France Family Visa (Temporary Stay)

The France Family Visa (Temporary Stay) is designed for non-EU/EEA/Swiss nationals who wish to join their family members residing in France for a temporary period, typically longer than 90 days but not permanent. This visa allows families to reunite and live together in France for a specified period, under the condition that the family member they are joining has legal residency in France.

Key Features

• Temporary Stay: Allows family members to stay in France for more than 90 days but is not intended for permanent settlement.
• Family Reunification: Facilitates the reunion of families where one or more members are already legally residing in France.
• Multiple Entries: Often issued as a multiple-entry visa, allowing travel in and out of the Schengen Area during the visa validity.
• Residence Permit: In some cases, after arrival in France, the visa holder may need to apply for a temporary residence permit.

Eligibility Criteria

1. Relationship to Sponsor: The applicant must be a close family member of a person legally residing in France, such as a spouse, minor child, dependent parent, or other dependent relative.
2. Legal Residency of Sponsor: The family member residing in France must have a valid residence permit or be a French citizen.
3. Financial Means: The sponsor in France must demonstrate sufficient financial means to support the applicant during their stay.
4. Accommodation: Proof of suitable accommodation in France for the family member joining.
5. Health Insurance: The applicant must have health insurance coverage for the entire duration of their stay in France.
6. No Intent to Work (if applicable): For certain family members, particularly those joining on a temporary basis, there may be restrictions on employment during their stay.

Required Documents

• Completed Visa Application Form: The long-stay visa application form.
• Valid Passport: Passport valid for at least three months beyond the intended stay, with at least two blank pages.
• Passport Photos: Two recent passport-sized photos that meet French visa requirements.
• Proof of Relationship: Marriage certificate, birth certificate, or other official documents proving the family relationship.
• Residence Permit of Sponsor: Copy of the sponsor’s residence permit or French ID.
• Proof of Financial Means: Recent bank statements, employment contract, or proof of income of the sponsor.
• Proof of Accommodation: Rental contract, homeownership document, or other proof of suitable accommodation in France.
• Health Insurance: Proof of health insurance covering the entire duration of stay in France.
• Letter of Invitation: A letter from the sponsor in France explaining the purpose of the visit and commitment to support the family member.

Application Process

1. Gather Documents: Collect all required documents, ensuring they are translated into French if necessary and meet the specific requirements of the French consulate or embassy.
2. Schedule an Appointment: Book an appointment at the French consulate, embassy, or visa application center in your country.
3. Submit Application: Attend the appointment to submit your visa application, biometric data (fingerprints and photo), and pay the visa fee.
4. Application Processing: The consulate or embassy will process the application, which can take several weeks.
5. Receive Visa Decision: Once processed, you will receive a decision on your visa application. If approved, your passport will be returned with the visa sticker.

Cost

Visa Type	Application Fee
Long-Stay Family Visa	EUR 99

Note: Fees are subject to change and may vary depending on the consulate.

Visa Processing Time

• Processing Time: Typically 2 to 3 weeks, but it can take longer during peak periods or if additional documentation is required.

Key Points to Remember

• Proof of Relationship: Clear documentation proving the family relationship is crucial for the visa application.
• Accommodation and Financial Support: The sponsor must provide adequate accommodation and demonstrate financial capability to support the applicant during their stay.
• Health Insurance: Ensure that health insurance covers all medical expenses and repatriation during the stay in France.
• No Employment (if applicable): Depending on the visa and relationship, the applicant may not be allowed to work in France during their stay.
• Temporary Residence Permit: In some cases, especially for stays longer than one year, the visa holder may need to apply for a temporary residence permit after arriving in France.

Conclusion

The France Family Visa (Temporary Stay) offers a pathway for families to reunite and spend extended periods together in France. Whether joining a spouse, child, or other close family member, this visa facilitates family life in France without the intent of permanent settlement. By ensuring the sponsor in France meets the financial and accommodation requirements and by carefully following the application process, families can successfully secure this visa and enjoy life together in one of Europe’s most culturally rich countries.

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