Family reunification: more accessible than it seems, but with clear conditions
Family reunification allows a foreigner legally residing in France to bring their spouse and minor children to join them. It's a right recognised by law — but subject to specific conditions regarding resources, accommodation and length of residence. Understanding these conditions before submitting a file will save you a long wait for an unfavourable decision.
The conditions you absolutely must meet
You must have been legally residing in France for at least 18 months with a residence permit authorising work. Your monthly resources must be stable and at least equal to the SMIC (approximately €1,800 net), excluding social benefits. Your accommodation must be large enough according to OFII standards. And your spouse must provide proof of a legally recognised marriage.
The process step by step
The application is submitted to the OFII territorial delegation in your département. OFII carries out a social investigation (inspection of your accommodation, verification of resources) before forwarding an opinion to the prefect. The prefect makes the final decision. If it's favourable, your family members must apply for a visa at the French consulate in their country of residence. The complete process usually takes 6 to 12 months.
Documents to start gathering now
Start collecting: your residence permit, proof of 18 months' residence in France (successive housing receipts), your last 12 payslips, your tenancy agreement or property title deed with the exact floor area, your marriage certificate translated and apostilled, your children's birth certificates translated and apostilled. All translations must be done by a sworn translator.
Once reunification is approved
After the prefect's decision, your family has 6 months to obtain visas and travel to France. On arrival, they must register with OFII for the mandatory medical examination and sign the Contrat d'Intégration Républicaine. They then receive a one-year renewable "vie privée et familiale" residence card.