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FranceFamilyLast checked October 19, 2026

Family reunification

regroupement familial

A non-EU national living legally in France for at least 18 months can ask for their spouse and minor children to join them. The sponsor applies to the French Office for Immigration and Integration (OFII); the mayor checks income and housing and the prefect decides. Once approved, the spouse applies for a long-stay visa at the French consulate and, after arrival, validates it and later receives a residence card.

See requirements ↓

Life in France

Money

3

Currency

Euro

EUR

Euro

Cost of living

83

Price level · US = 100

World Bank price levels, 2025

Tax

11–45%

Income tax (national)

VAT 20%

Per household share: 0% up to EUR 11,600, 45% above EUR 181,917 (2025 income, taxed 2026); plus 3-4% high-income contribution and 9.7% CSG/CRDS on most income.

Official rates, 2026 · headline only

Living

1

Happiness

6.6

#33 of 145 countries

World Happiness Report 2025

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Who it’s for

Non-EU spouses (aged 18 or over) and minor children of a non-EU national who has lived legally in France for at least 18 months.

Eligibility

  • Sponsor's status

    The sponsor holds a temporary residence card of at least 1 year (or a multi-year card), a 10-year resident card, a long-term resident-EU card, or a renewal receipt for one of these.

  • Sponsor's prior residence

    At least 18 months of legal residence in France. Algerian nationals: a residence certificate valid for at least 1 year and at least 1 year of residence.

  • Family members

    • A spouse aged 18 or over legally married to the sponsor, and minor children under 18.
    • Partial reunification is exceptional.
    • Parents are not covered.
    • A polygamous sponsor cannot bring a second spouse.

A sneak peek at what's inside

  • Next requirementStable and sufficient resources
  • Document checklistFamily reunification application (cerfa R1251)
  • FeesResidence permit for the family (prefecture)

The full requirements are for members

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  • 2 more requirements
  • 5 documents
  • 2 fees
  • 7 steps
  • Processing times and conditions
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