Family Visa for Family Members of French Citizens
France
Last updated: December 24, 2025
12 months (renewable)
$0
4 weeks
High
About this Visa
This is a visa for people who want to move to France to live with their spouse or children. There are two types: one for spouses of French citizens (faster), and one for families of people living in France legally. If your family member already lives in France or is French, you can apply to join them. You'll be able to work, live legally, and access healthcare like a resident. The French citizen pathway is fastest—you get approved in about 4 weeks. The regular family reunification takes longer (6-12 months) but works if a non-French family member sponsors you.
Key Benefits
- Work legally without restrictions
- Access to French national health insurance
- Bring spouse and children
- Children can attend French public schools
- Travel freely in 26 Schengen countries
- Apply for French citizenship after 5 years
- Work and healthcare rights start immediately upon arrival
- No language requirement for initial visa
Eligibility & Requirements
Eligibility Criteria
- Must be 18 years or older
- Must be legally married or have children with French citizen or legal resident
- No serious criminal convictions
- Not considered a security threat
- No health conditions France considers dangerous
- Family member must have adequate income to support you
- Family member must have adequate housing
- If sponsored by non-French resident: sponsor must have lived legally in France 18 months (12 for Algerians)
- If sponsored by non-French resident: sponsor must have valid residence permit lasting at least 1 year
- If sponsored by non-French resident: sponsor must earn minimum wage amount
Financial Requirement
Sponsor must earn France's minimum wage (SMIC): $2,117 monthly for 2-3 people, $2,326 for 4-5 people, $2,538 for 6+ people. Must prove income for past 12 months. Housing must be at least 22 square meters (236 sq ft) for couple; add 10 square meters per child.
Documents
- Valid passportMust be good for at least 6 months
- Birth certificateOfficial copy
- Marriage certificateOfficial copy, if applying with spouse
- Passport photos3 recent photos
- Criminal record certificateFrom home country, certified with apostille
- Medical exam resultsCan be done after arrival
- Tax documents or payslips12 months of proof of sponsor's income
- Housing proofLease, deed, or owner's permission letter
- Utility billsRecent bills (electricity, water, internet) dated within 3 months
- French translationsAll non-French documents must be translated by official translator with apostille certification
Disclaimer: The information on this page is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or immigration advice. Visa requirements, fees, and processes change frequently. Please verify all information with official government sources and consult a qualified immigration attorney before making decisions.