Le Foyer—The Hearth—is all about securing your family’s future together in France. French immigration law recognizes the fundamental importance of family unity, offering several pathways for non-EU/EEA nationals to join their loved ones who are either French citizens or established foreign residents. We specialize in navigating these crucial and often emotionally significant applications.
ContactThe process of joining a French citizen is generally more favorable and direct, often beginning with a Long-Stay Visa (VLS) application from abroad.
Spouse of a French Citizen (Conjoint de Français)
We assist with the Long-Stay Visa application (VLS-TS) at the French Consulate.
Upon arrival, we guide you through obtaining your first Residence Permit (Titre de Séjour) marked Vie Privée et Familiale (Private and Family Life) from the Prefecture. This initial card is usually valid for one year and convertible to a four-year card later.
Fiancé(e) of a French Citizen
Guidance on the Short-Stay Visa for marriage, followed by the specific application for a Titre de Séjour after the civil marriage ceremony is completed in France.
Parent of a French Child (Parent d’enfant Français)
Assistance for non-French parents who are actively contributing to the education and upbringing of their French minor child residing in France, allowing them to apply for a Titre de Séjour on this basis.
If your relative is a non-EU/EEA national who already holds a multi-year French residence permit, you will apply through the formal Family Reunification (Regroupement Familial) procedure managed by the OFII (French Office for Immigration and Integration). This is a highly regulated and time-sensitive process.
The resident sponsor in France must meet strict criteria before their family can join them:
Duration of Stay: Must have resided legally in France for at least 18 months.
Housing (Logement): Proof of housing that meets minimum size and sanitation standards for the entire family.
Income (Ressources): Proof of stable and sufficient income, which is benchmarked against the French minimum wage (SMIC).
Relationship Status: The application covers the spouse (married for at least one year) and minor children.
Pre-Filing Audit: Meticulously reviewing the sponsor’s income, housing, and residency history to ensure the application is complete before submission to the OFII.
Administrative Management: Handling all correspondence with the OFII, including managing the mandatory visits and inspections (housing and resources).
Consular Processing: Assisting the family members abroad with the necessary visa application once the OFII grants preliminary approval.
We also assist residents whose circumstances change or whose permits are expiring.
Renewal of Titre de Séjour
Preparing and filing the application for the renewal of your family-based residence permit at the Prefecture.
Change of Status
Assisting individuals who have entered France under a different status (e.g., as a visitor or student) and who have since married a French citizen or established family life, and now need to apply for a Titre de Séjour based on Vie Privée et Familiale.
Removal of Conditions (Simplified)
Guiding spouses toward obtaining the multi-year (4-year) card, and eventually the 10-Year Carte de Résident, after the initial temporary permit expires.
Family immigration files are often complex due to the interplay between the Prefecture’s procedures and OFII’s requirements. We handle the bureaucratic heavy lifting, ensuring all documents are correctly legalized, translated, and filed according to the exact administrative requirements.