French Republic Long-Stay Visa: Guide for Spouses of French Citizens

Key Takeaways

• Marriage must be legally recognized and both spouses at least 18 years old for French Republic Long-Stay Visa eligibility.
• Submit original marriage certificate, official translations, proof of income, accommodation, and spouse’s French nationality for the VLS-TS application.
• Visa grants up to one-year residency and full work rights; validation online within three months of arrival is mandatory.

Applying for a French Republic Long-Stay Visa (VLS-TS) as the Spouse of a French National is an important step for many couples who want to live together in France 🇫🇷. This visa, sometimes called “conjoint de Français,” makes it possible for the non-French spouse to live and work in France 🇫🇷 without having to apply for a separate work permit. If you’re thinking about joining your French spouse in France 🇫🇷, it’s essential to follow all the steps carefully and understand what’s expected of you.

This detailed guide will explain the eligibility criteria, the documents you need, the steps for applying, how long things might take, the fees you have to pay, and what rights you get with this visa. You’ll also discover tips to help you avoid common mistakes and make the process smoother for both you and your spouse.

Checklist of Required Documents

Before you start the application, gather all the documents you’ll need. Having everything ready will save you time and help you avoid delays.

You will need:
– Valid passport (issued in the last 10 years, valid 3 months beyond visa expiry)
– Two recent passport-sized color photos
– Completed online Long-Stay Visa Application Form (France-Visas portal)
– Marriage certificate (less than 3 months old)
– Translation and transcript of marriage certificate if married abroad
– Family book (“livret de famille”) – original and copy
– Letter from French spouse describing your relationship
– Proof of spouse’s French nationality (e.g., ID card)
– Proof of spouse’s income (tax returns/bank statements/pay slips)
– Proof of accommodation in France (rental contract or title deed)
– Photocopy of your passport’s bio page
– Medical insurance (if requested)
– Certified French translations of all foreign-language documents
– Birth certificates for non-French children (if applicable)
– Any other documents requested by the consulate

Step-by-Step Guide to Applying for a French Republic Long-Stay Visa as the Spouse of a French National

Step 1: Confirm You Meet the Eligibility Criteria

Before starting your application, check if you fit all the eligibility requirements.

• Marriage and Age: You and your French spouse must both be at least 18 years old and legally married. The marriage must be recognized under French law. If you were married outside France 🇫🇷, you must have the marriage officially recorded (“transcribed”) in the French Civil Registry.
• Nationality: You cannot apply for this visa if you are a citizen of an EU country, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein, or Switzerland. Only non-EU/EEA/Swiss nationals need the French Republic Long-Stay Visa for spouses.
• Genuine Relationship: Immigration officers will check if your marriage is real and not just for immigration purposes. If they suspect a fake marriage (“marriage of convenience”) or if there’s a public safety concern, your visa can be refused.

Tip: Double-check all rules on the France Visas official family page to see if anything has changed.

Step 2: Prepare All Your Supporting Documents

Organize your paperwork and make sure nothing is missing. This is a key part of the process.

a) Basic Identification and Application

• Submit a valid passport. It must have been issued in the last 10 years and not expire within three months after your intended visa end date.
• Complete and print the online visa application form from the France-Visas website, but do not sign it yet. You’ll sign at the appointment.
• Attach two recent, color passport-sized photos.

b) Proof of Marital Status and Relationship

• If married in France 🇫🇷, a recent marriage certificate (original and copy).
• If married abroad, get your marriage recorded in the French Civil Registry, and provide the official transcript.
• Include the “livret de famille.”
• Write a signed and dated letter from the French spouse describing the relationship before and after the marriage.
• For non-French children, provide birth certificates.

c) Confirm Spouse’s French Nationality

You must provide one or more of these:
– Copy of French ID card
– Naturalization decree or certificate
– Registration card for French nationals living overseas (if it applies)

d) Proof of Income and Accommodation

• Show your spouse has enough income to support both of you. Bring pay slips, tax returns, or bank statements.
• Show proof of where you will live in France 🇫🇷. Acceptable documents include a lease, title deed, or rent receipts.

e) Other Important Documents

• Photocopy of the biographical data page in your passport.
• Medical insurance for the first months, in case the consulate requests it.
• Certified French translations of any non-French documents.
• Additional supporting items as requested by the consulate or stated on your local consulate’s website.

Caution: Not providing the right documents or up-to-date translations can delay your approval or cause a refusal.

Step 3: Start Your Application Online

Use the France Visas official portal for the application.

• Visit the France Visas portal and use the “Visa Assistant” to check your specific requirements based on your background.
• Fill in all the application details, making sure every answer is correct and matches your supporting documents. Errors or missing information can cause problems later.
• After finishing, print the completed form and your application receipt/checklist. Don’t sign the form yet.

Step 4: Book and Attend Your Visa Appointment

• Schedule an appointment at the French embassy, consulate, or official visa service provider (such as VFS or TLScontact) in your country. Book as early as you can—slots may fill up quickly.
• Bring all original documents and copies as listed in your application package. Follow the checklist from your printed application receipt.
• Attend the appointment in person and submit your biometrics (fingerprints and photo), if required.
• Sign your visa application form during your appointment.
• Pay the application fee. The standard fee is €99, but always check for the latest amount or possible exceptions. Remember, fees are non-refundable even if your visa is denied.

