My French Citizenship Ceremony 🥳

Can't get rid of me now 🌟 It's taken over a decade to get here. This week was my long-awaited French citizenship ceremony. I saved my best goal bottle for the occasion and invited some of my closest friends to crack it open & celebrate the end of a very long journey. 🥂
For some reason, ever since I was a kid, I wanted to "live in France."
I didn't know what that meant. Especially as evidenced by the fact that when I made it to Nice in 2007, I thought maybe I'd made a mistake 😅
It wasn't until I spent a week in Paris in 2008 that I realized where my heart had always been.
It took me until 2012 to make it back. I had neither a renewable visa, nor the resources to set that straight. I was forced to leave in 2013.
I made it my goal then not only to come back, but to make it stick this time. I wouldn't let anyone push me out of the city I loved. Not again.
It took my life falling completely apart in 2016 to take a chance on a visa I wasn't remotely qualified for. I got a completely different visa no one knew existed - the border agents looked at my passport like I was committing fraud. "Mais c'est quoi un 'passeport talent?'"
The préfecture looked at me in even crueler ways.
I had less than nothing to my name when I moved here in 2017. I went bankrupt in the US on the heels of making my escape. I was forced to start over. Completely.
I hadn't started the work yet, facing the realities of my childhood or the need to cut my mom completely out of my life. I hadn't found the friends that would teach me what it means to feel safe and accepted among peers. All I had was a tiny room to sleep in and an even smaller audience following my every move here on KZbin.
Thankfully, those two things proved to be enough.
To everyone who believed in me back then, when I ate demi-baguettes for breakfast to save money (travel tip, you can buy them in halves), and to everyone who ever supported me on Patreon or bought my guide or simply let me know how much my work meant to you, thank you. You saved my life. Thousands of times over.
I might have officially become French, but we all know I'm really a Parisian. Thanks for helping me stay, and for making the stay so worth it.
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My name is Jay Swanson - I'm an American writer living in Paris on an artist visa. Paris (yes the one in France) has been my home for years now and I have every intention of staying here for as long as they'll have me. I write science-fiction and fantasy, vlogged daily for 3+ years, and love pizza a little too much. Now I make videos about visiting Paris, traveling in Europe, and try to share what I've learned along the way. I hope you enjoyed what you found.
Links are affiliate links where they can be - meaning if you click through them and buy something, I'll get some pennies. Thanks! (The FTC wants me to tell you that up front)

[@Rhys-A]

I think you're the first person who's showing the full process of this Cérémonie de naturalisation en France for the first time! 🇫🇷

[@IRACEMABABU]

Félicitations et bienvenue dans la citoyenneté française ! Longue et heureuse vie parmi nous !

[@DurinSBane-zh9hj]

"We're going to have a ceremony ... but we won't tell you when until it's most inconvenient for you" Sounds on brand for France. Congratulations!

[@amyspeers8012]

My husband and I had to go to the mayor’s office to turn in some paperwork and we had a chat with the mayor. We told him we are working for citizenship. He got a huge smile and said he cannot wait for the ceremony with him!

[@brightgoldstar]

Congratulating on becoming French. Celebrate with a pic of you in a beret, and a scarf, holding a baguette on one hand and a glass of red wine on the other. 🇫🇷 🇫🇷 🇫🇷

[@Alfredosolotravels]

As an official french person now ,you are now required to go protest/riot at least once

[@HenriBourjade]

😂😂😂

[@andrewrobinson2565]

@@Alfredosolotravels I protested once while I was only British so I've done my bit 🤣 (higher education cuts by Thatcher - January 1981, London).

[@ericfavre2301]

also drinking wine and eating stinky cheese is mandatory now !

[@andrewrobinson2565]

@@ericfavre2301 I just paused KZbin to get "stinky cheese" out of the fridge - St. Felicien*, St. Agur* and Scottish cheddar. We was already ON the wine 🍷🇨🇵. *Ye already know what they are, of course. 😁🤭

[@andrewrobinson2565]

@@ericfavre2301 Salt and pepper squid 🦑 by the Med the neet. 🇨🇵🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@zenjii1]

So happy for you Jay finally achieving this long time goal of becoming a French citizen. So félicitations to you monsieur Jay!!!

