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Family of Foreign National Residing in France
FranceFrance•Europe
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Family of Foreign National Residing in France

Work PR PathwayThis visa can lead to permanent residency, the right to live and work here indefinitely without renewing your visa. Dependents Allowed

At a Glance

Processing Time

6-12 months

Estimated Cost

EUR €249

Stay Duration

Varies (Can apply for multi-year family residence permit)

Renewable

Renewal

Renewable

Family

Dependents allowed

PR Pathway

Yes

Sponsor

No job offer needed

Work

Remote not required

Apply Now Official Information
France flag

Living in France

Cost of Living
4% cheaper than United States
Avg Salary€31,000
Quality of Life
173/200
Full Country Guide

Overview

Long-stay visa for spouses and dependents of foreign nationals already resident in France (work permit/residence permit holders).

The France family reunification visa (regroupement familial) lets spouses and minor children of non-EU foreign nationals legally residing in France join them on a long-stay visa. The sponsor must have held a valid residence permit and lived in France for at least 18 months.

The sponsor must demonstrate stable income meeting SMIC thresholds (at least EUR 21,876/year for a family of 2-3) and suitable housing. Once approved, family members receive a residence permit, work authorisation, and a pathway to permanent residence. Processing typically takes 6-12 months via OFII and the prefecture.

This visa is ideal for spouses and minor children of non-EU residents in France who want to reunite, live, and work in France with a clear path to long-term residency.

France

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Cost Breakdown

Visa feeEUR €99
Residence permit feeEUR €150
TotalEUR €249

Conversion Paths

Visas you can typically switch to from this status.

L. 426-1 — 10-Year Resident Card (Carte de résident)
France flagFrance

L. 426-1 — 10-Year Resident Card (Carte de résident)

Validity10 years (renewable)
Processing2-4 months
View Visa Details
EU Long-Term Residence Permit
France flagFrance

EU Long-Term Residence Permit

Validity10 years (renewable)
Processing4 months
View Visa Details

Requirements

PUBLISHED REQUIREMENTS

Sponsor must have been legally resident in France for at least 18 months

Sponsor must hold a valid residence permit (e.g., temporary, ten-year, or EU long-term resident permit)

Applicant must be the spouse (aged 18+) or minor child of the sponsor

Must prove sufficient and stable financial resources to support the family

Must provide proof of adequately-sized accommodation in France

Must comply with public order and health requirements

KEY CRITERIA

Min. Income

21,876 EUR/yr

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Long-stay visa application form (CERFA n°14571*05)

France-Visas receipt

Valid passport issued within the last 10 years

Proof of marital status (marriage certificate) or parentage (birth certificates)

Proof of sponsor's legal residence in France

Proof of sufficient financial resources

Proof of suitable accommodation

Three recent passport-sized photos

Application Process

1

Family in France

Sponsor must have residence in France

2

Initiate sponsorship

Family member initiates process

3

Housing proof

Adequate accommodation for family

4

Financial proof

Sufficient income for support

5

Apply for visa

Submit at French consulate

6

Pay fee

EUR 99 visa fee

7

Await decision

4-8 weeks

8

Validate visa

Online within 3 months

Application Forms

Go to application portal
Demande de regroupement familial
Application for Family Reunification - CERFA 11436*05 (Demande de regroupement familial)
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Long-stay visa application form
Long-stay visa application form - CERFA 14571*05
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