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Long-Stay Visa for Spouse of French National

French Spouse Visa: Your Path to Long-Term Residence and Work Authorization in France

Are you the spouse of a French national, seeking to establish your family’s residence in France? A specialized long-stay visa is meticulously crafted to facilitate the reunification of families and create a smooth pathway for your integration into French society.

Who Needs This Visa?

If your spouse is not a national of a member state of the European Union or the European Economic Area, Andorra, Monaco, Switzerland, the Holy See, Saint-Martin, or Liechtenstein, they must obtain a long-stay visa to reside in France. Long-stay visas are issued by the French consular authorities of the country where the spouse resides.

What is a French Spouse Visa?

The French Spouse Visa, also known as the “Visa Conjoint de Français” serves as both a residence permit and work authorization for one year. It grants access to the rights associated with the temporary residence permit “private and family life”.

French Spouse Visa Rights

Holders of this Visa enjoy a range of benefits, including but not limited to:

Work Authorization: The right to work in France without needing a separate work permit.
Social Security: Access to the French social security system, which includes health care, maternity, disability, and family benefits.
Education: Eligibility for public education for children and potentially for continuing education and training for the visa holder.
Social Assistance: Access to various forms of social assistance and housing aid provided by the French government.
Mobility: The ability to travel within the Schengen Area without needing additional visas.
Family Reunification: The right to bring dependent family members to France under certain conditions.
Renewal and Long-Term Residence: After one year, the possibility to apply for a multi-year residence permit, and eventually, a ten-year resident card.

Eligibility

To be eligible for this visa, the applicant must be married to a French citizen. The marriage must have been celebrated by a civil registrar in France or transcribed in the French civil status registers if it took place abroad.

Duration and Renewal

Initial Duration: The French Spouse Visa allows the holder to stay in France for one year.
Renewal: After one year, the spouse can apply for a multi-year residence permit, valid for two years.
Long-Term Residence: After a total of three years of continuous residence in France, the spouse can apply for a resident card, valid for ten years.

Essential Documents You Need

Before you embark on your visa application, ensure you have the necessary documents at hand:

Travel Document:

A valid travel document issued within the last 10 years, with at least two blank pages. The document should have a validity period of at least three months beyond your intended departure from the Schengen Area.
ID photograph.
Visa application completed

French Marriage Certificate:

Provide a full, recent copy of your French marriage certificate. This certificate should be drawn up by a French town hall or transcribed in the consular civil status registers, particularly for marriages not celebrated in France.

French Spouse’s Nationality:

Include documents proving the French nationality of your spouse.

Service Fees

Consulate Service Fees: The service for the Spouse visa application is free.
Appointment Booking Fees: Fees to book a slot for your appointment depend on the country of submission at VLS or TLS centers, ranging from €35 to €55. Please note that in some cases, you may not need to pay a center like TLS or VFS. The requirement depends on the country of submission. For example, if you are applying from Spain, there isn’t a TLS or VFS center.

Validation

Importance of Validating Your French Spouse Visa in France: Validating your Spouse Visa is a critical step once you arrive in France. This process allows you to:

Renew Your Visa: After your visa expires, you can renew it at the local Prefecture in France, enabling you to obtain a Residency Permit.
Declare Your Permanent Address: Validation helps you officially declare your permanent address in France.
Integrate into the Social Security System: Gradually become part of the French social security system.

Tailor Your Situation

Kindly remember that while we’ve outlined the general requirements, the French authorities might occasionally request additional documents based on individual cases.

We truly understand that each person’s circumstances are unique. If you have any specific questions or concerns about your application, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re here to assist you in tailoring the visa application process according to your situation, ensuring a smoother journey for you.

Residence Card as a Family Member of a European in France

If you are a family member of a European who has come to settle in France, you can accompany or join them. As a spouse of a French citizen, you need a visa to enter France. However, as a spouse of an EU citizen, you do not need a visa but must apply for a residence card once in France. Here is the information you need to know.

Who Can Apply ?