[@michaelcosta6280]

Been following you since 2017, when we both moved to France at around the same time… So, I feel so proud of you! I know this has been a goal of yours (and mine) for a long time and… well, CONGRATULATIONS!!! 🎉🍾 I got mine last year and I know the exact feeling. Felicitations!! 🎉💙🤍❤️

[@calvinfehring8483]

Huge congratulations, in no small part because of your videos my wife and I have moved to France and are taking a French diploma course at the moment. Thank you for all the videos that have helped me remember why I love living in France while I'm dealing with all the paperwork

[@micrn777]

I have watched you for many years as you moved to Paris and found your new life filled with friends. You have accomplished your ultimate goal of citizenship. That's a great feat to accomplish. Felicitations 🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉

[@TeddyAura]

Félicitations, j' espère que sera mon tour l'année prochaine !!!

[@annecaro.3956]

embracing catholiic France is beautiful

[@cindygreif3077]

Congratulations! So happy for you! 🥂🇫🇷

[@SonnyGreenwichJr]

Beautiful stuff Jay, CONGRATULATIONS!! I really am so happy for you, proud to be a long standing friend from afar. Rumble young man rumble, ahhh! 🔥🧨💪🏽🤠👍🏽🧨🔥

[@JaySwanson]

Thank you Sonny! 🥳🥂🇫🇷

[@mara6699]

Ive been watching your videos since about 2019 (before my second trip to Paris). Jay Im happy for you and Im proud of you...especially because of the hoops you have had to jump through and your determination!! You are living your dream! Congrats!

[@hayleyoesch1313]

Congratulations, Jay! I'm still in Ile-de-France, and even though it's been 7.5 years, I'm still not eligible for citizenship or even permanent residence, apparently. Fortunately, I met the love of my life here in 2022 and we got PACSed this summer, which allows me to stay and work here more easily. Happy to see you're finally a citizen!

[@JaySwanson]

Keep it up, you'll get there!

[@bonriver9420]

Congratulations Jay on becoming a French citizen. You have worked very hard to achieve this. Thanks for bringing us along for the ceremony.

[@MmmGallicus]

Félicitations et bienvenue dans la communauté française !

[@jeanetteasmussen8233]

Une aboutissement ! Je vie en France depuis 1977 J’ai vécu en France le double de temps que dans mon pays d’origine Et à force je ne partage plus grand choses avec eux, à part la langue et quelques petits choses du à mon éducation Je suis Française Je pense en français, je rêve en français, mes enfants et mes petits-enfants sont français Hélas j’ai aussi un accent que j’ai à laisser tomber de perdre Et je ne suis absolument pas déçu d’être Français Je me trouvais dans le Golf pendant la première guerre Et parce que j’étais marié à un Français Les militaires Français m’ont évacué Je leur est à jamais redevable Les autres danois sur place ont du rester ou rentrer par leur propre moyens Et il n’y avait plus du tout d’avion commercial. Danmark ne peut pas protéger leur citoyen, trop petit Ils n’ont aucune influence sur rien. Ça fait du bien de vivre dans un grand pays, avec une histoire et une culture exceptionnelle. Voilà j’espère vous avoir répondu ?

[@brucejacquesStick]

How fantastic, congratulations. Savour the moment and what a great thing to reflect on how you got to this moment. 😀

[@guyl9456]

I am jealous! 🤨🤨🤨My first language is French I have been watching French movie, French tv, read French books all my life and am not a French citizen. But blague à part it was not a done deal but you earned it. Congrats. And celebrating with Paul Taylor is quite pleasant. I hope he gave you some free tickets to his shows.

[@organizstylist7732]

I have been following you for a couple of years now. I did not claim my French citizenship via birthright until I was 50 yrs old, and I am so glad that I did. I have both US and French citizenship and love it. I am seriously considering spending 2025-2008 living there, just to get out of the US during the next Presidential term. Congratulations to you for moving and becoming a citizen in a truly democratic country.

