Foreign honorees

France, like many countries, may bestow its highest honors on foreign citizens. The Legion of Honor and the National Order of Merit are part of this worldwide policy.

The award criteria

When granted to citizens of other countries, the Legion of Honor and the National Order of Merit perform a function distinct from their primary purpose of recognizing French people who serve the common interest.

On one hand, these decorations can be awarded to foreigners who have rendered services (cultural, economic, scientific, etc.) to France or encouraged causes that it promotes (defense of human rights, freedom of the press, humanitarian causes, etc.).

On the other hand, State visits are an opportunity to recognize foreign officials. These awards, granted on a basis of diplomatic reciprocity, do not depend on the individual merit of the recipients. They are intended to symbolize the ties between France and the other country and thus support French foreign policy.

A specific status

Aliens have a special status in national orders: they may be awarded decorations without being members.

This specific status allows for more flexible award rules. Thus, the required length of service is reduced and access to the higher grades is available from the outset.

Another particular characteristic is that the President of the French Republic decides directly on honors granted to heads of state and their entourage. For them, the Councils of Orders are not consulted, unlike awards for services rendered, which follow the same procedure as for the French.

Foreign honorees may also be subject to disciplinary measures if they have committed a dishonorable act. The procedure follows the same rules as for French awardees but only one sanction may apply : withdrawal. For official decorations granted directly by the President of the French Republic, the latter alone decides on the appropriateness of a disciplinary measure.

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