You can apply for a residence card if you are a family member of a European settled in France:

The spouse of the European
The partner of the European (PACS partner)
A child under 21 years of age or dependent on the European or their spouse or partner
The father or mother dependent on the European or their spouse or partner

You may also be eligible for a residence card if you are:

A family member (brother, sister, grandparent, etc.) who was part of the household or dependent on the European in the country where you resided before coming to France
A family member (brother, sister, grandparent, etc.) with serious health problems requiring the assistance of the European
Cohabiting with the European

Nationality of Family Member

The family member’s nationality must be from a country within the European Union (other than France), the European Economic Area (EEA), or Switzerland.

Your Family Situation

You are:

The spouse;
The direct descendant or dependent under the age of 21
The direct dependent older relative
The direct dependent older relative or descendant of the spouse

Close Family Members

The following are considered close family members of EU, EEA, and Swiss nationals:

Spouse, civil partner, or equivalent registered partnership.
Children under 21 of the EU/EEA/Swiss national and/or their spouse or partner.
Children over 21 of the EU/EEA/Swiss national and/or their spouse or partner who are dependents of the EU/EEA/Swiss national.
Direct relatives in the ascending line who are dependents of the EU/EEA/Swiss national or their spouse or partner.

Entry Formalities for France

The formalities differ according to whether or not family members are also EU/EEA/Swiss nationals. While European family members may enter and reside freely in France, family members who are nationals of non-EU, EEA, or Swiss countries benefit from certain facilities for access to the territory.

EU, EEA, and Swiss Nationals

No visa is required for accompanying family members. Only a valid identity card or passport must be presented upon entering French territory.

Obtaining a Residence Card

The residence card can be obtained from the prefecture in France, not from the consulate or embassy outside of France. You must apply for the residence card within 3 months upon your arrival in France.

Essential Documents You Need

You must provide the following documents:

Valid identity card or passport
Proof of address dating less than 6 months (electricity, gas, or water bill, rent receipt, accommodation certificate, etc.)
One recent identity photograph (e-photo)
- Find authorized photographers and approved photo booths
Proof of family relationship:
- For the spouse: passport or identity card of the European spouse + full copy or extract of the marriage certificate
- For the child: passport or identity card of the European parent + full or extract copy of the child’s birth certificate
- For the father or mother: passport or identity card + full or extract copy of the birth certificate of the European child supporting you
Proof of the European’s right to stay in France (e.g., employment contract, proof of resources, health insurance, student card)

You will receive an immediate digital receipt of your residence card application upon submission online.

Tailor Your Situation

We truly understand that each person’s circumstances are unique. If you have any specific questions or concerns about your application, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re here to assist you in tailoring the residence card application process according to your situation, ensuring a smoother journey for you.

Information Long Stay Visa for Spouse or Partner of a Refugee, Beneficiary of Subsidiary Protection, or Stateless Person

Long Stay Visa for Spouse or Partner of a Refugee, Beneficiary of Subsidiary Protection, or Stateless Person

Are you seeking to establish family in France as the spouse or partner of a refugee, beneficiary of subsidiary protection, or stateless individual? A specialized long-stay visa has been meticulously designed to facilitate the reunification of families and provide a smooth pathway for your integration into French society.

Essential Documents You Need

Before you embark on your visa application, ensure you have the necessary documents at hand:

Travel Document:

A valid travel document issued within the last 10 years, with at least two blank pages. The document should have a validity period of at least three months beyond your intended departure from the Schengen Area.
ID photograph.
Visa application completed

Residence in the Country:

For family members of refugees, only proof of usual or occasional residence in the country is necessary.
Demonstrate your civil status and family relationships with the following documents:

Birth Certificate:

Provide a full copy of your birth certificate issued by the authorities of your country of origin. The certificate should mention the names of your parents.
In case of late declaration, provide a supplementary judgment established by the authorities of your country of origin, accompanied by its transcription in the civil status registers.

Marriage Certificate (If Applicable):

If you are married, provide a full copy of the marriage certificate established by the authorities of your country of origin. This certificate should justify the family relationship with your spouse under OFPRA protection.

Proof of Unmarried Cohabitation (If Applicable):

If you are unmarried (cohabitee), provide proof of the stability and continuity of the family relationship with your cohabitee under OFPRA protection.

