France · living · guide
France Family Reunification: requirements and costs
This guide is for foreign residents in France who want to bring their family members to live with them.
MIGRAGENT wrote this from 21 requirements on the official page, each checked against the government's own wording. Updated 2026-10-18. Source: https://www.service-public.gouv.fr/particuliers/vosdroits/F11166
Who can apply
You must reside in France for at least 18 months before you can apply for family reunification. You must also hold a valid residence permit when you submit your application.[1][2]
Your family must currently live abroad to use this procedure. You must also respect and comply with the fundamental principles of family life in France.[3][4][5]
What you need to show
You must prove that you have stable and sufficient financial resources to host your family. You also need to have housing that is considered normal for a comparable family in your specific region.[6][7]
Documents and application
You must fill out the official cerfa form for your application. Any documents you submit must be accompanied by a French translation done by an approved or certified translator.[8][9][10]
When submitting your file, you must choose only one method of transmission. You can send it either online or by mail.[11]
Costs and money
Your family must pay a tax of 150 € for their residence permit application at the prefecture.[12][13][14]
If you entered France without a long-stay visa, you must pay an additional regularisation visa fee or tax of 300 €.[15][16][17]
After your family arrives
Your family must enter France within 3 months after their visas are issued. Once they arrive, your family must pass a medical examination.[18][19]
Your spouse must validate their long-stay visa online as soon as they arrive, or at least within 3 months of their arrival.[20][21]
Checklist
- Reside in France for at least 18 months before applying[1]
- Hold a valid residence permit at the time of application[2]
- Ensure your family currently lives abroad[3]
- Fill out the official cerfa application form[8][9]
- Translate all non-French documents using a certified translator[10]
- Choose either online or mail to submit your application, but not both[11]
Questions people ask
How long do I need to live in France before applying?
You must reside in France for at least 18 months before you can apply for family reunification.[1]
Can my family apply if they are already in France?
No, your family must reside abroad to benefit from this procedure.[3]
How much does the residence permit cost for my family?
Your family must pay a tax of 150 € for their residence permit application at the prefecture.[12][13][14]
What happens if I entered France without a long-stay visa?
You must pay an additional regularisation visa fee of 300 €.[15][16][17]
How long does my family have to enter France after getting their visas?
Your family must enter France within 3 months of the visas being issued.[18]
How does my spouse validate their visa after arrival?
Your spouse must validate their long-stay visa online within 3 months of arriving in France.[20][21]
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.