Family Reunion Visa (Regroupement Familial)
Embassy required
- Maximum stay
- 365 days
- Processing time
- 4-12 months (including OFII processing in France)
- Fee
- EUR 99 (visa) + EUR 200 (OFII tax upon arrival)
- Validity
- 1 year (renewable)
- Entry
- Multiple entry
For family members (spouse 18+, minor children under 18) of a non-EU national legally residing in France for at least 18 months. The sponsor in France initiates the process via OFII. The sponsor must meet minimum income (SMIC level: ~EUR 1,400/month for a couple) and housing requirements (minimum 22m2 for 2 persons). Algerian nationals benefit from reduced minimum residency of 12 months. Family members must demonstrate A1 French language level as of 2025. The visa leads to a residence permit (vie privee et familiale) upon arrival.
Eligibility
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Nationality
Non-EU/EEA/Swiss family members (spouse, minor children) of a non-EU national legally residing in France for 18+ months
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Financial
Sponsor must earn at least SMIC level (EUR 1,400/month net) and provide housing meeting minimum standards (22m2 for 2 persons)
Documents you need
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Passport
Blank pages required: 2; Validity months: 15
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Photo
Count: 3; Specifications: 35x45mm, white background, ICAO compliant
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Accommodation proof
Provide hotel booking, tenancy evidence or host details that cover the planned stay.
Accepted types: Rental agreement, property deed (verified by OFII/municipality for minimum 22m2); Must cover full stay: Yes
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Application form
Use the official application form for this route and complete all required fields.
Form name: Long-stay visa application form + OFII family reunification form; Form url: https://france-visas.gouv.fr/en/visa-wizard
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Birth certificate
Must be notarized: Yes; Must be translated: Yes
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Marriage certificate
Must be notarized: Yes; Must be translated: Yes
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Visa fee payment
Accepted methods: Cash, card; Amount: EUR 99
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Sponsor financial
Minimum income: SMIC level (EUR 1,400/month net for couple, 2025); Required documents: Payslips, tax returns, employment contract
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Language proficiency
Accepted tests: DELF A1, TCF A1, or equivalent French language certificate; Minimum score: A1 level (CEFR)
How to apply
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Online application
Sponsor in France submits family reunification request to OFII. OFII verifies income and housing requirements.
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Document gathering
Once OFII approval is received, family members gather translated/notarized marriage/birth certificates, passports, photos, and French language certificate (A1).
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Appointment booking
Family members book visa appointment at French consulate in their country.
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Fee payment
Pay EUR 99 visa fee.
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Document submission
Submit complete visa application with OFII approval letter and all supporting documents.
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Processing wait
OFII processing and housing inspection by municipality takes 6-12 months. Consular processing takes 2-4 weeks after OFII approval.
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Visa collection
Collect visa. Upon arrival, apply for residence card (vie privee et familiale) at prefecture. Pay EUR 200 OFII tax.