How does family reunification work for a resident of France?
Family reunification (regroupement familial) allows a foreign national legally resident in France to bring a spouse and minor children to join them, under conditions on length of residence, income and housing. The procedure is separate from family visas for people joining an EU or French citizen, which follow different rules.
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How it works
The resident applies through the local prefecture or an authorised agency, providing evidence of stable income, suitable housing and the family relationship, and family members then apply for the relevant visa from abroad. Processing includes checks by the authorities before family members can travel to join the applicant.
Commonly mixed up with
Family reunification for a foreign resident is sometimes confused with the simpler procedure available to close family of a French or EU citizen. The conditions and the applicable procedure differ depending on the sponsor's own status.
How does family reunification work for a resident of France?
| Knowledge, Paris | Legal, visa and entry |
|---|---|
| Short answer | Family reunification (regroupement familial) allows a foreign national legally resident in France to bring a spouse and minor children to join them, under conditions on length of residence, income and housing. The procedure is separate from family visas for people joining an EU or French citizen, which follow different rules. |
| How it works | The resident applies through the local prefecture or an authorised agency, providing evidence of stable income, suitable housing and the family relationship, and family members then apply for the relevant visa from abroad. Processing includes checks by the authorities before family members can travel to join the applicant. |
| Commonly mixed up with | Family reunification for a foreign resident is sometimes confused with the simpler procedure available to close family of a French or EU citizen. The conditions and the applicable procedure differ depending on the sponsor's own status. |
| Last reviewed | 2026-08-08 |
Short questions
- Who can apply for family reunification?
- A foreign national with sufficient legal residence in France can apply to bring a spouse and minor children.
- Is a minimum residence period required?
- Yes, a minimum period of prior legal residence in France is generally required.
- Are income and housing checked?
- Yes, income and housing must meet conditions assessed by the authorities.
- Does this apply to family of French citizens too?
- Family of French or EU citizens generally follow a different, separate procedure.
- Where is guidance published?
- Service-public.fr publishes guidance on family reunification.
Sources
More in this track
- What are the Schengen entry rules for a trip to France?
- What is a long-stay visa for France?
- Does a foreign worker need a work permit for France?
- How is a French residence permit renewed?
- What are the customs allowances for entering France?
- What is the talent passport (passeport talent) scheme?
- What visa and residence rules apply to international students in France?
- What are the rules for bringing a pet into France?
- What is the difference between a carte de séjour and a visa?
These pages explain how the rules work and link the authority that owns them. They are not legal, tax or immigration advice, and amounts and thresholds change, so open the source before you act.
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