Purpose of Travel/Stay:

Demonstrate the purpose of your travel and stay with the following document:

Letter from OFPRA or CNDA Decision: Provide a copy of the letter from OFPRA or the decision of the CNDA (National Court of Asylum Right), informing you of the granting of protection.
Alternatively, provide a copy of the residence permit mentioning your status as a refugee or beneficiary of subsidiary protection.

Tailor Your Situation

Kindly remember that while we’ve outlined the general requirements, the French authorities might occasionally request additional documents based on individual cases.

Information Long-Stay Visa for Family Settlement – Parent of Refugee, Beneficiary of Subsidiary Protection, or Stateless Person

Long-Stay Visa for Family Settlement – Parent of Refugee, Beneficiary of Subsidiary Protection, or Stateless Person

If you are looking to reunite with your parent who holds the status of a refugee, beneficiary of subsidiary protection, or stateless person, our guide is here to assist you in navigating the essential steps for a successful long-stay visa application.

Essential Documents You Need

Travel Document:

Before you embark on your visa application, ensure you have the necessary documents at hand:

A valid travel document issued within the last 10 years, with at least two blank pages. The document should have a validity period of at least three months beyond your intended departure from the Schengen Area.
ID photograph.
Visa application completed

Residence in the Country:

For family members of refugees, proof of usual or occasional residence in the country is sufficient.

Civil Status:

A complete copy of your birth certificate, established by the authorities in your country of origin, mentioning your parents’ names.
In the case of a delayed birth declaration, provide a supplementary judgment issued by your country of origin’s authorities. This should be accompanied by its transcription in the civil status registers.
If you are married, submit a full copy of your marriage certificate issued by the authorities in your country of origin.

Purpose of Travel/Stay:

Include a copy of the letter from OFPRA or the decision of the CNDA, informing of the granting of protection, or copy of the residence permit mentioning the status of refugee or beneficiary of subsidiary protection.

Tailor Your Situation

Kindly remember that while we’ve outlined the general requirements, the French authorities might occasionally request additional documents based on individual cases.

Information Long-Stay Visa for Adult Child (up to 19 years of age) of a Refugee, Beneficiary of Subsidiary Protection, or Stateless Person

Long-Stay Visa for Adult Child (up to 19 years of age) of a Refugee, Beneficiary of Subsidiary Protection, or Stateless Person

If you are an adult child, aged up to 19 years, and you’re looking to reunite with a parent who holds refugee status, subsidiary protection, or is a stateless individual, we are here to support you throughout this important endeavor.

Essential Documents You Need

Before you embark on your visa application, ensure you have the necessary documents at hand:

Travel Document:

A valid travel document issued within the last 10 years, with at least two blank pages. The document should have a validity period of at least three months beyond your intended departure from the Schengen Area.
ID photograph.
Visa application completed

Residence in the Country:

For family members of refugees, proof of usual or occasional residence in the country is sufficient.

Civil Status:

Provide a full copy of your birth certificate issued by your country of origin. This certificate should clearly mention your parents’ names.
If there was a delay in declaring your birth, include a supplementary judgment issued by your country’s authorities. Transcribe this judgment into the civil status registers.
If applicable, provide a full copy of your marriage certificate issued by authorities in your country of origin.
If relevant, include an adoption judgment that has been verified for enforceability by the competent judicial tribunal.

Purpose of Travel/Stay:

Include a copy of the letter from OFPRA or the decision of the CNDA that informs you about the granted protection status.
Alternatively, submit a copy of your residence permit indicating your status as a refugee or beneficiary of subsidiary protection.

Tailor Your Situation

Kindly remember that while we’ve outlined the general requirements, the French authorities might occasionally request additional documents based on individual cases.

Information Long-Stay Visa for Parents of French Minor Child

Parents of French Minor Child Long-Stay Visa for Parents of French Minor Child

Essential Documents You Need

Before you embark on your visa application, ensure you have the necessary documents at hand:

Travel Document:

A valid travel document issued within the last 10 years, with at least two blank pages. The document should have a validity period of at least three months beyond your intended departure from the Schengen Area.
ID photograph.
Visa application completed

Demonstrate your family relationship with the following documents:

Birth Certificate:

Provide a full recent copy of the birth certificate that proves a family link between you, the visa applicant, and the descendant (French minor child).
Include proof of the French nationality of the child.

