Can a family already in France benefit from family reunification?

Verified 22 April 2021 - Directorate for Legal and Administrative Information (Prime Minister)

The situation differs depending on whether the applicant is from the Maghreb (Algeria, Morocco, Tunisia), sub-Saharan Africa (Benin, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Congo Brazzaville, Côte d'Ivoire, Gabon, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Senegal, Togo) or another country.

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Maghreb or Sub-Saharan Africa

Yes, the foreigner's spouse and children already in France can benefit from family reunification.

The spouse must live in France and have a residence permit of at least 1 year.

This is particularly the case when the beneficiary spouse stays in France under the status of employee, temporary worker, of student or visitor.

The other conditions to be fulfilled by the applicant and the group beneficiaries are the same as for the standard procedure (visa application less).

If family reunification is granted, spouses and adult children from the Maghreb or sub-Saharan Africa receive a resident card (valid for 10 years), if the foreigner from which the grouping originates holds such a title. Otherwise, they receive a 1-year residence permit.

Minor children receive a Minor foreigner Movement Document (MRD).

Other nationality

Yes, the foreigner's spouse and children already in France can benefit from family reunification.

The spouse must live in France and have a residence permit of at least 1 year.

This is particularly the case when the beneficiary spouse stays in France under the status of employee, temporary worker, of student or visitor.

The other conditions to be fulfilled by the applicant and the group beneficiaries are the same as for the standard procedure (visa application less).

If family reunification is granted, the beneficiary spouse and adult children receive a temporary residence card private and family life (valid for 1 year).

Minor children receive a minor foreigner movement document.