Ordinary regroupement familial for an eligible non-European resident’s legally married spouse and minor children. Qualifying residence, permit, resources, housing and family-life conditions apply; Algerian cases have a separate branch. Refugee-family reunification, Talent-family accompaniment and family of French/EU nationals are distinct procedures.
Visa, first residence-card and renewal charges differ by the actual procedure. Check the linked official fee schedule and permit page before payment; exemptions, reduced rates and additional service charges may apply.
The decision time depends on the visa or residence-card procedure and the responsible authority. Eligibility periods, appointment waiting, visa validation and filing deadlines are separate; this page does not promise a universal decision time.
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Source-backed requirements
Preparation
(2)Medical Examination
DocumentMandatoryComplete the OFII medical examination as instructed. It normally takes place after arrival; where OFII has an office in the country of departure, it may arrange the examination there. Keep the certificate required for the residence permit.
Verified officialLong-stay Visa Application
DocumentMandatoryAfter OFII issues the filing attestation, send it and the civil-status documents to the family abroad so the spouse can promptly apply through the competent French consulate. Follow the visa issued: ordinary-branch VLS-TS validation is online within 3 months after arrival; Algerian residence-certificate rules are distinct.
Verified official
Application
(3)Fundamental Principles
MandatoryThe sponsor must comply with the essential principles governing family life in France. This is a condition assessed by the authorities; follow any requested evidence and explanations.
Verified officialEligible Family Members
MandatoryThis procedure concerns a legally married spouse aged at least 18 and children under 18, with age assessed when the application is filed. Provide the civil-status and, where applicable, custody/adoption evidence. Ascendants are outside this procedure; partial reunification requires a justified exception in the children’s interests.
Verified officialSponsor Residency Duration
MandatoryIn the general family-reunification branch, prove at least 18 months of qualifying lawful stay and hold an eligible current permit or renewal receipt when filing. The Algerian branch instead requires at least one year in France and a residence certificate valid for at least one year. Apply the correct nationality branch.
Verified official
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Immigration Documents & Forms
Source citations
Family Reunification (Regroupement Familial) — Official Program Page
OFII (Office Français de l'Immigration et de l'Intégration)
Official government page for Family Reunification (Regroupement Familial) (FR). Contains fee information, processing times, eligibility requirements, and application procedures.
Official links
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