Note: Some spouses of French nationals may have fees reduced or waived in special cases; your local consulate will have the latest information.

Step 5: Wait for Processing

• The French Republic Long-Stay Visa for spouses is processed faster than most other long-stay visa types.
• Normal waiting time is up to four weeks (one month), but this can differ based on the country, consulate workload, or if extra documents are needed.
• You may receive a request for additional information or an interview if there are any uncertainties in your file or if immigration officers have concerns about your application.

Step 6: Receive Your Visa and Prepare for France 🇫🇷

• Once your visa is approved, check the details on your passport to confirm accuracy (validity dates, personal details).
• Remember—your French Republic Long-Stay Visa for spouse (VLS-TS “conjoint de Français”) is both your entry visa AND your temporary residence permit. You do not need an extra residence card during your first year.

Step 7: Arrive in France 🇫🇷 and Complete VLS-TS Validation

Important: You must validate your visa within three months of arriving in France 🇫🇷.

• Go online to the OFII (Office Français de l’Immigration et de l’Intégration) or Interior Ministry’s validation site. This step registers you as a legal resident.
• Pay the validation tax; the usual amount is €200, but check the site during your process for up-to-date rates.
• Once validation is complete, you get an official sticker or document that proves your stay is legal and that you have full work rights.
• After validation, you can travel in and out of France 🇫🇷 and re-enter the Schengen area without new visa fees, as long as your visa is valid.

Caution: Skipping validation or being late can put your stay at risk and affect your ability to get new residence permits in the future.

Step 8: Understand Your Visa Rights and Renewal Steps

With the French Republic Long-Stay Visa for spouses, you enjoy several benefits:

• Full work rights: No separate permit required; you can work anywhere in France 🇫🇷.
• Duration: Your VLS-TS is valid for up to one year, “vie privée et familiale” category.
• Renewal: In the last two months of the first year, apply for the “vie privée et familiale” residence permit. This permit is valid for two years.
• Longer stay: After three years living regularly in France 🇫🇷 and keeping up family life, you may ask for a ten-year resident card.

Tip: Always apply for renewals well before your visa or permit expires.

Common Pitfalls and Tips

• Translations: Any document not in French must have a certified translation by an official translator.
• Timing: Start gathering documents early; some (like marriage certificate extracts) have short validity (usually under 3 months).
• Accommodation: If your spouse lives in shared or family housing, extra proof may be needed.
• Medical insurance: Even if not required at application, bring proof just in case. It’s especially important if you’re traveling with non-French children.

What Happens If Your Application Is Denied?

• If immigration authorities deny your visa, they should give you a written explanation.
• Study the reasons carefully and correct any mistakes in your next application.
• You can often appeal a decision; check with the consulate or get advice from a legal professional.

After the Process: What to Expect

After you’ve validated your visa and settled in France 🇫🇷, you’re a legal resident with full work rights. Remember to:

• Register for social security and health coverage as soon as possible.
• Apply for your renewed residence permit in good time (usually two months before the first year ends).
• Keep personal and address details up to date with local authorities.
• If you plan to travel, make sure your permit is valid for the return trip.

As reported by VisaVerge.com, many couples find the French Republic Long-Stay Visa process clear, but the success of your application depends on careful paperwork and prompt follow-up at each stage.

Need More Guidance?

For up-to-date rules, personal checklists, or to begin your application, visit the France Visas official portal. This site allows you to use a step-by-step “visa assistant” tool for your unique situation.

Key Points Recap

• You must be legally married to a French citizen and meet all eligibility criteria.
• The French Republic Long-Stay Visa for spouse (VLS-TS) gives you residency and full work rights for up to one year.
• Your marriage must be recognized in France 🇫🇷 and your file will be checked for proof of a genuine relationship.
• Finalize your application online, attend your consular appointment in person, and submit all required documents.
• The standard processing time is up to four weeks.
• Within three months of arriving, validate your VLS-TS online.
• Renewal and permanent residency steps are available after one and three years.

Taking these steps carefully gives you and your spouse the best chance of a happy, stable life together in France 🇫🇷. If you need help, always use the official consulate or France Visas website, or seek advice from a trusted legal expert.

Learn Today

VLS-TS → Visa de Long Séjour valant Titre de Séjour; French long-stay visa serving as both entry and temporary residence permit.
Livret de famille → Official French family record booklet listing family relationships, used as proof of marriage and children for legal processes.
Transcription → Official recording of a foreign marriage into the French Civil Registry to ensure legal recognition under French law.
OFII → Office Français de l’Immigration et de l’Intégration, the French immigration authority handling long-stay visa validation and integration.
Biographical data page → Passport page containing personal information and photograph; required as part of the visa documentation.

This Article in a Nutshell

Applying for the French Republic Long-Stay Visa as a spouse provides legal residency and immediate work rights in France. Ensure your marriage is formally recognized, submit all required paperwork, and validate your visa within three months of arrival. Stay organized, follow each step, and enjoy life together in France.
— By VisaVerge.com

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