[@SD._]

Another Democrat. Best time to be in the US and you are leaving. 😮

[@chrsf589]

The US is still the best country to live in the world. Despite what the gurus out there tell you. I went back to Canada in 2002. Maybe I should’ve stayed Idk. So many opportunities and things to see in the states

[@BruceHamilton]

@organizstylist7732 do it! We are ✌️ Ready for adventure

[@abeach5420]

Yes.... get outta 'there' ... or at least get to WA or OR states. All so many worried, incl. self, for the majority of you all. Paris of course is hard to navigate am sure.... many mini 'halls' of goods needed/getting legit repair pple etc. Hopefully you get to do whatever you wish.

[@sandrinecozic7214]

Démocratique ? Vraiment 😮, moi j aurais attendu que Macron s en aille avant pour venir .....

[@erinmh]

Congrats Monsieur Jay!! Been watching since 2018; this is true a full circle moment!!

[@vanessazannis5523]

Congratulations! I’m so happy for you. That’s a huge achievement. Thank you for sharing your big moment with us

[@Danilyn_Livao]

Congratulations on your French citizenship! 🎉 What an exciting and monumental moment-such a huge achievement! Wishing you all the best as you embark on this new chapter! 🥳✨

[@JaySwanson]

Thank you so much!!

[@Danilyn_Livao]

​@@JaySwanson You're so welcome! ☺ I'm looking forward for more great contents from you! 👍

[@2cute2021]

Congratulations! I stumbled onto your channel a while ago and love seeing Paris through your eyes. Very happy for you!🎉

[@michaeljay3629]

Congratulations! It’s been so exciting to watch this!

[@pathie]

Congratulations!!! Thank you for sharing this milestone with us :)

[@debsnow2806]

Congratulations, Jay. Even though you are downplaying it, it feels very special and I am so glad you persisted!

[@SeriouslyJaded]

I found your channel yesterday because of cooper. Stayed because you’re an entertaining guy - and of course cooper. Congratulations on being Frenched - I lived there for some years back in the 90s but near the Swiss border as I commuted across for work. Your videos bring back some fond memories. Also Cooper. He reminds me of my Boston that had to be put to sleep last week.

[@debralewis6437]

Congratulations Jay!!! You’ve worked so hard getting here. All the best, you deserve it! Thanks for bringing us along.

[@thetwopointslow]

Congrats Jay!! As an American who lives in middle America, I am incredibly jealous 😃🥲

[@JaySwanson]

Maybe one day!

[@thetwopointslow]

@ thanks! Let’s hope!

[@ruskov5685]

Dont be !

[@PokhrajRoy.]

Both you and Paul being an underrated chaotic comedy duo in that interrogation room/‘80s office 😂

[@BruceHamilton]

Congrats! Idk how long I've been watching you but it feels like ages. Well deserved!

[@gloriajohnstone6155]

Congratulations Jay!!!!!🎉🍾🎊. I am so happy for you !!!! You are an inspiration to me live out my dreams!!!

[@JaySwanson]

Do it! Live 'em all!

[@gloriajohnstone6155]

❤

[@abeach5420]

Congrats Jay ... Continued best to you and the doggo.

[@erikat5678]

Such an amazing accomplishment! Congrats again, Jay! 🎉 Soooo Jelly! 😂

[@KBinturong]

Ohh Jay it's been so long that I haven't seen your content ! I'm so glad for you ! We met at a meeting with other expat in Paris few years ago and I really enjoyed meeting you ! Félicitations !

