sexesÊtre de nationalité française et de sexe différent du conjointTwo people of the same sex can also marry, with no nationality condition.
- ✗ Having a religious ceremony before the town hallAvoir fait une cérémonie religieuse avant le passage à la mairieOnly the civil marriage is recognised, a religious ceremony is not required.
- ✓ Being over 18, not being closely related, and agreeing freelyÊtre majeur, ne pas avoir de lien de parenté proche et être d'accordCorrect answer. Two people can marry if they are over 18 and both agree. They must not be closely related. Marriage between brother and sister is forbidden.
What the source says
« et qu’elles peuvent donner un consentement libre et éclairé au mariage. »
Sentence copied word for word from the source, in French, read on 21 October 2026.
How it reads on exam day
The exam is in French, so this is the question you will see: « À quelles conditions un mariage civil est-il reconnu en France ? ». Learn the English idea above and the French words in the options.
This question is on the official list for the multi-year residence card (CSP). The Ministry's wording: “À quelles conditions un mariage est-il reconnu juridiquement ?”.
Where the Ministry explains it
Sheet “La déclaration de mariage” (French).
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