The French Family Visa is designed to help foreign nationals reunite with their loved ones in France for extended periods, typically between three months and a year. This visa allows spouses, children, parents, or other eligible family members to join relatives who are French citizens, EU nationals, or foreign residents legally living in France.
To help you navigate the process, this guide outlines the different visa categories, eligibility criteria, application steps, and documents you’ll need. Whether you’re a spouse of a French citizen or a parent of an EU resident, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to apply successfully.
Who Needs to Apply for a Visa for Family Reunion in France?
Whether you need a French visa for family reunification depends on your nationality and the part of France you wish to move to. Everyone except the following categories will need to apply for a visa to reunite with family in mainland France:
- EU/EEA nationals along with Swiss citizens.
- Nationals of of Monaco and Andorra, San Marino, and the Vatican.
- Nationals of San Marino and the Holy See.
- Families of holders of long-term resident status in another EU country.
Seeking assistance from French immigration specialists such Lexidy, will help you navigate through the complex process of applying for a French family visa. You can schedule a free consulation with Lexidy, and determine the best course of action for your needs.
What Are the Categories of the French Family Visas?
If one of your family members resides in France, either as a French citizen or EU citizen, you need to know under which family reunification category to apply. Here are the categories of the French family reunification visa:
| Visa Category | Eligibility | Key Requirements | Special Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| For Family of French Citizens | Spouse, children under 21, older relatives, or parents of French citizens. | Marriage certificate, birth certificates, proof of nationality, and relationship evidence. | Spouse may qualify for a 10-year residency card after 3 years of marriage. |
| For Family of EU/EEA/Swiss Nationals | Spouse, children under 21, dependent parents, or descendants of EU citizens residing in France. | Proof of relationship (birth certificate, marriage certificate) and dependency documents. | Exempt from visa fees; application shifts to residence permits (Carte de Séjour) upon arrival. |
| For Family of Non-EU/EEA/Swiss Nationals | Family members of foreign nationals legally residing in France. | Proof of financial support (from the resident or self), relationship evidence, and housing arrangements. | Applicant must prove they won’t be a financial burden in France. |
| For Family of Talent Passport Holders | Immediate family of foreign professionals holding a “Talent Passport” or EU Blue Card. | Talent Passport holder’s work contract, proof of relationship, and financial self-sufficiency. | Family members are automatically granted work authorization in France. |
| Adoption Visa | French or foreign parents residing in France who adopt a child from another country. | Adoption approval documents, proof of residency in France, and legal adoption certification. | Fee for adopted children is reduced to €15. |
Supporting Documents for a French Family Visa
To apply for a French family visa you should submit the following documents:
- Completed France National Visa Application Form.
- Two passport style photographs. You should submit two photos alongside with the other documents. They must be no older than three months.
- A valid passport with two blank pages. Before you apply, check your passport for its validity and date of issuance.
- Copies of older visas. If you have ever held any visa to any country in the world, submit copies of those visas.
- Certificate of criminal record of the home country– showing that candidate has no open crime case involvement
- Proof of paid visa fee.
Many of the required documents for a French family reunion visa may seem confusing. If you’re having trouble understanding what you really need, or you are unable to provide any of the documents listed above, we advise you seek the help of a professional. Lexidy offers assistance for family immigration applicants through their lawyers who specialize in the French immigration system. You can schedule a free consultation with Lexidy and get the help you need.
How to Apply for a France Family Visa?
Follow the steps given below in order to successfully complete your France family visa application:
Step 1: Fill the France long stay visa application form
You can find the application form online or require it through email from the French embassy or consulate in your country.
Step 2: Collect the required documents
You will have to collect some specific documents which you will have to submit on the day of your interview with a consular officer at the French embassy or consulate in your home country.
Step 3: Book an appointment
All applicants over 11 must book and attend an interview. You can do this online or in person at your local French embassy.
Step 4: Show up at the appointment
At the appointment you will have to attend an interviews as well as pay an application fee.
The application fee for every long-stay visa for France is 99€. The family members of French citizens, as well as the family members of a citizen of another Member State of EU/EEA and Switzerland, are exempt from the visa fee requirement.
Try to arrange your documents prior to your meeting with the consular officer. In general, this interview lasts less than 10 minutes. The interviewer will ask some questions regarding your trip to France, the purpose of travel, etc.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if I don’t have all the documents?
If you are unable to provide all the required documents, your visa application may be delayed, rejected, or deemed incomplete. To avoid these issues:
- Contact the Embassy or Consulate: Reach out to your local French embassy or consulate to discuss alternatives or provide a written explanation for any missing documents.
- Prepare Supporting Evidence: If you cannot provide a specific document, ensure you have related evidence to support your case. For example, if you lack an original birth certificate, an official copy or notarized affidavit might suffice.
- Seek Professional Assistance: Immigration experts or lawyers can help resolve complex documentation issues and guide you on obtaining missing paperwork.
How long does the visa process take?
It may take from 15 to 60 days after your interview to receive an answer on your visa application.
Can I work with this visa?
Whether you can work in France on a family visa depends on your specific visa type:
- Family Members of French Citizens: You are eligible to work in France once you have your residence permit, such as the 10-year residency card granted to spouses after three years of marriage.
- EU/EEA/Swiss Nationals’ Family Members: With a residence permit (Carte de Séjour), you can work without restrictions.
- Non-EU/EEA Nationals’ Family Members: Employment rights depend on your residence permit type. Some family visas, such as those tied to a “Talent Passport” holder, allow immediate work authorization.
- Adoption Visa Holders: Typically, these visas are not tied to employment opportunities.