[@debby6235]

Congratulations! 🎉🎈🍾. This is amazing, so happy for you. And given the current climate here in the US ha ha, quite jealous 😂

[@laurentfignon]

Having experienced becoming a US citizen in NYC, I can tell you this looks like a much more glorious experience

[@domitiennegegou5967]

I was eagerly waiting for that. You had said it would be in September! Bon, ben, maintenant on est concitoyens... ❤

[@JBugz777]

A la votre Monsieur Swanson! Champagneeee! 🍾🥂🇫🇷

[@JaySwanson]

🥂🥂

[@marc9080]

Bienvenue chez toi en France cher citoyen! Bravo, je suis certain que tu feras un excellent français dans quelques années tu pourras être citoyen d'honneur?? bonne chance et vive la France avec un frère de plus!

[@Joel-hz1so]

Congratulations🎉 I started following you ever since you livestreamed the notre dame fire in 2019 So it's quite the full circle 😊

[@cathywaters6233]

Congratulations 🎉🎉Ten long years of working towards your goal is a great accomplishment 🎉❤

[@marcuisse]

FÉLICITATIONS TU ES OFFICIELLEMENT L"UN DES NÔTRES !!! (même si tu l'es depuis presque 10 ans en réalité aha), much love !

[@TonyHightower]

Congrats, man. I know how big this is for you, even with out all the [waves at everything]. I've been here two years, and I'm keen to start my paperwork as soon as they'll let me.

[@williampowell7983]

Absolutely stunning, and exciting. Congratulations to you. Very wonderful.

[@recklessgambit3385]

I love the view from those seats at Le Flore en L'Isle. Congrats on your new citizenship!

[@flatironnewyork]

congratulations jay!! i've been watching since you renewed a couple of editions of petit sejours. this is such a monumental milestone!! (and tbh, i'm a little jealous) 😆

[@HippocraticHustle]

Félicitations! Ive been following your story (and I’m a Patreon, huzzah!). I just got here in September and I hope to have the same experience in 5+ years. ❤

[@Andreas231x]

Joyous looking get together at the end, just fabulous. Congratulations, Jay, and thanks for sharing 🎉

[@glennmartin346]

Freaking awesome!!! One morning you'll wake up and it will hit you. Congratulations

[@erpatitube]

Congratulations on this major milestone of your life!

[@carlbelmorejr]

Congratulations!!! When I got my Norwegian citizenship, I had lived here for over 10 years already as a "permanent resident" due to me being married at the time to a Norwegian. The swearing in ceremony (which took place several months after I officially became a citizen and which was not required to attend) took place in a medieval fortress banquet hall called Håkons Hall in Bergen. So, my ceremony was exciting and very ceremonial. We all received a very nice hardback book on Norway and had our picture taken with a government official whose name I cant remember. Definitely a day to remember.

[@JaySwanson]

Wow! That sounds incredible!

[@suzanneallison6163]

Merveilleuse..!!! Enjoy the freedoms it offers you and Cooper. Best wishes from San Diego.

[@ashleyholm5637]

What a happy day! Congratulations!

[@PeenyDubs]

Congrats Jay! You should take some time to feel proud of yourself. What an accomplishment!

[@yungfever]

Bravo pour ta nationalité !! Heureux de partager ce beau pays avec toi 🇫🇷😉

[@intercepte]

tu blagues ou quoi faut avoir minimum un diplôme pour prouver que tu comprends les règles...

[@JaySwanson]

merci!

[@JaySwanson]

?

[@iamconsomateur3832]

@@JaySwansonas a french in total honesty, you shouldn’t ask for this citizen ship, it’s worthless but even worse now you accepted a pact with the devil the french government own you.

[@danguid2753]

@@iamconsomateur3832 T'as rien compris, c'est un américain pour lui c'est un bonus !

[@caromurray6152]

Congratulations. The ceremony reminded me of when I got my Australian citizenship. Due to a backlog they introduced the abbreviated version at a local town hall very similar to your drab police station. Also due to a delay in posting the letters I received my notification the day before! Luckily work let me come in late that day.Oh & it was Friday the 13th!!😂

[@lauraniebel3510]

I had a very different experience when I became an Aussie citizen: large ceremony at a university campus with around 2000 people becoming citizen that day, comedian on stage, speeches etc. That was on Australia Day about 15 years ago. Definitely glad I did it!

