Family Reunification (Regroupement Familial)
Spouse and minor children of a foreign national legally settled in France.
The Family Reunification (Regroupement Familial) is a French family & partner visa. This guide covers who it's for, the key eligibility criteria, the indicative 2025 cost (~€99 visa + €200 OFII tax per family member) and processing time (~6-12 months), the route to permanent residence, common pitfalls and FAQs.
Who the Family Reunification (Regroupement Familial) is for
Spouse and minor children of a foreign national legally settled in France.
Family members build toward their own 10-year resident card and naturalisation.
Family Reunification (Regroupement Familial) - eligibility criteria
- Sponsor legally resident in France for at least 18 months
- Stable and sufficient income (around SMIC level)
- Suitable accommodation for the family
- Spouse and/or minor children abroad
- Compliance with French integration values
Family Reunification (Regroupement Familial) cost & processing time (2025)
The indicative government fee for the Family Reunification (Regroupement Familial) (France) is ~€99 visa + €200 OFII tax per family member, with an indicative processing time of ~6-12 months. Figures are for 2025 and may change - confirm at France-Visas.
| Type | Temporary |
|---|---|
| Where you apply | Sponsor applies at OFII in France; family applies for visa abroad |
| Length of stay | Aligned with the sponsor's permit, renewable |
| Work rights | Open work rights once permit issued |
| Study rights | Permitted |
| Government fee | ~€99 visa + €200 OFII tax per family member |
| Processing time | ~6-12 months |
| Route to PR | Family members build toward their own 10-year resident card and naturalisation. |
Pathway & next steps
Family members build toward their own 10-year resident card and naturalisation.
Many applicants also compare Conjoint de Français · Spouse of a French National Permit (Vie Privée et Familiale - Conjoint), Vie Privée et Familiale · Private and Family Life Permit (Vie Privée et Familiale), VLS-TS · Long-Stay Visa Equivalent to Residence Permit (VLS-TS). Run a free VisaChief check to see which French route best fits your profile, then prepare an application reviewed by a registered migration agency in our partner network.
Common Family Reunification (Regroupement Familial) pitfalls we fix
Family Reunification (Regroupement Familial) - frequently asked questions
How much does the Family Reunification (Regroupement Familial) cost?
The Family Reunification (Regroupement Familial) government fee is ~€99 visa + €200 OFII tax per family member. Figures are indicative for 2025; always confirm current fees at France-Visas before applying.
How long does the Family Reunification (Regroupement Familial) take to process?
Indicative processing time is ~6-12 months. Actual timeframes vary with caseload, completeness and your circumstances.
Does the Family Reunification (Regroupement Familial) lead to permanent residence?
Family members build toward their own 10-year resident card and naturalisation.
Can I work on the Family Reunification (Regroupement Familial)?
Work rights: Open work rights once permit issued.
Who can apply for the Family Reunification (Regroupement Familial)?
Spouse and minor children of a foreign national legally settled in France.
Sources & official references
This guide is compiled from official France government sources and is updated periodically. Eligibility, fees and processing times change - always confirm the current rules with the issuing authority before you apply:
- France-Visas - official France immigration authority