French Foreign Legion Marriage Rules: 3 Conditions Foreign Recruits Must Meet
France Foreign Legion citizenship
Foreign nationals serving in the French Foreign Legion face specific restrictions on their personal lives, including rules governing when they can legally marry while in service.
The French Foreign Legion’s official recruitment guidance sets out conditions affecting legionnaires’ marriage, clothing and vehicle ownership. Some of the restrictions are particularly strict for recruits who have served for fewer than five years.
For marriage, a legionnaire must first be serving under their true identity and must notify their military command. Those with less than five years of service also require authorisation from the French Minister of the Armed Forces before they can marry.
3 Marriage Conditions for French Foreign Legion Members
The rules mean that joining the Legion does not give a foreign recruit complete freedom over personal matters such as marriage.
1. The Legionnaire Must Be Serving Under Their True Identity
Before getting married, a legionnaire must be serving under their true identity.
This means the recruit’s administrative and military identity must have been regularised. A legionnaire who has not completed the relevant identity regularisation process may therefore face restrictions on marriage.
The requirement is particularly relevant to the Legion because recruits may initially serve under a declared or assigned identity while their status is being processed.
2. The Legionnaire Must Notify Their Command
A legionnaire intending to marry must inform their military command.
The requirement applies even where the recruit has completed more than five years of service. Completing the five-year threshold removes the need for the additional ministerial authorisation described for newer legionnaires, but notification to the command remains necessary.
3. Legionnaires With Less Than Five Years of Service Need Authorisation
The most significant restriction applies to legionnaires who have served for fewer than five years.
They must obtain authorisation from the Minister of the Armed Forces before getting married.
This means a foreign recruit cannot simply arrange a marriage without first satisfying the Legion’s internal requirements.
Legionnaires who have completed more than five years of service face less restrictive rules, although they are still required to notify their command of their intention to marry.
READ ALSO
Other Restrictions on French Foreign Legion Recruits
The Legion also places restrictions on other aspects of recruits’ personal lives.
Civilian Clothing Is Restricted
Legionnaires who have served for fewer than five years are generally required to wear their uniform outside duty hours.
The reported guidance provides an exception during extended leave, when recruits may wear civilian clothes.
This rule means newer legionnaires have less flexibility over their appearance away from official duties than personnel who have served longer.
Vehicle Ownership Is Controlled
Vehicle ownership is also subject to restrictions.
According to the published guidance, a legionnaire must complete at least five years of service before being permitted to purchase a motor vehicle.
Even after reaching the five-year point, the purchase requires authorisation from the command.
The restriction forms part of the Legion’s broader approach to regulating the personal activities of its personnel.
Why Does the French Foreign Legion Have These Rules?
The French Foreign Legion operates within the French Army and has a distinctive structure because it recruits foreign nationals from around the world.
Its regulations impose particular controls on recruits’ personal conduct, especially during the early years of service.
The five-year threshold appearing in several of these rules is significant. Newer legionnaires face tighter controls over civilian clothing, vehicle ownership and marriage, while some restrictions become less stringent after longer service.
These internal military rules should not be confused with French civil law governing marriage. A legionnaire must satisfy the applicable military requirements as well as any ordinary legal requirements for marriage in France or elsewhere.
Can a Foreigner in the French Foreign Legion Get Married?
Yes, but the timing and conditions depend on the legionnaire’s status and length of service.
A legionnaire must be serving under their true identity and notify their command. Those with fewer than five years of service additionally need authorisation from the Minister of the Armed Forces.
After five years, the special ministerial authorisation requirement no longer applies under the rule described, although notification to the command remains required.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can French Foreign Legion members get married?
Yes. Legionnaires can marry if they meet the applicable military and legal requirements.
Can a legionnaire marry before five years of service?
Yes, but a legionnaire with fewer than five years of service must obtain authorisation from the Minister of the Armed Forces before marrying.
What happens after five years of service?
The additional ministerial authorisation requirement for marriage no longer applies under the published rule. The legionnaire must still inform their commanding officer.
Can a new legionnaire wear civilian clothes?
Generally, legionnaires with fewer than five years of service are required to wear their uniform outside duty hours, except during extended leave.
When can a French Foreign Legion member buy a car?
The reported rules state that legionnaires must complete at least five years of service before purchasing a motor vehicle, and the purchase remains subject to command authorisation.
Can foreigners join the French Foreign Legion?
The Legion recruits foreign nationals, subject to its recruitment rules and eligibility requirements. Recruitment eligibility is separate from the rules governing marriage and personal conduct after enlistment.