George and Amal Clooney Gain French Citizenship

Published: 30 December 2025. The English Chronicle Desk. The English Chronicle Online.

George Clooney and his wife Amal Clooney have officially been granted French citizenship, a move formalized through a decree published in France’s government gazette. The decision reflects the couple’s admiration for French culture and laws, particularly those that protect families from intrusive media attention. Earlier in December, George Clooney praised France’s privacy regulations in an interview with RTL radio, noting how the rules shield children from paparazzi outside schools and public spaces.

“I love the French culture, your language, even if I’m still bad at it after 400 days of courses,” Clooney remarked in English during the interview. He emphasized the importance of privacy, adding that the absence of paparazzi near schools was “number one for us” as parents. Amal Clooney, a British-Lebanese human rights lawyer fluent in French, has shared this admiration for France, making the citizenship acquisition a natural step for the family.

The Clooneys’ connection to Europe extends well before their marriage in 2014. George Clooney purchased his famed Lake Como estate in Italy in 2002, and the couple later acquired a historic manor in England. Their property in southern France, the Domaine du Canadel near Brignoles, was bought in 2021 and serves as their preferred family residence despite frequent international travel. The couple also maintains a New York apartment and a property in Kentucky, having sold homes in Los Angeles and Mexico in recent years.

Parents to eight-year-old twins, George and Amal Clooney have expressed that their French home brings them the greatest happiness. The estate allows the family both privacy and the chance to immerse themselves in French lifestyle and culture. Clooney has been recognized not only for his acting career but also for his achievements behind the camera. He won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor in 2006 for Syriana and another Oscar as a producer for Argo in 2012, cementing his reputation as a versatile Hollywood figure.

Clooney is not alone among celebrities seeking French citizenship. US director Jim Jarmusch recently announced plans to pursue French nationality, citing similar reasons. Speaking to France Inter radio, Jarmusch expressed his desire for a place offering a reprieve from the United States, emphasizing his admiration for French culture and lifestyle. His comments highlight a growing trend of high-profile figures seeking refuge and privacy within France’s borders, reflecting the country’s unique blend of cultural allure and legal protections.

For George Clooney and his family, French citizenship represents both a practical and personal decision. Beyond the legal status, it provides a secure environment for raising their children, a sanctuary from constant media scrutiny, and a home where the family feels genuinely content. Clooney’s frequent travels for acting, directing, and producing commitments now return to a stable base in southern France, reinforcing the family’s deep European ties.

In addition to privacy, the Clooneys’ French estate offers cultural immersion and lifestyle enrichment, aligning with Amal Clooney’s professional work and multilingual fluency. Their choice underscores a broader pattern among global figures who increasingly value countries that offer both cultural sophistication and legal safeguards for personal life. The Domaine du Canadel, with its historic charm and scenic surroundings, embodies the family’s appreciation for heritage, leisure, and tranquility, contrasting with the relentless pace of Hollywood.

While maintaining international residences, the Clooneys’ French citizenship formally establishes a long-standing connection to France, cementing their dual nationality alongside the United States. Their decision may inspire other prominent figures seeking similar protections and lifestyle benefits. For the Clooneys, France has become more than a vacation destination; it is a permanent home where family, privacy, and cultural engagement converge.

The official decree represents more than a bureaucratic formality—it signals the Clooneys’ commitment to French life and their desire to integrate fully into the nation’s cultural fabric. Observers note that the choice of France also complements Amal Clooney’s legal career, which often intersects with international human rights law, offering both personal and professional synergy.

As Hollywood continues to grapple with privacy concerns, the Clooneys’ move may encourage other celebrities to consider citizenship in countries with protective family laws. It also highlights the appeal of Europe for those seeking stability, discretion, and rich cultural experiences. For George and Amal, France provides a unique balance between professional obligations and private family life, allowing them to flourish in both domains.

Ultimately, French citizenship for George Clooney and his family symbolizes a profound personal choice grounded in culture, privacy, and lifestyle. The move resonates with those valuing discretion, family protection, and immersion in European traditions. As the Clooneys settle into their southern French estate, their decision underscores the enduring attraction of France as a haven for privacy-conscious and culturally engaged individuals worldwide.