Long-Stay Visa “Spouse of a French National”

Marriage to a French citizen allows the foreign spouse to settle in France and live as a family. In this context, the long-stay visa “spouse of a French national” is generally the first step to join one’s husband or wife and organise long-term residence in France.

This visa is issued as a VLS-TS (long-stay visa equivalent to a residence permit). It allows the holder, upon arrival in France, to reside legally and work without needing a work authorisation.

However, the procedure requires gathering several documents and demonstrating the genuine nature of the marital relationship and the intention to live together in France.

JJP Visas Consulting assists couples in preparing a clear, complete and compliant application.

Who can apply for the “spouse of a French national” long-stay visa?

This visa is intended for non-European foreign spouses married to a French citizen. Several situations are possible.

Marriage celebrated in France

If the marriage was celebrated in France, the foreign spouse may apply for the long-stay visa to live in France.

Marriage celebrated abroad

In this case, the marriage must first be transcribed into the French civil registry. This transcription ensures official recognition of the marriage by French authorities.

Once transcribed, the foreign spouse may apply for the visa to join their partner in France.

After arrival, the spouse may reside, work and apply for a “private and family life” residence permit.

How the long-stay spouse visa works

The visa issued is a VLS-TS. Upon arrival in France, certain administrative steps must be completed to validate the visa and prepare the first residence permit.

These steps are carried out via the official administrative platforms (ANEF).

Conditions examined by consular authorities

The issuance of this visa is based mainly on:

Proof of the French spouse’s nationality

The applicant must provide documents proving that their spouse is French, such as:

• French national identity card
• French passport
• Certificate of French nationality

Proof of marriage

Authorities verify that the marriage is officially recognised. Depending on the situation, the applicant may need to provide:

• A French marriage certificate
• A foreign marriage certificate transcribed into the French civil registry

Proof of genuine marital life

Authorities assess the authenticity of the relationship and the couple’s intention to live together in France. This may include:

• Family situation
• Duration of the marriage
• Evidence of shared life (communications, visits, joint documents)
• Plans to settle in France

Certain situations may require deeper examination, such as recent marriages or long-distance relationships.

Support offered for the visa application

Preparing a visa application requires gathering documents from both France and the spouse’s country of origin. Support helps structure the file and ensure coherence.

Assistance with the visa application

This includes:

• Analysis of the couple’s marital situation
• Verification of civil-status and nationality documents
• Review of the administrative file
• Preparation and organisation of supporting documents
• Completion of the France-Visas application
• Booking the consulate or visa centre appointment

If necessary, an administrative appeal may be prepared in case of visa refusal.

Fee for visa application assistance: €600 (excluding service provider fees).

Assistance with residence formalities in France

After obtaining the visa and arriving in France, several steps must be completed. Support may include:

• Assistance with VLS-TS validation
• Support for the first “private and family life” residence permit application
• Help preparing documents requested by the prefecture
• Assistance in case of additional requests during processing

Fee for residence formalities: €1,000.

Full package: visa + residence formalities

A complete support package is available, including:

• Visa application preparation
• Assistance with visa validation upon arrival
• Support for the first residence permit application

Total fee: €1,500.

Payment and refund conditions

Payments follow the progress of the procedure:

• €600 at the start of the visa application
• €1,000 after the visa is issued, for residence formalities

For the full package:

• €600 at the start
• €900 after the visa is issued

Partial refunds may apply in certain situations, particularly when administrative conditions are not met or when the procedure does not succeed.

FAQ – Long-stay Visa “Spouse of a French National”