In Brief
- The family reunification procedure only concerns non-European foreigners.
- It allows the spouse (or partner) and/or minor children to come to France.
- This procedure does not apply to all foreign families; other provisions exist depending on the nationality of the main applicant.
Who Can Apply
The family reunification procedure is specifically reserved for non-European foreigners residing in France. This provision allows them to bring their family to French territory. Eligible family members are strictly defined:
- The spouse of the applicant.
- The minor children of the applicant.
It is crucial to note that family reunification is not the only pathway for family reunification. It does not apply to all family situations. If you do not fall into this specific category, your situation may be covered by other distinct administrative procedures.
Steps
- Identify the applicable procedure: Before taking any steps, it is important to check whether your situation falls under the "classic" family reunification reserved for non-European foreigners, or if it falls under the scope of other provisions mentioned below.
- Prepare the file: Gather the documents proving the family relationship (marriage, parentage) and the conditions of residence.
- Submit the application: The application must be addressed to the competent authorities according to the procedure indicated for your status.
For individuals whose situation does not correspond to standard family reunification, the following situations allow for family entry through other means, including the issuance of a long-stay visa:
Family of a French Citizen
This procedure applies to the following family members:
- The spouse of a French citizen.
- The parent of a minor French child living in France.
- The child under 21 years old or dependent on a French citizen.
- The parents, grandparents, or in-laws dependent on a French citizen.
Family of a European or Swiss Citizen
This category concerns the family of a European or Swiss citizen, regardless of the nationality of the family members joining the rights holder.
Family of a Refugee, Beneficiary of Subsidiary Protection, or Stateless Person
Family members can be joined under specific conditions related to international protection status.
Family of a Long-Term Resident-UE
This situation concerns the family of a person who has obtained long-term resident status in another European country and who accompanies them from Europe to France.
Family of a Holder of a Talent Residence Permit
Family members accompanying a holder of the "talent" residence permit may benefit from simplified procedures.
Documents
Although the exact list of documents may vary depending on the type of procedure (classic family reunification or other visas), the following elements are generally required to prove eligibility:
- Valid identity documents of the applicant and family members.
- Proof of marital link (marriage certificate) or parentage (birth certificates).
- Evidence of legal residence in France for the main applicant (in the case of family reunification).
- Documents attesting to French, European nationality, or refugee/talent status, if applicable.
For more details on the specific documents required for each situation, it is recommended to consult the dedicated sheets referenced.
Cost
This information varies depending on the situation and the processing fees for visa or residence permit applications. No fixed amount is indicated in the provided excerpt for the general procedure.
Processing Times
Processing times depend on the complexity of the file and the chosen procedure (family reunification or other long-stay visa). No specific date is provided in the consulted official source.
Pitfalls to Avoid
- Confusion of Procedures: Do not confuse family reunification (reserved for non-European foreigners) with family reunification procedures for refugees or families of European/Swiss citizens.
- Overlooking Specific Statuses: Ignoring that holders of the "talent" residence permit or long-term residents-UE have specific provisions.
- Minority of Children: Ensure that the children concerned are indeed minors at the time of application, as family reunification only covers minor children.
See Also and Additional Resources
To delve deeper into your specific situation, consult the following official pages:
- Simplified procedure "accompanying family"
- Service Public: Stay in France for the family of a European citizen
- Service Public: Family reunification
- Service Public: Family reunification: refugee, stateless person, and subsidiary protection
- French Office for the Protection of Refugees and Stateless Persons (Ofpra)
Official Source
The information contained in this guide is exclusively extracted from the official sheet updated on May 21, 2024, by the Directorate of Legal and Administrative Information (Prime Minister).
Service-public.fr Sheet: Does family reunification apply to all foreign families?