Q&A for How to Join the French Foreign Legion

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Do I need to be fluent in French?

Community Answer

Not fluent, but knowing the basics would be advantageous. The Legion does have French courses you can take.

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Question

How do I join the Foreign Legion?

Community Answer

You must show up in person to apply and be under the age of 40.

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I am a refugee from Bangladesh, living in France. Can I submit my papers for the Foreign Legion?

Community Answer

Yes. The French Foreign Legion accepts people from all over the world.

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What are the physical requirements?

Animesh Gosavi

Community Answer

There are no height or weight requirements. However, your body mass index must be between 20 to 30.

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How can I apply to the French Foreign Legion from Nepal?

Community Answer

You have to travel to France and go to a recruiter station.

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Question

I want to join the French army. Now I am in Poland, and I am from Nepal. What can I do?

Community Answer

Travel to Aubagne or Paris and enlist.

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Where do I go to sign up?

Community Answer

Fort de Nogent, Boulevard du 25 Août 1944, 94120 Fontenay-sous-Bois, France

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Question

If I came to France without a Visa, can I join the French Foreign Legion?

Community Answer

Yes. You must, however, apply for a visa first.

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I am an Indian citizen. Can I join the French Foreign Legion?

Community Answer

Of course you can. People of any nationality or religion can join. You have to be between 17 and 40, though.

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Question

Can I join the French army if I only have a six-month visa?

Community Answer

Yes, you only need the visa to enter France and during the application/selection process, which is far less than six months.

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Question

Can I join if I have a prior criminal record?

Community Answer

For any serious crime, you will first be handed over to the authorities. If it's not so serious, you can simply join. The Legion will offer you a new ID and nationality to replace your old identity.

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Question

Where do I submit the form, and if in Paris, what is the address?

Community Answer

Your form should be given to the recruiting stations when you arrive. They are all located in Paris, one being more famous for accepting is the Fort de Nogent.

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Question

Why should I enlist in the legion if I am in a country that has its own military?

Community Answer

French citizenship may be applied for after three years' service. Additionally, any soldier who becomes injured during a battle for France immediately becomes a French citizen under a provision known as "Français par le sang versé" ("French by spilled blood"). If this sounds interesting to you, that could be a reason to enlist.

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Question

I weigh 53 kilograms and am 1.6 meters tall. Can I join the French Foreign Legion?

Community Answer

It's possible. You may want to consider getting into better shape first, though. Legionnaires have to carry very heavy equipment and demonstrate outstanding physical fitness.

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Question

Are women allowed to join the French Foreign Legion?

Community Answer

No. This is the only branch of the French military that exclusively accepts men. You (presuming you’re a woman) can look into joining any other branch of the French military (Army, Navy, Air Force, Gendarmerie, National Guard), but not the Foreign Legion.

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Can I join the French Foreign Legion if I am in France?

Community Answer

You may be able to join the French Foreign Legion if you are in France but not from France.

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Would the legion allow my wife or girlfriend to enlist as well?

Community Answer

No. The legion does not accept females. It is a strictly male unit.

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Question

I was told to get a short stay visa to join the Foreign Legion. This is valid for 3 months. How do you get home while on leave after the period of 3 months?

Community Answer

You don't really, The legion do not allow members to leave France during their contract unless on deployment. While this can be worked around if you live in a neighboring country, long-haul flights will not be possible.

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Question

Do you need previous army experience in order to join the French Foreign Legion?

Community Answer

No. Although it would be very helpful in getting accepted, many applicants have little to no experience in the field.

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Question

If I am an American and join the French Foreign Legion, will I not be an American citizen anymore after my legion service is finished?

Community Answer

You can choose to retain your American identity or receive a new identity under French Citizenship with a name they give you.

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Question

How much will I get paid, and will I be able to send it back to my family to support them?

Community Answer

Your starting salary will be over 1000 Euros a month, which will increase with each year and promotion you receive. Being deployed to certain Regiments or overseas operations can also increase the amount you earn. Yes, you can send it back your family.

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Question

I am 30 years old and have 6 years of experience working with the U.S. Army in Afghanistan. I would like to join the French Army. How do I join?

Community Answer

You may be accepted under these requirements. You must be physically fit, with a BMI of 20-30, must be able to do a minimum of 4 pull-ups, and have no disorders or diseases (diabetes, HIV, TB, etc.) while in the process of applying. You must have a valid ID, passport, and birth certificate. Knowing basic French will put you ahead of all other applicants and give you a pass on the French course. You must have a clean record, no felonies, misdemeanors, or warrants. You must apply in mainland France in Paris at Fort du Nogent. You may also need to have your vision and hearing checked, as they will test for that in the early stages.

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What kind of criminal record will disqualify me from the French Foreign Legion?

Community Answer

Felony crimes will automatically disqualify you from the FFL.

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Question

I have a tattoo on my hand. Can I join?

Community Answer

Yes. you can apply with a tattoo on your hand. The Tattoo should not be in the facial area.

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Can I join the French Foreign Legion if I am a Nepali citizen?

Community Answer

Yes, you can. You just have to travel to France.

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Can I join the French Foreign Legion if I am Filipino?

Community Answer

Yes, anyone from any country can join.

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I am from India and speak English. Could I join the French army?

Community Answer

Yes, as long as you fulfill all the requirements and pass the basic training.

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Question

Is there an official day or month that the French Foreign Legion recruits?

Community Answer

No. The recruitment process lasts throughout the year, with some exceptions.

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I am in the Indian army and retiring next year. How can I apply?

Community Answer

Unlike many militaries, going the Foreign Legion can only be done in person. The only way to join is to show up at the gates of a Foreign Legion recruitment center (Paris and Aubagne being the most popular, but there are many others) and begin processing.

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Is there any way I can join if I'm 43, but very fit?

Community Answer

No. The age limit is 40 to join.

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