[@Ancaragonn]

Congratulations to you ! Welcome into the French community, as a French I would say thank you for your determination and love of our democracy that is now yours too Hope you'll love protesting and daygrazing with us !

[@soniakhurana3173]

Congratulations ! This is a big achievement 👏👏 God bless u and cooper 🐶❤️

[@kueller917]

Absolute congratulations! While I still moved here with a job I also spent the last of my US money on the move and first couple months leading to a very relatable first year as your story in the description. I hope I can make it to this point too but I still have a couple years until I can even start applying.

[@Justanothertrickyday]

I’ve been following you since 2019. So happy for you!!🎉🎉🎉

[@l.m.m.tucker6998]

Love that the video begins with Cooper sprinting out!!! ❤

[@lauriecalery8801]

Cheers to your success Jay! Huge deal done.

[@andyshacks7812]

Jay, Jay, Jay est Français ! Love it ! Félicitations Jay! 🥂🥂

[@amourflower9893]

Congratulations, you have been wanting this for a very long time.

[@FeliciaFig13]

Félicitations ! Looking dapper, Jay!🎉

[@AlbandAquino]

Congrats man. Well deserved !

[@thefloatingrock]

Congratulations! What an amazing journey!

[@lauriewilson2483]

Bless. You make me smile. Long life!

[@PokhrajRoy.]

Félicitations, monsieur! 🎉 (Looking so cool & dapper) 1:48 Omg Paul Taylor cameo woooooooooo

[@gabrielleparis3532]

🇫🇷♥️Congratulations Jay!

[@starks1974]

Citizenship and Seahawks won…someone is having a good week! Congratulations 🎊🍾

[@Writerdane]

Congratulation Jay! Truly amazing!

[@DavidS5118]

A very hearty congratulations Jay.

[@MN-vz8qm]

Bienvenue citoyen ! Ton béret et ta baguette arrivent par La Poste.

[@JaySwanson]

J'ai hâte de les recevoir ;)

[@ch02063]

Sincere congratulations man! You write history.

[@MarcMolk]

Félicitation ! Bienvenue cher compatriote !

[@DomDom-tw5jk]

Bravo et bienvenue ! 😉

[@lydialandry8841]

Congratulations Jay!!

[@musiccreation1198]

Congrats !!! I'm soooo jealous. :)

[@jahanas22]

Congrats on the end of a long journey.

[@kc-xb9dr]

With time and perseverance.. "Congratulations!"

[@andser89]

Congratulations! Now waiting for your videos in French.

[@1nathanstephens]

You're looking like the French President in that suit, Mr Swanson. Emmanuel better watch out! 😂 Felicitations Monsieur 🍾

[@annahart7115]

Congrats, Jay! Congrats 🍾

[@auntiemjo]

CONGRATULATIONS JAY!!!!! And now to decide on that first stamp in the French passport. Oh wait, that is not happening any more, right?

[@jacqueline4749]

Congratulations ❤ You really deserve it.

[@Olivier-GM]

Félicitations ! Bienvenue dans le club. 😊 Tu es aussi devenu citoyen européen.😉

[@marilynleslie472]

Congratulations!❤🎉🍾😊🎈

[@roykenyon886]

A+ Jay; like you say been a long time coming.

[@Radicalmama13]

Congrats! 🎉bravo ! 🎊 🍾🥂

[@joanne_ft]

I particularly enjoyed seeing your video as I never had a ceremony, being naturalised during covid times.

[@CyrilleParis]

Bienvenue! If one of the parents is French, whatever his/her history (being born French or naturalised), even if they are not married, their children are automatically French.

[@michellebrooks1060]

Congratulations!!!🎉 🍾🎊

[@pascalolivier4458]

Nice to see Paul Taylor in your video :) Congrats with you new citizenship.

[@maria_lara111]

🎉🎉🎉 you must be so proud of yourself !

[@JaySwanson]

I am chuffed!

[@moshe1arem]

Congrats. I know that feeling 🎉🎉