Settlement in France of the spouse of a French national
This procedure is for the husband or wife of a French citizen, provided that the marriage is recognised by the French authorities. The applicant must apply for a visa to settle in France with their spouse.
Specification reviewed on
Required documents
The list below is exhaustive. Each document is described as it must be submitted, including the most common errors that lead to rejection.
Identity
Proof of legal entry or residence
You must provide one of the following documents, in a digital and legible format: a copy of the pages of your passport containing the visa and the entry stamp, a copy of the passport with only the entry stamp, a certificate of exemption from entry visa requirements, your valid residence permit, or a sworn statement of legal entry into the territory.
Common errors
- Providing a scanned document that is not legible. Not providing one of the documents from the list.
Proof of nationality
You must provide one of the following documents: your passport (pages concerning civil status, validity dates, entry stamps and visas), a consular certificate with a photograph, your identity card with a photograph, a consular card with a photograph, or a certificate of nationality less than 6 months old with a photograph.
Common errors
- Submitting an expired document or a certificate of nationality that is more than 6 months old.
Full copy of the birth certificate
You must provide a full copy of your birth certificate with the most recent entries. If you already hold a residence permit, this document is not required. If the certificate is in a foreign language, it must be translated by a certified translator. Legalisation or an apostille may be required in some cases.
Common errors
- Providing a short-form birth certificate instead of a full copy. Omitting the translation into French by a certified translator for a document in a foreign language.
Passport photograph (e-photo)
For the online application, you must provide the e-photo code. This code is provided by the photographer or booth using an approved digital photo and signature service.
Common errors
- Providing a standard passport photograph instead of the required e-photo code for the online procedure.
Proof of the spouse's French nationality
You must provide one of the following documents belonging to your spouse: their valid French passport, their valid national identity card, or a certificate of French nationality that is less than 6 months old.
Common errors
- Submitting an expired identity document or a certificate of nationality that is more than 6 months old.
Marriage certificate
You must provide the full copy of your marriage certificate. If the marriage was celebrated abroad, it must have been transcribed into the French civil registry records; you must then provide the transcription of the certificate.
Common errors
- For a marriage celebrated abroad, submitting the application before the transcription of the certificate has been carried out by the French consular authorities.
Accommodation
Proof of address
You must provide proof of joint residence. This document must be less than 6 months old.
Common errors
- Providing a supporting document older than 6 months.
Proof of cohabitation
You must provide a joint sworn statement attesting to your cohabitation, as well as any documents that can prove at least 6 months of cohabitation in France. Examples include a contrat de bail, quittances EDF, or a joint relevé d'identité bancaire (RIB).
Common errors
- Not providing sufficient material evidence or evidence covering a period of less than 6 months.
Other documents
Sworn statement of non-polygamy
If you are a national of a country that authorises polygamy, you must provide a sworn statement of non-polygamy in France.
Common errors
- Omitting this declaration if your nationality requires it.
Commitment to respect the principles of the Republic
You must enclose the signed copy of the commitment to respect the principles of the Republic with your application.
Common errors
- Submitting the document without having signed it.
Proof of payment of the tax stamp
Proof of payment of €350 in tax stamps will be requested from you. This document must be submitted when collecting the residence card, and not when submitting the application online.
Common errors
- Purchasing a fine stamp instead of a tax stamp for a foreigner's residence permit.
OFII medical certificate
You will have to submit a medical certificate issued by the Office Français de l'Immigration et de l'Intégration (OFII) following a compulsory medical examination. This document must be provided when collecting the carte de séjour.
Common errors
- Failure to attend the OFII medical examination.
Have your situation reviewed
Having the list does not indicate whether your situation will lead to a successful outcome. The questionnaire takes a few minutes and an adviser will send you a written opinion within one working day, whether your application is admissible or not.