Purpose of Travel/Stay:

Demonstrate your family relationship with the following documents:

Documents of Contribution:

Provide documents proving that you have been contributing to the maintenance and education of the minor child since the time of their birth or for at least the past two years.
Include a sworn statement declaring that you do not practice polygamy.

Proof of Child’s Residence:

Provide a certificate of school attendance, a statement from the family allowances office, or any other supporting document that proves the French child is residing in France.

Tailor Your Situation

Kindly remember that while we’ve outlined the general requirements, the French authorities might occasionally request additional documents based on individual cases.

Information Long-Stay Visa for Non-Dependent Ascendant

Long-Stay Visa for for Non-Dependent Ascendant

Are you a non-dependent ascendant seeking to reside in France? A specialized long-stay visa category is designed to cater to the unique needs of individuals falling under this classification.

Understanding Non-Dependent Ascendants

When it comes to family in France, the term “non-dependent ascendants” holds particular significance. This category includes family members of the previous generation who are financially self-sufficient and not reliant on their descendants for support. Typically, this encompasses parents or grandparents of French citizens or residents. Non-dependent ascendants have the capacity to sustain themselves autonomously.

Essential Documents You Need

Before you embark on your visa application, ensure you have the necessary documents at hand:

Travel Document:

A valid travel document issued within the last 10 years, with at least two blank pages. The document should have a validity period of at least three months beyond your intended departure from the Schengen Area.
ID photograph.
Visa application completed

Demonstrate your family relationship with the following documents:

Birth Certificate:

Provide a full recent copy of the birth certificate that proves a family link between you (the visa applicant) and the descendant.

Marriage Certificate (If Applicable):

If the descendant is a foreigner, provide a full recent copy of the marriage certificate with a French national. It should be drawn up or transcribed by a French authority.
Include proof of the French nationality of the descendant.

Purpose of Travel/Stay:

Demonstrate your contribution to your child’s maintenance and education with the following documents:

Note of Intent:

A dated and signed note by you stating that you do not intend to engage in paid professional activity in France.

Proof of Family Relationship:

Provide the birth certificate of your child or their spouse, along with translations if required.
Include proof of the child’s French nationality (National Identity Card or passport).

Financial Means:

Present proof of enough resources to cover expenses during your trip. This can include a pension certificate or your last three bank statements.

Accommodation:

Proof of Residency: provide documentation proving that the descendant is a resident in France.

Travel Health Insurance:

Provide a travel health insurance certificate, covering medical repatriation, emergency, and hospital treatment, with a minimum coverage of €30,000 valid for your entire stay in France.

Tailor Your Situation

Kindly remember that while we’ve outlined the general requirements, the French authorities might occasionally request additional documents based on individual cases.

Information Long-Stay Visa for Family Reunion

Long-Stay Visa for for Family Reunion

Are you planning to reunite with your family in France? If you’re a non-EU citizen and have a family member already residing in France, you might be eligible for a Long-Stay Visa for Family Reunion. This visa allows you to join your loved ones in France and stay together.

What is a Long-Stay Visa for Family Reunion?

A Long-Stay Visa for Family Reunion is a type of visa that enables non-EU citizens to join their family members who are legally residing in France. This visa category is designed to facilitate family unity by allowing spouses and children to be together with their loved ones already settled in the country.

Essential Documents You Need

Before you embark on your visa application, ensure you have the necessary documents at hand:

Travel Document:

A valid travel document issued within the last 10 years, with at least two blank pages. The document should have a validity period of at least three months beyond your intended departure from the Schengen Area.
ID photograph.
Visa application completed

Demonstrate your family relationship with the following documents:

Civil Status:

Proof of family relationship through civil registry certificates.

OFII Procedure:

Certificate of deposit of the family reunification file, submitted by the family member residing in France, with the prefect.

Tailor Your Situation

Kindly remember that while we’ve outlined the general requirements, the French authorities might occasionally request additional documents based on individual cases.

