I suspect you're in for an uphill battle on this one. The normal process now is to show that the person in question (i.e. the gf) had a French parent. In your case, it would be necessary for her mother to have claimed her French nationality, I think. To add to the confusion, the rules regarding nationality were different when her mother was born - both in Spain and in France.

If I understand the process, you would need to get her mother to claim her French nationality (if she doesn't currently have it) and then your gf could claim French nationality through her mother. I don't believe the grandmother thing works for France.

Have you considered just marrying her now, in which case you should be able to bring her to Europe as your wife (you'll still have to get a visa, but as long as the marriage is legit, it shouldn't be too difficult). In the long term, it could be a much easier (and possibly quicker) way to get her a European nationality.
Cheers,
Bev

 

Bev is right, the grandmother thing does not work. Marrying would work way better provided the British Embassy is informed.

 

I"d start with getting her birth certificate. That's up to you her to effect. I can tell you that Philipinas are not readily welcomed into at least one country I know of but for France I cannot say. Philipines is very much Spanish descent. You seem anxious she should achieve French citizenship when she can perhaps more easily regain identity as a Spanish citizen. Perhaps there is more to the question than meets the eye but whether or no, her birth certificate perhaps via her mothers is first port of call. You can deal with the Spansih consulate for advice in Australia....or if you are a Brit, the British consulate and get directions. You could also write to a Notaire (or email) making the question sharp and clear. Many speak English such as Maitre Volniac who is I think at St Junien, Limousin or the French consul could answer the question of Grandparent (as was the last possiility in Ireland for example) while still in in Australia. You might even get some information of use from the patron or someone alse at Alliance Francaise. Voila

 

hello,

If her GRANDFATHER is/was spaniard, the easiest way to go is to apply for Spanish nationality, based on a recent law (which will expire on December 2011), allowing grandchildren of Spaniards to apply for nationality directly. The law "adds a generation", by saying that now the children of "Españoles de origen" (or "native spaniards") can apply for nationality. "Españoles de origen" are those born in Spain (like her grandfather) AND their children born outside of Spain.

I would suggest that she approaches the Spanish consulate in her place of residence. The whole process takes 4 months.

An alternative option would be to go for the French "filiation" and "réintegration" process, but this will depend on a various factors, including her parents (especially her mother's if she was the "french") birthdate, and her degree of integration to french society. Added to all the "ifs", the process should take around 3 years.

jacques.

 

additional info:

there's no need that for her parents to apply for spanish nationality, she can do it directly if her grandfather was spanish.

jacques.