Bringing Your Family to France: A Guide for Indian Families

For many Indians who come to France for work or study, the biggest concern remains—when and how can I bring my family to join me? To address this, the French government has set up the Regroupement Familial (Family Reunification) process. This allows spouses and children under 18 years of age to be invited to France.

Here we explain the process in simple terms, share the story of one Indian family, and outline some alternative scenarios.

1. Who Can Apply?

• You must have been residing in France with a valid residence permit for at least 18 months.

• You must hold a residence permit valid for one year or more (e.g., salarié, vie privée et familiale, étudiant, entrepreneur, etc.).

• For Algerian citizens, the minimum period is 12 months.

• At the time of application, your family (spouse and children) must be living outside France.

📌 Official sources: service-public.fr, ofii.fr, france-visas.gouv.fr

2. Who Can Be Brought to France?

• Spouse (at least 18 years old).

• Children under 18 years of age.

• Children from a previous marriage or adopted children are also included.

3. Step-by-Step Process

1. Prepare Documents – ID proof, residence permit, proof of income, accommodation details.

2. Submit Application – via the portal sso.anef.dgef.interieur.gouv.fr.

3. OFII Verification – corrections requested if documents incomplete; if complete, you receive an attestation de dépôt.

4. Home Inspection – local mairie verifies accommodation and income.

5. Prefecture Decision – within 6 months (delays possible).

6. Family Visa Application – submitted at the French Embassy/VFS in India.

7. After Arrival in France – spouse validates VLS-TS visa; children receive DCEM, followed by medical and language formalities.

4. Example: Mr. Prashant Sharma’s Story

Background: From Uttar Pradesh, Prashant worked in Nice for 8 years before bringing his family.
Struggles: Low income and small housing delayed his application.
Process: Applied through OFII → home inspected → income verified → approval in 12 months → wife & kids received visas in India.
Experience: The hardest part was the waiting, but being reunited with family made it all worthwhile.

5. Alternative Scenario: Passeport Talent

If you hold a Passeport Talent residence permit (researcher, skilled worker, etc.), your spouse and children can directly apply for the Passeport Talent – Famille visa. No regroupement familial procedure is required.

6. Scenario 3: Parents Over 60 Years

• Parents cannot be included in regroupement familial.

• They can apply for a visitor visa with proof of funds, health insurance, and accommodation.

• Renewable, but not permanent reunification.

7. Financial and Housing Conditions

• Income requirements (2025):

  • 2–3 members: ~€1,801/month

  • 4–5 members: ~€1,982/month

• Housing size:

  • Zone A/A bis (Paris, Lyon, Marseille): 22 m² + 10 m² per member

  • Zone B1/B2: 24 m² + 10 m² per member

  • Zone C: 28 m² + 10 m² per member

8. Final Advice

• Translate all documents into French via a traducteur assermenté.

• Be patient: the process may take 6–18 months.

• Submit complete documents to avoid delays.

• Only after Prefecture approval can your family apply for visas.

✨ Final Word

Bringing your family to France is not always quick—but it is achievable. Like Mr. Prashant Sharma, many Indian families have successfully reunited after meeting the requirements. With careful planning, proper documentation, and patience, your dream of having your loved ones by your side in France can come true.

Team L’Association Frehindi

📣 Call to Action

👉 Are you an Indian student, professional, or entrepreneur planning to bring your family to France?
👉 Do you need help with regroupement familial paperwork, accommodation proof, or income verification?

L’Association Frehindi is here to guide you step by step.

💬Join our WhatsApp community for real-time answers and support from fellow expats.
📞 For one-on-one guidance, call/WhatsApp us at +33 6 27 92 43 98.
📧 Write to us at haru@frehindi.com.
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📺 Subscribe to our YouTube channel “Indians in France” for practical guides.
🌍 Visit us at www.frehindi.org.

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With Le Frehindi by your side, reuniting your family in France becomes easier, clearer, and stress-free.

Warm regards,
Haru Mehra
President,

L’Association Frehindi

 haru@frehindi.com |  www.frehindi.org |  +33 6 27 92 43 98