Information Long-Stay Visa for Dependent Older Relatives

Long-Stay Visa for Dependent Older Relatives

If you’re considering joining a French national or their foreign spouse as a dependent older relative, a Long-Stay Visa for Dependent Older Relatives might be the path for you.

What is the Long-Stay Visa for Dependent Older Relatives?

The Long-Stay Visa for Dependent Older Relatives allows individuals who are dependent on a French national or their foreign spouse to join them in France. This visa category is suitable for older relatives who are financially dependent on a French national or their foreign spouse and wish to reside in France. The primary applicant, in this case, is the dependent older relative seeking to join their family member.

Essential Documents You Need

Before you embark on your visa application, ensure you have the necessary documents at hand:

Travel Document:

A valid travel document issued within the last 10 years, with at least two blank pages. The document should have a validity period of at least three months beyond your intended departure from the Schengen Area.
ID photograph.
Visa application completed

Demonstrate your family relationship with the following documents:

Civil Status:

Full recent copy of the birth certificate proving the family link between you and the descendant.
If the descendant is a foreigner, provide a full recent copy of the marriage certificate with a French national, issued by a French authority.
Proof of the French nationality of the descendant or the spouse of the foreign descendant.

Financial Means:

Evidence of your own resources in your country of origin.
Proof of the descendant’s resources.
Documentation showing regular and effective financial support from your descendant over a significant period.

Travel Health Insurance:

Provide a travel health insurance certificate, covering medical repatriation, emergency, and hospital treatment, with a minimum coverage of €30,000 valid for your entire stay in France

Tailor Your Situation

Kindly remember that while we’ve outlined the general requirements, the French authorities might occasionally request additional documents based on individual cases.

Information Long-Stay Visa for Adult Child under 21 Years of Age or Dependent on a French National

Long-Stay Visa for Adult Child under 21 Years of Age or Dependent on a French National

Exploring the Long-Stay Visa for Adult Child or Dependents

The Long-Stay Visa for Adult Child under 21 Years of Age or Dependent on a French National is designed to allow adult children or dependents of French nationals to reside together in France. This visa category is open to adult children who wish to join their French national parent(s) in France. Additionally, dependents of French nationals who rely on their family member’s support can also apply under this category.

Essential Documents You Need

Before you embark on your visa application, ensure you have the necessary documents at hand:

Travel Document:

A valid travel document issued within the last 10 years, with at least two blank pages. The document should have a validity period of at least three months beyond your intended departure from the Schengen Area.
ID photograph.
Visa application completed

Civil Status:

Provide proof of the family relationship through civil registry certificates
Proof of French Nationality
Include proof of French nationality of the French parent

Financial Means:

Submit proof of maintenance payments made by the French national parent to the child
Include the last three months’ bank statements showing child benefit payments
Provide evidence of personal income for both the child and the French national parent

Accommodation:

Include proof of residency in France for the parent. This can be a rental agreement, property title, or a written and signed statement confirming the transfer of residency to France
If your situation requires special clarification, provide a letter of explanation

Tailor Your Situation

Kindly remember that while we’ve outlined the general requirements, the French authorities might occasionally request additional documents based on individual cases.

Information Long-Stay Visa for Accompanying Family of Talent Passport Beneficiary (Adult)

Long-Stay Visa for Accompanying Family of Talent Passport Beneficiary (Adult)

If you are planning to accompany a family member who holds a talent passport, you may be eligible for a long-stay visa as part of the accompanying family. This visa category allows family members to join the talent passport beneficiary in France.

Essential Documents You Need

Before you embark on your visa application, ensure you have the necessary documents at hand:

Travel Document:

A valid travel document issued within the last 10 years, with at least two blank pages. The document should have a validity period of at least three months beyond your intended departure from the Schengen Area.
ID photograph.
Visa application completed

Civil Status:

Provide documented evidence of the family relationship through civil registry certificates.

Purpose of Travel/Stay:

Include the beneficiary’s employment contract form to establish the context for your accompanying family visa application.

Tailor Your Situation

Kindly remember that while we’ve outlined the general requirements, the French authorities might occasionally request additional documents based on individual cases.