France · work · guide
France family residence card: requirements and costs
This guide explains how to get a French residence card if you have family ties in France.
MIGRAGENT wrote this from 12 requirements on the official page, each checked against the government's own wording. Updated 2026-10-02. Source: https://www.service-public.gouv.fr/particuliers/vosdroits/F2209
Who can apply
If you are married to a French citizen, your spouse must have been French on your wedding day and must still hold French nationality. You must also prove that you live together as a couple.[1][2]
If you married your spouse outside of France, you must have your marriage registered on the French consulate's civil status records.[3]
If you are applying as the parent of a French child, you must show that you have been actively supporting and educating your child since birth or for at least 2 years.[4]
You cannot live in a state of polygamy in France. You must also have stable and sufficient financial resources, or be supported by your spouse or parent who holds an EU long-term resident card.[5][6]
Documents you must provide
You must get any foreign civil status documents translated into French by a certified translator.[7]
You must also show proof that you paid the required fee when you collect your card.[8]
Fees and costs
The residence card costs 350 euros. You must pay this fee using tax stamps.[9]
When and where to apply
If your spouse has an EU long-term resident card, you must apply for your card within 3 months of arriving in France.[10]
If you are the family member of a foreign national who lives legally in France, you must apply at your local prefecture or sub-prefecture 2 months before your current permit expires.[11]
For other cases, you must submit your application online between 4 and 2 months before your current residence document expires.[12]
Checklist
- Translate foreign civil status documents into French using a certified translator.[7]
- Transcribe your foreign marriage certificate onto the French consulate registers if you married abroad.[3]
- Buy 350 euros in tax stamps to pay for the card.[9]
- Keep proof of payment to show when you collect your card.[8]
Questions people ask
How much does the French family residence card cost?
You must pay 350 euros using tax stamps.[9]
What if I married my French spouse outside of France?
Your marriage must be transcribed onto the civil status registers of the French consulate.[3]
Can I get a card as a parent of a French child?
Yes, but you must show you have actively contributed to your child's care and education since birth or for at least 2 years.[4]
When should I apply if my spouse has an EU long-term resident card?
You must apply for the card within 3 months of entering France.[10]
Do I need to translate my foreign documents?
Yes, you must provide a French translation of your foreign civil status documents done by a certified translator.[7]
When do I need to submit my online application?
You must submit your application online between 4 and 2 months before your current residence document expires.[12]
This explains what one official page says. It is not legal advice, and the page itself is the authority. Rules change; the wire reports it when they do.