FRANCE / FAMILY REUNIFICATION IN BUSINESS CONTEXT
Family reunification in a business context in France typically involves foreign nationals who have moved to France for business purposes (such as entrepreneurs or employees with a Talent Passport) and wish to bring their family members to live with them. This process allows family members to join the primary visa holder under certain conditions and reside in France.
General Rules:
- Eligibility:
- The primary visa holder must have a valid residence permit, usually related to business activities (e.g., Talent Passport, Blue Card).
- Eligible family members typically include the spouse or civil partner and dependent children. In some cases, other dependents like elderly parents may be included if dependency can be proven.
- Accommodation and Financial Stability:
- The applicant must demonstrate sufficient and stable financial resources to support family members without recourse to social assistance.
- Adequate accommodation meeting the general health and safety standards for the family size must be available.
- Duration of Stay:
- The residence permits issued to family members are usually linked to the duration of the primary visa holder’s permit and can be renewed under the same conditions.
Application Process:
- Application Submission:
- Family reunification applications are generally submitted to the French Office for Immigration and Integration (OFII) or the local prefecture, depending on the family’s location and status.
- Entry Visa:
- Once the application is approved, family members residing outside France must apply for a long-stay visa at a French consulate or embassy in their home country.
- Validation and Residence Permit:
- Upon arriving in France, family members must validate their visa by registering with OFII or by applying for a residence permit at the local prefecture.
Documents Needed:
- Standard Documents:
- Valid passports for all family members.
- Long-stay visa applications for each family member.
- Birth and marriage certificates, translated into French and duly legalized or apostilled.
- Proof of Relationship:
- Official documents proving family ties (e.g., marriage and birth certificates).
- Financial Evidence:
- Proof of the primary visa holder’s income and financial stability, such as salary slips, bank statements, and the contract of employment.
- Proof of Accommodation:
- A rental agreement, property deed, or accommodation attestation, demonstrating sufficient living space according to French standards.
- Health Insurance:
- Evidence of health insurance coverage for all family members, covering all risks within France.
Additional Considerations:
- Integration Contract: Family members may need to sign an integration contract (CAI) which commits them to learn the French language and understand the values of the French Republic.
- Duration of Process: The process can take several months, so it’s recommended to start well in advance of when the family wishes to relocate.
Family reunification in France under a business context allows foreign professionals to maintain family unity while contributing to the French economy. The process, while thorough, emphasizes the importance of support and stability for family members entering France.