How to Join the French Foreign Legion

Co-authored by Kevin Richardson

Last Updated: December 29, 2024 Approved

The Foreign Legion is an elite unit of the French Army with a particular command. It is open to people of any nationality. French citizenship may be applied for after three years of service.

Part 1

Part 1 of 3:

Fulfilling Basic Requirements

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Young men who are 17 and a half years old can apply with the consent of their guardian or parent. You must show up at the recruitment office before your 40th birthday. ^{[1]
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You must show that you are a citizen of a country and that you have the ability to travel internationally.

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You can’t be wanted by Interpol or have outstanding warrants against you. In some cases, people with criminal records may not be accepted.
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Be fit. You may need to train to pass rigorous physical fitness standards.^{[2]
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- To prepare effectively, it's important to avoid monotony in your workouts. Repeating the same exercises can lead to a plateau, where your body stops improving. Mixing up your exercises, changing the number of repetitions, and adjusting the intensity will help you keep progressing and stay motivated.
The Legion requires a commitment of five years consecutive services. Your marital status, nationality, religion, education or professional preferences are not taken into account if you sign up.
All written and oral communication will be in French, so you should at least be able to read documents and recognize commands.

Part 2

Part 2 of 3:

Passing Essential Tests

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1
Purchase a ticket to go to a pre-selection center in Paris or Aubagne. You don’t need to sign up in advance, but once you show up at the office in Aubagne, you must be ready to serve for five years. Your room and board will be paid for while you apply for the Foreign Legion.
- Ensure you take all travel expenses, documents, underwear, training clothes, toiletries and necessary items with you.
- You will not be allowed to keep weapons, cameras, electronics or large amounts of money.
- You will need enough money to apply for a visa.
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Undergo physical fitness tests. You will need to do at least four pull-ups, complete a 2800-meter (1.7 mile) run in 12 minutes and complete a Luc leger, or sprinting race with at least seven landings of 20 meters (22 yards).
- To ensure you're ready for these tests, it’s important to challenge yourself regularly. Whether you're focusing on endurance, strength, or flexibility, consistently pushing your limits will help you stay on track and perform well during the physical assessments.
This is a series of interviews. You will be asked to tell the truth about your past and your background.^{[3]
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Pass a medical exam. The following qualifications are necessary:
- You must have no more than six missing teeth.
- Your eyes must be no more than -10 diopters for nearsighted people and +8 diopters for farsighted people.^{[4]
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- You must show proof that all previous illnesses are treated and healed.
- You must not have tuberculosis, hepatitis, HIV, diabetes, mental disorders or recurrent hernia problems.
- You must not be missing any fingers.

Part 3

Part 3 of 3:

Progressing through the Foreign Legion

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This is where you will complete the physical, psychological and medical tests. You will be informed if you are selected to join the Foreign Legion.
Go through incorporation into the Legion.
You will learn about the lifestyle and legion traditions.
Then, report to technical and practical training for three weeks.
Then, you will need to pass examinations.
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Enter into light vehicle school. Then, return to Aubagne to be assigned to your regiment. Fulfill your five-year contract.
- Foreign Legion members are involved in all operations and missions of the French Army.

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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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How do I join the Foreign Legion?

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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?

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

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