Family Reunification in France: Complete Procedure Guide
The family reunification procedure allows foreign residents in France to bring their family members. This guide covers eligibility, required documents, and processing times.
Table of Contents
Eligibility Requirements
You must have resided legally in France for at least 18 months with a valid residence permit of at least 1 year. You must also meet income and housing requirements.
The procedure covers your spouse and minor children. Adult children and parents are not eligible through standard family reunification.
Application Process
Submit the application to the OFII (Office Francais de l'Immigration et de l'Integration). The file includes proof of income, housing inspection results, and family documents.
The OFII and the prefecture will review your application. A housing inspection will be conducted to verify that your accommodation meets minimum standards.
Key Takeaways
- You need 18 months of legal residence and adequate income
- Housing must meet minimum standards verified by inspection
- The OFII processes the application, not the prefecture directly
- Processing takes 6 to 12 months on average
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Frequently Asked Questions
The process typically takes 6 to 12 months from application to approval, including the housing inspection.
You must earn at least the French minimum wage (SMIC) for a family of your size, excluding social benefits.
No, standard family reunification only covers your spouse and minor children. Parents may apply through other visa categories.
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